Temporary Auto Insurance (2024)
Only rental car companies offer temporary policies, but you can still get cheap temporary auto insurance coverage with a monthly policy from Geico for as low as $80/mo, then cancel it when you no longer need it. Drivers can also buy non-owner auto insurance to cover them any time they borrow or rent a car.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 3, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 3, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- While you might see advertisements for short-term car insurance, most offers are scams
- Your best bet for temporary car insurance is to buy a standard six-month policy and cancel when you no longer need it
- Other options for affordable temporary auto insurance include rental car coverage or usage-based insurance
From renting a car to borrowing a friend’s vehicle when yours is in the shop, there are plenty of reasons why people need temporary car insurance. Unfortunately, no reputable company sells month-to-month car insurance.
Instead, you can buy a standard policy that lasts six months and cancel it when you no longer need it. You can also consider alternatives to a standard policy, such as rental car insurance or usage-based auto insurance.
The best temporary auto insurance for you depends on your situation. Read on to explore your options, then compare quotes to find the best price for your needs.
Temporary Auto Insurance Explained
Most drivers need long-term car insurance, but you might find yourself in a situation where you need coverage for a short period. However, short-term or temporary car insurance doesn’t exist — any company that advertises otherwise might be a scam.
Instead, insurance companies offer policies in six-month or one-year terms. So if you need insurance for a limited time, you can sign up for a standard policy and cancel it when you no longer need it.
You can also consider alternatives to regular car insurance, like a pay-per-mile policy or non-owner auto insurance. Whichever you choose, check for cancellation fees before signing up for a policy. Many large insurance companies don’t charge an early cancellation fee, but some do.
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Comparing Temporary Auto Insurance Rates
When looking for cheap temporary car insurance, buying a six-month minimum coverage policy is a solid option. Insurance rates depend on various factors, but you can check the average annual cost of liability car insurance in your state below.
Liability Auto Insurance Average Rates From Top Providers
| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 |
| American Family | $117 |
| Auto-Owners | $87 |
| Farmers | $139 |
| Geico | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 |
| Nationwide | $115 |
| Progressive | $105 |
| State Farm | $86 |
| Travelers | $99 |
| USAA | $59 |
| U.S. Average | $119 |
You might notice a significant difference in insurance rates between states. Most state auto insurance requirements affect how much your coverage costs. Other factors like traffic, crime rates, and extreme weather risks can also increase your rates.
When You Might Need Temporary Auto Insurance
Most drivers need continuous coverage for their cars, but there are a few times when weekly car insurance or auto insurance for two weeks might be best.
Consider finding a temporary solution for car insurance in these situations:
- You plan to borrow someone’s car for a few days. However, if you’re taking a car for a few hours, the owner’s insurance will likely cover you.
- A friend or relative loans you a car while yours is getting repairs.
- You plan to rent a car for an extended period. Buying insurance from the rental company is usually an easier option.
- You and a friend plan on sharing driving responsibilities on a long road trip.
Most drivers don’t need short-term auto insurance as there are usually better solutions. For example, a friend or relative can alert their insurance company that you’re temporarily using their car, giving you coverage on their policy.
How to Get Temporary Auto Insurance
Since you can’t buy car insurance by the day, you’ll need a standard car insurance policy. The purchasing process is the same as if you were buying regular coverage, though you’ll cancel the policy when you no longer need it.
Most car insurance policies are sold in six-month units, though you can also find one-year plans. When you buy a policy, you can make monthly car insurance payments or pay for everything upfront.
When you need temporary coverage, consider getting minimum insurance to keep your costs down. Although your insurance won’t be around for very long, you should still compare quotes with as many companies as possible to find the lowest rates.Dani Best License Insurance Producer
Once you no longer need insurance, you can cancel your policy. If you decide to pay for your policy upfront, your insurance company will refund you for the unused portion. Most large insurance companies don’t charge a cancellation fee, but you should double-check.
If you plan to keep your insurance for more than a week, setting a reminder to cancel can prevent you from paying for more insurance than you need. While you can get a quote and sign up for insurance online, you’ll probably have to speak to an insurance representative to cancel. Find an auto insurance company agent in your area to learn more.
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Alternatives to Temporary Auto Insurance
Buying a standard car insurance policy might not be your best option when you need car insurance for a month.
Depending on your situation, consider the following alternatives to buying short-term car insurance:
- Rental car insurance: If you rent a car infrequently, consider buying the rental company’s coverage.
- Non-owner car insurance: Standard car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. Non-owner auto insurance covers you, offering coverage on any vehicle you drive.
- Join an existing policy: A parent or guardian can add young drivers to an existing family policy. You can join a parent or guardian’s policy even if you’re living away from home for school.
- Pay-per-mile insurance: While it’s not short-term insurance, you can save money on your coverage by choosing usage-based insurance. With pay-as-you-go auto insurance, you pay for insurance by the mile.
With so many options to find insurance that meets your temporary needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, there’s no need to stress — an insurance representative can help you sort through your options and pick the right coverage.
The Bottom Line on Finding the Best Temporary Auto Insurance
While you won’t find genuine short-term car insurance, you have plenty of coverage options and types of auto insurance. Whether you choose non-owner insurance or decide to cancel a six-month policy when you’re ready, finding affordable temporary auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to be a challenge.
No matter which type of insurance you choose, the best way to find affordable coverage is to compare rates with as many companies as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a temporary auto insurance policy?
Temporary auto insurance will provide coverage for a short time but is traditionally sold as a six-month policy that drivers cancel early.
Can you buy temporary auto insurance for one month?
While you might see advertisements for insurance lasting a month, they’re usually scams. Reputable companies won’t sell a policy lasting less than six months, but they allow you to cancel early.
Is temporary auto insurance legit?
If you see a temporary auto insurance company selling car insurance by the day, be careful — it’s likely a scam. Most companies sell six-month or twelve-month policies you can use for short-term car insurance and cancel at any time.
Do you need temporary auto insurance to borrow a friend’s car?
Most insurance policies include permissive use, allowing the owner to lend their car out occasionally. If you don’t regularly use their car, their insurance will cover you while you drive their vehicle.
How much does temporary car insurance cost?
Temporary auto insurance will have the same rates as permanent auto insurance unless you choose to buy nonowner car insurance, which is cheaper.
Can you get temporary auto insurance in the U.S.?
Temporary auto insurance policies don’t exist, but you can buy a six-month policy and then cancel car insurance when you no longer need it.
What is the shortest term in car insurance?
Some insurance companies allow policyholders to pay monthly for coverage, meaning the shortest term in auto insurance is around 30 days.
How long can you use temporary auto insurance for?
You can use temporary car insurance as long as you need and then cancel the policy.
How many states require minimum automobile insurance?
Forty-eight states require car insurance.
Which U.S. state does not require auto insurance?
Virginia and New Hampshire do not require car insurance, but drivers must prove they can afford the costs of an auto accident.
Is it illegal to drive a car without insurance in the USA?
Yes, you can face fines or lose your license if you’re caught driving without auto insurance.
What is short-term insurance called?
Short-term insurance can refer to auto policies, but also travel insurance and life insurance.
Why are temporary auto insurance quotes only six months?
Companies only sell six-month or annual policies, so you will receive quotes reflecting six or 12 months of coverage, depending on the policy you pick. You can cancel car insurance before six months for a potential refund.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.