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7-day insurance in Michigan

Get more time to shop around for a long-term auto policy, but beware of letting coverage lapse.

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Sarah George
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USAA
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This short-term insurance policy can fill in for coverage when you’re in between policies. Though getting a policy for seven days is better than driving uninsured, it’s not right for every driver. You run the risk of overlapping coverage or fail to renew your policy at all. In most cases, it’ll save you money to find a six-month policy through your insurer to avoid fines for a lapse in coverage.

What is 7-day insurance in Michigan?

This short-term policy could help new residents get covered until they can find a long-term policy. It could also cover visitors to Michigan or help when you rent a car. Many drivers can purchase temporary car insurance, however some companies in Michigan have promoted a seven-day insurance policy throughout the state.

Controversy over 7-day insurance

Michigan has barred controversial practices with these temporary policies with one insurance company in particular — L.A. Insurance. Local news outlets say many Michigan drivers use this policy to register their cars and then let the coverage lapse because insurance is so expensive in this state.

For drivers still shopping around for the perfect provider, you might consider a standard six-month policy or a monthly insurance policy instead. This longer term could help you avoid a costly car insurance lapse.

How much is 7-day insurance in Michigan?

The average Michigan car insurance premium is $2,200 for an annual policy, but the cost per day is likely much higher for a seven-day policy. Your premium could vary based on the provider and your address. This is typical for any short-term insurance.

When would I need seven-day insurance in Michigan?

The state has put the brakes on this policy with some providers because of its misuse. However, you might need a shorter policy for several reasons:

  • After just moving in. A busy move could mean less time to search for the best provider, and a short policy could give you more time.
  • On vacation. If you’re hitting the road in a rental and prefer not to buy the rental company’s policy, you could opt for seven-day insurance protection.
  • To borrow a friend’s car. A friend or family member was nice enough to lend you a week-long ride. So you want a temporary policy for added protection if an accident happens.
  • When selling a car. You might need a policy that’s just long enough for you to stay covered while you sell your car.

What happens after I no longer need 7-day insurance in Michigan?

You do need some other form of car insurance to drive legally in Michigan. While a seven-day policy could meet those requirements temporarily, you would need to renew this policy or purchase a longer term to drive legally after your seven-day policy expires.

Michigan is known for the highest average premiums in the nation. That’s likely because the state requires drivers to keep $20,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 in bodily injury per accident and $10,000 for property damage per accident.

In addition, drivers must carry personal injury protection with high policy maximums and personal property insurance to meet the state’s no-fault laws. All drivers need to meet these requirements, whether using a seven-day or longer-term policy.

How do I find the best Michigan policy for me?

You can look for several characteristics to find the perfect insurance match. Those include:

  • Coverage needed. Consider other needs outside of Michigan’s already wide protection required, such as comprehensive coverage. Or look for policies with extra benefits included.
  • Value. Comparing quotes could bring hefty savings in this state.
  • Term length. You might look at how long you plan to rent or use a car, plus compare cost for shorter or longer terms. Longer terms tend to drive the best premiums.
  • How much you drive. If you don’t drive much, you could opt for a policy that charges per mile driven and rates your safe driving habits — which can lead to steep savings.
  • Qualifying discounts. Take advantage of every discount possible, including for car safety features, accident-free history, automatic payments and multiple policies.
  • Local verses big providers. Michigan has a mix of local and regional providers that could offer a better premium or benefits than big name companies.
  • Customer satisfaction. If possible, you could look at local customer reviews to get an idea of how a provider ranks in your area.

Bottom line

A seven-day insurance policy is controversial in Michigan because drivers may misuse the policy to register their cars and then let coverage lapse. However, there are several reasons you might need a shorter policy, such as buying and selling a car within a short time.

No matter which term length you choose, you do need to purchase car insurance to drive legally, even if the state has high premiums.

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