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For individuals who only need coverage for a limited time, temporary car insurance can be ideal. It’s most useful in situations where a driver requires flexibility, such as borrowing a car, renting a vehicle, or covering a newly purchased car until a permanent policy is in place.
However, be aware that most major insurance providers don’t offer temporary car insurance. So you’ll want to do your due diligence on lesser known insurers before agreeing to anything.
While temporary car insurance is generally available to most drivers, you’re still required to have a valid license and may need to meet the insurer’s age requirement – which often starts at 21. It’s also important to note that high-risk drivers, such as those with multiple traffic violations or accidents, may face more restrictions or higher premiums when applying for temporary car insurance, and each provider may have its own qualifications or exclusions based on age, driving record, or vehicle type.
Temporary car insurance policies typically range in duration from one day to several months. And pay-per-mile providers, such as MetroMile, can even serve as temporary coverage for those who may only need protection for a few hours.
The easiest and cheapest option to get month-to-month car insurance is to choose an insurer that offers monthly payments and no cancellation fees, then cancel before you pay for your second month. You’ll get the rest refunded at a pro-rated rate based on how many days are left on the policy.
Getting car insurance for a short vacation or a weekend holiday is probably easier if you get a rental car and purchase insurance through the rental company. Otherwise, if it’s a car you’re borrowing from a friend or family member, make sure their policy will cover other permitted drivers.
Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to get car insurance for a day or a weekend. The companies that advertise one day policies aren’t known to be reputable. Your best bet may be to get rental car coverage or a non-owner policy. You can also get pay-per-mile auto insurance that charges you only for the miles you drive.
Temporary car insurance is best when purchasing a full-term policy would be unnecessary and costly, making temporary insurance a cost-effective alternative. Common scenarios where temporary insurance makes sense can include:
You might not need a separate car insurance policy if:
You can easily find companies that will provide temporary car insurance, but usually at a cost. Instead of opting for a lesser-known insurance company that specializes in temporary car insurance, consider a more flexible car insurance option.
"Temporary car insurance often — but not exclusively — comes into play in the context of a rental car. It’s important to know that some states require individual policies to automatically cover rental vehicles, so know what coverage you have before buying any type of temporary coverage as you may not need it. That being said, in the context of a rental, if coverage is needed, it will be available for purchase at the time of rental. If your private policy — or that of your employer if the rental is work-related — does not provide coverage, a short-term policy should absolutely be purchased for full coverage. Like all insurance, temporary coverage is worth it if and when a claim arises. "
While there may be reasons to seek out short term car insurance, there are also pitfalls to consider:
While car insurance is required in all 50 states, specialty companies offer short-term coverage, usually at a higher price. Compare your car insurance options to find the best one for however long you’ll be on the road.
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