Temporary Car Insurance: Can I Get Daily, Weekly, Or Monthly Car Insurance?

Auto owners typically purchase policies that last 6-12 months. In some cases, however, you might be interested in a shorter-term policy.

Mark Friedlander, spokesperson for the industry-backed Insurance Information Institute says that drivers tend to buy short-term car insurance policies for 30 days or less when they only need coverage for a short time.

Friedlander says that short-term auto insurance is priced differently than traditional auto insurance. This is because the types of policies you purchase and the options you select will affect the cost of your coverage. He says you can choose liability-only coverage or a broader coverage option that includes collision insurance.

What Is Temporary Car Insurance?

While Car Insurance will cover you for the open road, it may not be sufficient to provide long-term coverage. Temporary car insurance policies are better if you need coverage for a brief time. Before purchasing this type of insurance policy, you need to be familiar with how it works and the coverage.

Key Takeaways

• In certain cases, it may be a good idea to purchase shorter-term car insurance, depending on your coverage needs.
• Insurance companies will typically require that you purchase regular policies every six months to one year.
• Temporary insurance for cars may not be effective immediately. There may be a waiting period.

You typically buy car insurance that covers liability and collision for at least six months. You can buy a policy for as little as six months from some car insurance companies.

If your car insurance company offers temporary car insurance, it can provide coverage for you for a shorter period of time. You may be eligible for coverage for three months instead of six, or even for just one month. You may need coverage for three months instead of six, or even just one month.

Keep in mind, however, that not all car insurance companies offer temporary insurance. They offer car insurance policies of varying terms. However, it is common for the minimum coverage period not to exceed six months.

Temporary car insurance companies may require that you pay a minimum of one to three months’ worth of premiums before your coverage begins. Even if you cancel the policy, this money might not be refundable.

Why Would You Buy Short-Term Car Insurance?

Trusted Choice is a network of independent insurance agents that suggest car owners may buy short-term insurance to cover reasons such as:

• You are in the process of switching long-term coverage from one insurance company to another.
• Your regular auto insurance policy will not cover you if your relative, friend, or another person temporarily lends your vehicle. Your vehicle is covered for the short term while it’s being used by a friend, relative, or another person.
• If you’re selling your car, you need to protect it from potential buyers.

Talk to your agent before you start looking for short-term car insurance.

Trusted Choice advises that you can file a claim under a shorter-term policy for car insurance. This would not affect any claim-free discounts you may have on a longer-term policy.

Friedlander points out that the typical short-term policy for car insurance lasts 30 days, even if you only need it for a few days or a week. Pricing for short-term coverage is similar to traditional policies.

• Type of vehicle
• Vehicle intended use
• Your auto insurance history
• The vehicle model
• Your credit-based insurance score (states which limit the use of credit to set auto insurance prices)

How About Short-Term Car Insurance For A Car I Don’t Own?

Here are some options if you want to drive a car that you don’t currently own.

Non-owner insurance

Non-owner auto insurance works in the same way as standard auto insurance but is available when you drive a car that you don’t own. You can rent a car or drive a friend’s or family member’s car. Non-owner insurance can be purchased in increments of 6 months or 1 year. It is generally less expensive than standard car insurance. Non-owner policies can be canceled at any time to save money on additional months. You also get liability protection which pays for property damage and other driver’s injuries if you are at fault in an accident. Non-owner policies may also include additional coverages such as medical payments, personal injury protection, and coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Rental car insurance

Standard car insurance and non-owner coverage will protect you while renting a car. However, rental car companies will offer additional insurance options. These are typically more costly but have some perks for those who will only be renting a car for a short time. Your personal car insurance policy will not be affected by any claims.

Permissive driver

If a friend or relative gives you permission to drive their vehicle, their auto insurance will cover you in the event of an accident. If you intend to drive your car frequently, your friend or family member may allow you to be added as a driver to their policy. You should remember that you will need to pay a deductible and that your premium may go up if they have to cover you for an accident.

What Are The Best Times To Get Temporary Auto Insurance?

You may need temporary insurance for a variety of reasons. A few examples include:

• You are a college student who only drives during summer breaks
• You are visiting a place where you will need to have access to a car. (For example, New Yorkers who winter in Florida).
• Staying with family members or friends and borrowing their cars is an option.
• You will live in another country and drive while you visit the US.
• You drive a car only in one season (e.g., a convertible you only drive in summer).
• You purchased a car you intend to resell shortly.

Take advantage of your permissive user’s clause.

Borrowing a friend or family member’s car for a brief period is a low-risk option to drive. As long as the policy allows permissive drivers, it’s safe.

Be aware that if your friend’s insurance covers you, a collision or an incident could result in higher rates for them in the future, even if they have immediate damage coverage. You should be covered if the car is borrowed from a family member who has an existing policy.

Lower coverage

You might consider reducing your insurance coverage for young drivers who are not using your vehicle. This will allow you to keep your insurance coverage for them. You can save significant money by allowing your child to remain on your insurance.

You can temporarily add a driver to your policy.

You can add a driver to an existing policy if you only need them for a brief period. Then, remove them from your policy when they stop driving the vehicle. This will depend on the cost of the driver, how long they are required to cover, and the risks they pose to your vehicle. It is important to consider these factors when deciding which method to use.

How To Buy Temporary Car Insurance

Before you buy a policy, you should consider these things if you are unsure if you will need it temporarily. It may be more difficult to find it as not all car insurers offer it. While you can begin with your existing car insurance company, it is possible to search for an insurer that offers short-term policies. You can compare temporary insurance options online to get an idea of what coverage is available.

Next, think about the cost. Next, consider the cost. Consider the monthly premiums and deductibles. Also, ask if the insurance company requires a down payment or prepayment for premiums. This temporary insurance is likely to be more costly than standard car insurance.

The most important thing is to look at the coverage of your policy. If you are involved in an accident that injures someone or causes damage to another vehicle, liability insurance will protect you from lawsuits. If you are involved in an accident, collision coverage will pay for the repairs to your vehicle. Depending on the insurer, it may also include medical payments and towing.

You may be eligible for what is called “non-owner liability” car insurance. This policy could provide coverage for the temporary use of a vehicle that you don’t own.

Ask your car insurance company about the term options available. This will help you determine if there is a policy that suits your needs. If you can’t find the right term, ask about cancellation fees if you have to cancel your policy. If you do not take full advantage of your policy, inquire about whether any premium payments you have paid might be refundable.

Bumps In The Road

Make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of your policy before you sign up for a short-term one. Your driving record and driving history can impact the premium amount. Temporary car insurance may be more expensive if you are a high-risk driver due to frequent tickets or accidents.

You can also purchase a regular 6-month policy if you are unable to get a temporary policy. The next step is to decide whether you want to keep the policy for six months or to cancel it. You should check with your insurance company to see if there is a charge for canceling your policy before the deadline.