How to Get Temporary Insurance on a Car?
Whenever we come across the term ‘insurance’, our mind automatically goes to something that is long-term, where premiums are to be paid for a long period of time.
Even for car insurance, major insurers do not offer insurance for less than six months, but that doesn’t mean you cannot get a short-term insurance for a few days, weeks, or a one-month car insurance policy.
This article explores how to get a temporary auto insurance for short term coverage and when you need one.
What is a Short-Term Car Insurance Exactly?
Short-term car insurance or temporary insurance is a type of auto insurance policy that provides you protection for a shorter period of time than a standard auto policy. Unlike standard auto policy, temporary car insurance is designed to cover you for a shorter period of time, depending on your current situation.
The main purpose of this type of car insurance is to offer coverage for situations where you need to drive a vehicle that you don’t own or that isn’t covered by your general policy.
If you own your own car, then you can get a six-month policy, cancel when you are done driving, and avoid paying for the months you don’t drive. If you’re driving a car that you don’t own, then you can look into other options like non-owner insurance, rental car insurance and being added as a driver on someone else’s car insurance temporarily.
When Do You Need Short-Term Coverage?
The ideal way to get short-term coverage depends on your situation. While drivers cannot get week by week car insurance, there are other ways to get protection without burning a hole in your pocket if you don’t want full–time insurance. The following are the times when you need short-term coverage:
- When you’re driving a friend’s car for a few days: You can check if their insurance extends coverage to temporary drivers, or you can consider a short-term add-on.
- Frequently borrowing other people’s vehicles: In this case, a non-owner’s insurance is the best option for you for basic liability coverage.
- Occasional driving or for short commutes: You can opt for options like pay-per-mile or a flexible short-term insurance plan, which can reduce costs.
- Renting a car for a short trip: Use rental insurance and take advantage of credit card coverage, or you can also purchase temporary coverage from a speciality insurer.
- Visiting the U.S temporarily: There are temporary auto policies or a rental insurance which ensures coverage without a long-term commitment.
- Keeping the car in storage: If you plan to store your car for a long term, then you can consider lowering your coverage limits and also skipping collision coverage to save on hefty premiums.
How to Get One-Week Car Insurance?
Getting short-term coverage in the U.S doesn’t mean a literal weekly car insurance, but some flexible options which can protect you for a while. Here’s how you can secure it:
Step 1: Check with Your Current Insurer
Some drivers who need a one-week or one-day car insurance might already be covered in their existing policy. For example, if you need to borrow your friend’s car for a day, then maybe you don’t require another policy as long as you have their permission to drive their car. Many insurance companies allow for permissive use, and you will get the same coverage as your friend as long as you borrow their car occasionally.
This is why it is imperative to check with your current insurers about the basic rules and options for coverage.
Step 2: Consider Non-Owner Insurance
A non-owner insurance policy usually just includes liability coverage and sometimes personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage. It doesn’t include comprehensive or collision coverage since you don’t own a car.
Step 3: Explore Rental or Speciality Coverage
When renting a car, you can use the rental company’s insurance, your credit card benefits, or buy short-term coverage from a speciality insurer.
Step 4: Look into Usage-Based or Per-Mile Insurance
If you only plan to drive occasionally, these flexible plans can be cost-effective and sometimes allow coverage in daily or weekly increments.
Step 5: Compare Quotes Online
Use reputable tools to find the best short-term rates and coverage options.
To Wrap It Up
Weekly car insurance is an excellent option for short-term, reliable coverage. While not yet widely offered, it’s ideal for situations like borrowing a car, renting for a trip, or occasional driving. As demand grows, it provides a flexible, cost-effective way to stay fully protected and enjoy peace of mind on the road. Whether you need coverage for a few days or a few weeks, ConsumerCoverage makes it easy to compare quotes and find flexible, affordable short-term car insurance options that fit your needs.
