Temporary Car Insurance - My Picks for 2024

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Last Updated: December 27, 2023

What is a Temporary Car Insurance: A Detailed Overview

Car insurance is a perfect approach for getting liability or collision coverage. Most companies will let you get an insurance policy that can provide coverage for at least 6 to 12 months. In some countries, insurance companies offer coverage for one day and up to 30 days. But daily car insurance policies are generally unavailable in the United States, with very few exceptions.

Short-term car insurance covers only a limited amount of time. If you don't want to buy a coverage plan for one year, you can go with temporary or short-term car insurance.

Working a Temporary Car Insurance

Temporary car insurance generally runs from 1 to 28 days, though only a few policies can cover up to 3 or 6 months. You can file a claim and get a quote online. The coverage of a one-day car insurance policy starts as soon as you make your payment.



The insurance company can also demand information about yourself, your vehicle, and your household. The company will use this information to provide you with the best coverage plan. You will need the following information to purchase a one-day car insurance policy:

• Your name and occupation
• Social security number and driver's license
• Average commuting distance
• Legal and mailing address
• Current car insurance policy details, if you have any
• Details of the car you're insuring, such as your car's make, vehicle identification number (VIN), and model
• The date you purchased the car
• Your vehicle's current mileage
• Debit or credit card number

Uses of Short-Term Car Insurance

Consider taking temporary car insurance for numerous reasons. For example, if you think driving a car does not already have insurance coverage or does not belong to you, you can cover it through one-day car insurance. Although you can purchase an annual insurance policy, it will be time-consuming and pricey.

Below we have shared some common scenarios where buying temporary insurance can be helpful.

Driving a Newly Purchased Vehicle

Before driving a new car, you must ensure that you have insurance. If you cannot decide on annual car insurance, you can use a temporary insurance policy. This approach will give you more time to find a reliable insurance company for your vehicle.

Similarly, you will need short-term insurance when you're test-driving a car. When you test drive a new vehicle, you will be likelier not to understand the vehicle's controls. Temporary insurance is an excellent way to ensure you're covered adequately during your test drives.

Borrowing a Vehicle

Getting Coverage for Driving Holidays

If you're going ways on holiday, you can get temporary car insurance to cover yourself adequately. Suppose there are better choices than your usual vehicle for the journey. You will borrow a car from your friend or family member. You can ask the car owners to temporarily list you as a driver on their car insurance policy. Short-term car insurance is ideal for insuring yourself for a specific time instead of paying costlier annual insurance policies.

Insuring a Classic Car

If you're looking for short-term insurance to cover a classic car you drive infrequently, then temporary car insurance can be worth buying. This insurance policy will cover your classic car when you take it just for a spin.

Benefits of Temporary Car Insurance

Depending on your need and requirements, you can purchase a one-day, one-month, three months, six month, or nine months car insurance policy. Purchasing a short-term insurance policy can benefit you in the following ways:

• Instant coverage
• Coverage against third-party property damage and injuries
• Coverage for accidental damage
• A customizable coverage duration
• Opportunity to purchase the insurance policy 30 days before the start date

Consequences of Driving Without an Insurance

Most people ask, can I drive without a car insurance policy? The short answer is yes, but going without insurance can have negative consequences. Car insurance is required for driving in almost every state of the country. Some countries also have laws against driving without insurance.



You will get a penalty if you're caught driving without insurance. The severity of the punishment depends on where you live. Different states have different laws against driving without insurance. But all the states have one thing in common; if you are caught driving without proof of car insurance, you have to face its consequences. Unfortunately, if you get in an accident without car insurance, you're in for a headache.

In addition, if you get pulled over for driving without car insurance, you can face the following hefty punishments:

• A fine of amount $500 to $1,000
• Suspension for both your driving licenses and registration
• Pretty hefty fees to get your license and registration returned
• Imprisonment that can range from a few days to a few years
  

Best Temporary Car Insurance Companies

Here we will review some of the best short-term car insurance companies. Our unbiased review will help you find the best one-day coverage at affordable rates.

USAA

Since 1992, USAA has been providing reliable insurance policies for vehicles. However, this insurance company is only suitable for military families.

To get temporary car insurance from USAA, you must be a military student, midshipman, or cadet. Spouses, veterans, and children of military members can also benefit from USAA insurance policies.

Geico

GEICO is a legit car insurance company, having an excellent A++ financial rating from AM Best. In addition, the company has an average score for its claim satisfaction. GEICO is a less expensive and multi-faceted insurance company. It has a user-friendly mobile app and an easy-to-navigate website to give policyholders extra accessibility.

The best thing about GEICO is that it offers extra discounts if you hold multiple insurance policies or insure more than one vehicle. The company also lets the senior members of the household get a break on insurance policy premiums with a minimum of three years from safe driving.

Nationwide

Nationwide is an excellent choice for getting thoughtful coverage for your collector cars. The company offers guaranteed value coverage to pay the total insurable amount for your fixed price and deductibles.

Nationwide is a reputable car insurance provider that claims that its classic car insurance is 43% less expensive than the standard auto policies.

Allstate

Allstate is a well-known insurance company that uses a safety-oriented approach to insure your cars. This car insurance is available in all 50 states of the country.

Allstate is a legit insurance provider with an A+ rating from the AM Best for its financial stability. The company covers numerous types of insurance, including life, home, and auto.

Temporary Car Insurance Bottom Line

Temporary car insurance is handy to avoid investing in costlier annual insurance. You can choose short-term car insurance to cover your classic, newly purchased, or borrowed car. The average cost of temporary car insurance may vary depending on your vehicle type, where you live, and how frequently you drive.

The Car Data Review Methodology

Our expert review team is committed to providing honest and objective information. Based on consumer data, we identified the following rating categories and did extensive research to determine the top extended auto insurance providers.

• Affordable: Many factors influence the cost of a service, making it difficult to compare prices between providers. Our secret shopper team analyzes different vehicles, mileages, and insurance plans to give you this rating.
• Coverage - Each consumer has different needs. Every car insurance company must offer a variety of coverage options. We consider the number of plans available, terms limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
• Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB), ratings, availability, years in business, and other factors when determining this score.
• Customer Services: Trusted extended car insurance companies provide a level of customer care. We consider customer reviews, BBB complaints, and responsiveness to customer service.