How to get temporary insurance for a car?
Temporary car insurance refers to short-term auto coverage lasting less than the typical 6-12 month policy period. There are several options to get temporary insurance if you only need to drive a car occasionally:
Non-owner insurance - Covers you when borrowing or renting a car
Pay-per-mile insurance - You pay based on miles driven
Rental car insurance - Provided by rental companies
Using an existing policy - Get coverage through a friend's or family member's insurance
Reducing coverage on your own policy - Lower limits or remove collision coverage
While you can't buy daily or weekly policies, these alternatives allow you to meet state requirements and get coverage without committing to a long-term standard policy.
Use Existing Coverage
When borrowing someone else's car, you may already be covered by their insurance policy's permissive use clause. This extends their liability coverage to you as long as:
You have the owner's permission to drive the vehicle
You drive the vehicle infrequently or on an occasional basis
You don't use the vehicle for any business or commercial purposes
Before driving a friend or family member's car, have them verify with their insurance company that you are covered. Keep in mind:
Coverage may be limited, depending on the policy
You are responsible for any damage exceeding the policy limits
An at-fault accident could increase the owner's premiums
Being added to someone else's policy is another option if you:
Live in the same household and regularly use their car
Frequently borrow the same car
Don't have your own car insurance
Insurers typically require drivers who live together or regularly use a policyholder's car to be listed on the policy. Advantages:
You get the same coverage limits as the primary policyholder
Easy to add and remove drivers from a policy
Disadvantages:
May increase policy premiums, especially if you have a poor driving history
Dependent on the policyholder maintaining continuous coverage
To get added to a friend or family member's policy:
Ask to be listed as a driver
Provide your license, driving history, etc.
Get proof you're covered before driving the car
At-fault accidents or traffic violations on a borrowed vehicle still affect your driving record and insurability even if you're not the policyholder. Maintaining your own insurance is safest if you frequently drive vehicles you don't own.
How to Reduce Your Existing Policy's Coverage
If you already have car insurance but only drive occasionally, you can modify your existing policy to lower costs instead of canceling it completely. This avoids gaps in coverage that could increase your rates in the future.
Lower Liability Limits
Liability insurance covers damage or injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident. The minimum liability limits are:
Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
Property Damage: $10,000 per accident
However, experts recommend 100/300/100 limits or higher for adequate protection. If your car will be sitting unused, you can lower your limits to the minimums allowed in your state to reduce premiums temporarily.
Pros:
Still legally covered to drive
Lower premium payment
Cons:
Insufficient coverage if you cause a serious accident
Potentially illegal you drive a car during this period
Lower Liability Limits in New York
In New York State the minimum liability limits are:
Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
Property Damage: $10,000 per accident
Lowering these minimums reduces your premiums if your car sits unused.
Remove Collision/Comprehensive Coverage
Eliminating collision and comprehensive coverage isn't recommended if you plan to drive your car at all. But if your car will be in storage, you can remove these optional coverages:
Collision: Covers damage to your car from an at-fault accident
Comprehensive: Covers damage from theft, vandalism, weather, etc.
Pros:
Reduce premiums significantly
The car still insured for liability
Cons:
No coverage for vehicle damage
Higher rates when re-adding coverage
Remove Collision and Comprehensive in Alaska
In Anchorage, Alaska you can remove these optional coverages if your car is in storage:
Collision - Damage to your car from an accident
Comprehensive - Damage from theft, weather, vandalism
This significantly reduces premiums for an unused vehicle while keeping mandatory liability insurance.
Car Storage Insurance
Some insurers offer specialized car storage insurance that maintains liability coverage at a very low cost if you store your car for an extended time and don't drive it. Requirements may include:
Notification period before driving again
Photos documenting storage conditions
Mileage checks
This avoids a lapse in coverage while keeping costs minimized.
Pros
Low premium payment
No coverage lapse
Cons
Limited availability from major insurers
Restrictions on driving and vehicle access
Carefully review the conditions to qualify for car storage insurance and follow all requirements. Failing to notify your insurer before driving the car again could negate coverage.
Cancel Policy Early
Since most standard auto insurance policies are 6 or 12 months long, one way to get temporary coverage is to purchase a policy and cancel it when no longer needed.
How It Works
Buy 6-month or 1-year policy upfront
Make monthly payments if allowed
Cancel the policy via phone, email, or the insurer's website
Receive a pro-rated refund for any unused months
You can cancel at any time for any reason. Some insurers charge a cancellation fee, usually $50 or less.
Advantages
Only pay for the months you need insurance
Flexible cancellation timeline
Disadvantages
Gap in insurance could increase future premiums
Pre-paying for the full policy period is expensive
Avoiding Gaps in Coverage
Canceling your auto insurance policy mid-term leaves you completely uninsured, risking financial disaster if an accident occurs. This coverage gap also makes you a high-risk driver that insurers will overcharge for years.
According to insurance data analyzed by The Zebra, drivers with a prior gap in insurance paid 81% more on average for identical policies versus continuously insured drivers. Rates remained inflated for 3-5 years after the lapse.
"Any insurance gap is seen as irresponsible by insurers," says Bob Johnson, an independent insurance agent with over 20 years of experience. "Even a brief 2-week lapse could open the door to double or triple your rates when policy shopping next time."
Johnson recommends maintaining continuous minimum coverage to avoid gaps at all costs. "Paying a higher premium for 3-5 years will easily cost you thousands more compared to keeping basic insurance active when you don’t need full coverage."
When Canceling Is Appropriate
Canceling outright makes sense only if you:
Sold the insured vehicle
No longer own a vehicle and don't plan to in the future
In these cases, canceling entirely eliminates insurance you no longer need. Just be sure to:
Remove your license plates
Notify your state DMV you no longer own the car
Never drive without insurance. An uninsured accident has severe consequences including:
Fines up to $500 plus court fees
License/registration suspension
Mandatory SR-22 filing for 3 years
Maintain continuous coverage as long as you own a vehicle.
Non-Owner Insurance
Non-owner car insurance, also called named operator policies, provides liability coverage when you drive cars that you don't own. It's a good option if you:
Frequently borrow or rent vehicles
Own no personal vehicles
Need to file an SR-22 form with the DMV
Non-owner policies have terms of 6 months or 1 year and typically include:
Bodily injury and property damage liability
Personal injury protection (PIP)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Collision and comprehensive coverage are not included since you don't own a car to insure.
Advantages
Cheaper than regular car insurance since less coverage
Flexible policy terms and easy cancellation
Covers you when driving various borrowed/rental cars
Disadvantages
Does not cover damage to vehicles you drive
Minimal coverage may be insufficient after a serious at-fault accident
When to Consider Non-Owner Insurance
You sold your car and are between vehicles
You borrow cars frequently from family/friends
You rely on rental cars and car-sharing services
You have a license but no personal vehicle
For young drivers with no car, non-owner insurance establishes driving history. Overall, it provides affordable temporary coverage for unowned cars that fit your exact needs.
Adding Coverage
Non-owner policies typically meet state minimums for liability insurance. Consider adding:
Medical payments - Covers injuries to you or passengers in your car
Rental reimbursement - Pays for a rental if the borrowed car is in the shop after a covered loss
Roadside assistance - Pays for towing and labor if the car breaks down
Cancellation
You can usually cancel a non-owner policy at any time. Give written notice to your insurer and get a refund for any unused months. There are rarely early cancellation fees.
Non-owner insurance gives flexible, inexpensive liability coverage when driving cars that don't belong to you. It's an ideal temporary insurance solution for many drivers' situations.
Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
Pay-per-mile insurance, also known as usage-based insurance, is best suited for drivers who don't use their cars frequently. With traditional insurance, your rates depend partly on estimated annual mileage. Pay-per-mile bases your premium on your actual mileage driven.
How It Works
Get a telematics device installed in your car
Drive as normal while the device tracks mileage
Insurer bills you per mile driven each month
Rates range from 1-10¢ per mile depending on your risk profile. You pay a base rate plus per-mile charges.
Advantages
Only pay for miles actually driven
Lower premiums if you drive minimally
Can change plans if driving habits change
Disadvantages
Higher premiums if you drive more than estimated
Privacy concerns over mileage tracking
Upfront installation fees for telematics device
Best For
Pay-per-mile insurance works for drivers who:
Work from home or are retired
Use public transportation regularly
Own a car but drive rarely
Added a teen to their policy who doesn't drive much
It provides affordable temporary insurance when your car stays parked more often than not. The less you drive, the more you save.
Major Insurers Offering Pay-Per-Mile
Allstate Milewise
Liberty Mutual ByMile
Metromile
Mile Auto
State Farm Drive Safe & Save
Each uses different devices to track mileage. Apps, OBD plug-ins, and GPS units are common.
Is It Right for You?
Pay-per-mile insurance fits well if you drive:
Less than 7,500 miles per year
Only on weekends
Just for occasional errands
Compare your estimated mileage to quotes from pay-per-mile insurers. It likely makes sense if your driving is minimal.
Pay-per-mile insurance gives affordable, short-term coverage tied directly to the amount you drive. It's ideal for low-mileage drivers needing temporary car insurance.
Rental Car Insurance
When renting a car, you have three options for insurance coverage:
The rental company's basic policy
Additional rental company coverage
Third-party specialty rental insurance
Most rental and car-sharing services include basic liability insurance that meets minimum state requirements. But this leaves gaps in coverage you may want to fill.
Rental Company Coverage Options
These are add-ons to the basic liability policy and cost extra per day:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - Covers damage to the rental car if it's stolen or in an accident.
Supplemental liability - Increases your liability coverage beyond state minimums.
Personal accident insurance - Covers medical expenses for injuries to you or passengers.
Personal effects coverage - Protects your belongings in the car from theft or damage.
Coverage levels and pricing vary by rental company. CDW can cost $10-$30 extra per day.
Advantages
Covers the exact rental car you're driving
Can be added on the spot when renting
The claims process may be simpler through the rental company
Disadvantages
More expensive than third-party insurance
Overlaps with credit card coverage you may already have
Third-Party Specialty Rental Insurance
Insurers like Allianz, CS&A, and Velosure offer insurance specifically for rental cars. Policies span 1-30 days.
Typical coverages:
Collision/comprehensive
Loss of use - Pays rental company for time car is out of service
Towing reimbursement
Roadside assistance
Advantages
Much less expensive than rental company insurance
Start coverage when you pick up the vehicle
Cancel anytime for a prorated refund
Third-party rental insurance gives affordable, short-term coverage for rental and borrowed vehicles. Compare options to find the best temporary car insurance fit.
Rental Car Insurance Options in Florida
When renting a car in Orlando, Florida you have three main insurance options:
Rental Company Insurance
These are add-ons to the basic liability policy:
Collision Damage Waiver - Covers damage to the rental car
Supplemental Liability Protection
Usually more expensive but covers that specific rental car.
Third-Party Specialty Insurance
From insurance companies like Allianz and Velosure.
Much less expensive but provides minimal coverage. Offers flexible cancellation.
Credit Card Insurance
Provided as a benefit of premium travel cards like:
Chase Sapphire Reserve
American Express Gold
Free additional coverage when you use that card to rent the car. But has limits.
Compare options to see which rental car insurance fits your situation best.
Credit Card Insurance
Many credit cards provide rental car insurance as a benefit to cardholders. This can supplement or replace the rental company's coverage options.
How It Works
Use your eligible credit card to reserve and pay for the rental car
Damage to the rental is covered under the card's policy
There's no extra cost - it's a free benefit you get by paying with that card.
Coverage Provided
Coverage varies but may include:
Collision damage waiver - Pays for damage to the rental vehicle
Liability protection - Covers bodily injury and property damage to others
Personal effects coverage - Reimburses for stolen or damaged items in the rental car
Towing, rental reimbursement - Pays for towing and provides a rental car while repairs are made
Key limitations:
Only valid for rental periods of 15-60 days typically
Doesn't cover leased/hired cars besides standard rentals
Advantages
Free additional coverage
No deductible
Already have a card so minimal effort
Disadvantages
Variable coverage depending on credit card
May exclude certain types of vehicles
Doesn't cover your own auto policy deductible
Cards Offering Rental Coverage
Nearly all premium travel credit cards have some form of rental car coverage. Top options include:
Chase Sapphire Reserve
American Express Platinum and Gold
Citi Prestige
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Check your card's benefits guide for details or call the number on the back of your card. Using the right card can provide free insurance for short-term rentals.
Reasons for Temporary Insurance
There are many situations where drivers need car insurance coverage for a short time:
College Students
Students who leave their car at home don't need insurance while away at school. But coverage is needed when driving during school breaks. Options include:
Stay on parents' policy and reduce mileage
Purchase non-owner insurance for breaks
Buy cheap usage-based coverage if the car is at school
Lapses in coverage can increase future rates. Maintain minimal coverage when not driving.
International Visitors
Visitors to the U.S. need insurance when renting or borrowing a car. Options include:
The rental car company's liability insurance
Specialty rental car insurance
Non-owner insurance for longer visits
Pay-per-mile insurance if leasing a car short-term
Check that policies cover accidents in the U.S. Avoid gaps between rentals.
Seasonal Vehicles
For cars driven only part of the year, consider:
Reducing liability limits in off-months
Removing collision/comprehensive temporarily
Pay-per-mile or non-owner insurance
Listing the car as in storage for a cheaper basic liability
Keep coverage continuous even if minimized. Reinstate full coverage before driving again.
Between Vehicles
When transitioning between cars, maintain coverage:
Keep old policy active until taking ownership of next car
Overlap policies by 1-2 weeks when buying a replacement vehicle
Get non-owner insurance if you'll be without a car for a while
Borrowing Cars
When you insure any borrowed vehicles temporarily:
Verify you're covered under the owner's policy
Buy non-owner insurance for frequent borrowing
Consider pay-per-mile insurance if borrowing the same car regularly
Other Situations
Young drivers who don't have their own car
People who primarily use public transportation or taxis
Returning military members between deployments
Wherever you find yourself needing a temporary driving solution, there are insurance options to keep you covered. The key is avoiding uninsured gaps in coverage.
Here are common situations when you may require short-term auto insurance:
College Students in Austin, Texas
Leave the car at home while away at the University of Texas
Only need coverage when driving on breaks and holidays
International Visitors in Los Angeles
Require coverage when renting a car to drive from LAX to tourist destinations
Policies must cover accidents anywhere in the United States
Seasonal Vehicles in Chicago
For cars only driven in the summer months:
Reduce liability limits in winter
Remove collision coverage temporarily
Consider pay-per-mile insurance
Between Vehicles in Houston
When trading in your old car for a new one:
Keep the old policy active until you drive a new car off the lot
Get non-owner insurance for 1-2 weeks in between
Borrowing a Car in Miami
To insure your neighbor's car for a day trip:
Verify their policy covers additional drivers
Consider pay-per-mile insurance for extra protection
Conclusion
Getting temporary car insurance requires finding alternatives to traditional long-term policies. The best options include:
Non-owner insurance for frequent borrowing and rentals
Pay-per-mile insurance for low-mileage drivers
Rental car insurance through rental agencies or third parties
Reducing coverage on an existing policy during periods of non-use
Avoid completely canceling insurance, which causes gaps in coverage and higher future premiums. Only cancel if you sold your car and don't plan to get another.
Maintaining continuous coverage meets legal requirements, protects your assets, and keeps insurance affordable. With a bit of planning, you can find the right temporary car insurance solution for your specific situation and budget.
The key is finding an option that provides sufficient coverage levels while fitting your exact short-term needs. Do your research to make sure you stay fully protected on the road.
Other readers were also interested in the following articles
Comprehensive coverage for rental cars: What you need to know
Does My Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover Me to Drive Another Car?
Affordable Non-Owners Car Insurance: An Ultimate Guide
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