Cheap Temporary Auto Insurance in 2024 (Top 10 Low-Cost Companies)
The top providers for cheap temporary auto insurance are Erie, Safeco, and State Farm, with monthly rates starting at $22. Only rental car companies offer temporary policies, but you can still get temporary coverage from a standard insurer and cancel it when you no longer need it.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Companies such as Erie, Safeco, and State Farm offer the most affordable options for drivers looking for cheap temporary auto insurance. From renting a car to borrowing a friend’s vehicle when yours is in the shop, there are plenty of reasons why people need temporary car insurance. Unfortunately, no reputable company sells month-to-month car insurance.
Instead, you can buy a standard policy that lasts six months and cancel it when you no longer need it. You can also consider alternatives to a standard policy, such as rental car insurance or usage-based auto insurance.
Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Temporary Auto Insurance
Company Rank Monthly Rates A.M. Best Best For Jump to Pros/Cons
#1 $22 A+ Customer Service Erie
#2 $27 A++ Extensive Discounts Safeco
#3 $33 A++ Coverage Options State Farm
#4 $37 A+ Budgeting Tools Travelers
#5 $39 A Loyalty Discounts Progressive
#6 $43 A+ Accident Forgiveness American Family
#7 $44 A Customizable Policies Nationwide
#8 $53 A Customizable Policies Farmers
#9 $61 A+ Customized Policies Allstate
#10 $68 A 24/7 Support Liberty Mutual
The best temporary auto insurance for you depends on your situation. Find the best auto insurance company near you by entering your ZIP code into our free quote tool above.
- Ads for short-term auto insurance might be inaccurate
- Drivers can buy a six month policy and cancel it when no longer needed
- You can also search for usage-based insurance
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#1 – Erie: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Coverage Options: Erie offers full coverage auto insurance as well as minimum coverage options.
- New Car Replacement: Erie provides your car’s actual value rather than a diminished value. You can learn more by reading our Erie auto insurance review.
- High Credit Score: Erie has an A+ rating with A.M. Best, which is a superior rating.
Cons
- Availability: Not available in all states.
- Add-Ons: There are additional costs for certain insurance features.
#2 – Safeco Insurance: Cheapest for Discounts
Pros
- RightTrack Program: Usage-based insurance program that offers discounts based on driving habits. Learn more by reading our Safeco auto insurance review.
- Discount Options: There is a wide variety of discounts available for drivers.
- Accident Forgiveness: Prevents your insurance policy from increasing in price after your first accident.
Cons
- Low Customer Service Reviews: Negative user experiences with customer service representatives.
- Claim Issues: Customers experience problems with valid claims and consistently unfair settlements.
#3 – State Farm: Cheapest for Young Drivers
Pros
- Drive Safe and Save: Allows drivers to save up to 50% off depending on usage.
- Program for Young Drivers: The Steer Clear app provides a discount for drivers under the age of 25. Learn more by reading our State Farm auto insurance review.
- Most Affordable Rates for Good Drivers: Full coverage ranks one of the lowest for good drivers.
Cons
- Policy Pricing: Expensive month-to-month car insurance.
- Limited availabilty: Not available in all states.
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#4 – Travelers: Cheapest for Good Drivers
Pros
- Availability: You can purchase Travelers auto insurance in all states.
- Wide Variety of Discounts: There are over a dozen different discounts available. You can learn more by reading our Travelers auto insurance review.
- Low Complaint Scores: Above average claim handling and customer service.
Cons
- No SR-22 Options: Travelers does not offer coverage for high-risk drivers.
- Raised Rates: The IntelliDrive app will raise your rates if you’re a risky driver.
#5 – Progressive: Cheapest for Experienced Drivers
Pros
- High-Risk Drivers Save: Affordable rates for drivers with less than perfect driving records.
- Snapshot App: Progressive Snapshot allows drivers to save money based off their driving habits.
- Financial Strength: Progressive has an A+ with A.M. Best. You can learn more by reading our Progressive auto insurance review.
Cons
- Complaints: There are mixed reviews for both Progressive customer service and claims handling.
- High Rates for Teens: Younger drivers will pay more.
#6 – American Family: Cheapest for Students
Pros
- Affordable Rates: American Family auto insurance is lower than average.
- Variety of Options: Numerous coverage and discount options.
- KnowYourDrive Program: Provides a discount to drivers based on driving habits. Learn more with our American Family auto insurance review.
Cons
- Below average reviews: Poor reviews for both customer service and handling claims.
- Availability: Auto insurance not offered in every state.
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#7 – Nationwide: Cheapest for Drivers with Poor Credit
Pros
- Excellent Reviews: High satisfaction rates for customer service.
- Poor Credit Options: Credit scores affect auto insurance rates.
- Available Rates for Teens: Young drivers can save money. Learn more by reading our Nationwide auto insurance review.
Cons
- Higher Rates for DUIs: Drivers with DUIs will pay more.
- Poor Claim Handling: Claims denied or take longer than expected.
#8 – Farmers: Cheapest for Bundled Policies
Pros
- Signal Discount: Tracks driving behaviors and will award a discount based on what is monitored.
- SR-22 Availability: Drivers that need SR-22 auto insurance can get it from Farmers.
- Claims Handling: Many drivers are satisfied with the resolution of their claims. Learn more by reading our Farmers auto insurance review.
Cons
- Low Availability: Not available in all states
- Higher Rates After Accidents: Drivers with a single ticket will see higher rates
#9 – Allstate: Cheapest for Accident-Free Drivers
Pros
- Cash Back for Safe Drivers: If drivers go six months with no accidents, Allstate will send them a check.
- Claim Satisfaction Guarantee: For low settlements Allstate will pay a portion of the difference. Learn more with our Allstate auto insurance review.
- Stable Financial Rating: Allstate has an A+ rating with A.M. Best.
Cons
- High Priced Rates: Allstate policies are more expensive than the average auto insurance.
- Low Availability: Auto insurance not currently available in all states.
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#10 – Liberty Mutual: Cheapest for Loyal Drivers
Pros
- Availability: Auto insurance available in all 50 states and Washington DC.
- RightTrack Program: Monitors drivers and provides discounts based off their driving habits.
- Coverage Options: Liberty Mutual offers a range of extra protection including accident forgiveness. Learn more by reading our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
Cons
- Poor Claim Satisfaction: Drivers report lower than average claim satisfaction.
- High Rates for Teen Drivers: Younger drivers will pay more for auto insurance.
Temporary Auto Insurance Explained
Erie, Safeco, and State Farm offer the cheapest temporary auto insurance as long as you purchase a six month policy and cancel it when you no longer need coverage. Most drivers need long-term car insurance, but you might find yourself in a situation where you need coverage for a short period. However, short-term or temporary car insurance doesn’t exist — any company that advertises otherwise might be a scam.
Instead, insurance companies offer policies in six-month or one-year terms. So if you need insurance for a limited time, you can sign up for a standard policy and cancel it when you no longer need it.
You can also consider alternatives to regular car insurance, like a pay-per-mile policy or non-owner auto insurance. Whichever you choose, check for cancellation fees before signing up for a policy. Many large insurance companies don’t charge an early cancellation fee, but some do.
Comparing Temporary Auto Insurance Rates
When looking for cheap temporary car insurance, buying a six-month minimum coverage policy is a solid option. Insurance rates depend on various factors, but you can check the average annual cost of liability car insurance in your state below.
Liability Auto Insurance Rates by Provider
| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
 | $61 |
 | $44 |
 | $37 |
 | $53 |
 | $30 |
 | $67 |
 | $44 |
 | $39 |
 | $33 |
 | $38 |
 | $22 |
| U.S. Average | $45 |
You might notice a significant difference in insurance rates between states. Most state auto insurance requirements affect how much your coverage costs. Other factors like traffic, crime rates, and extreme weather risks can also increase your rates.
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When You Might Need Temporary Auto Insurance
Most drivers need continuous coverage for their cars, but there are a few times when weekly car insurance or auto insurance for two weeks might be best.
Consider finding a temporary solution for car insurance in these situations:
- You plan to borrow someone’s car for a few days. However, if you’re taking a car for a few hours, the owner’s insurance will likely cover you.
- A friend or relative loans you a car while yours is getting repairs.
- You plan to rent a car for an extended period. Buying insurance from the rental company is usually an easier option.
- You and a friend plan on sharing driving responsibilities on a long road trip.
Most drivers don’t need short-term auto insurance as there are usually better solutions. For example, a friend or relative can alert their insurance company that you’re temporarily using their car, giving you coverage on their policy.
How to Get Temporary Auto Insurance
Since you can’t buy car insurance by the day, you’ll need a standard car insurance policy. The purchasing process is the same as if you were buying regular coverage, though you’ll cancel the policy when you no longer need it.
Most car insurance policies are sold in six-month units, though you can also find one-year plans. When you buy a policy, you can make monthly car insurance payments or pay for everything upfront.
When you need temporary coverage, consider getting minimum insurance to keep your costs down. Although your insurance won’t be around for very long, you should still compare quotes with as many companies as possible to find the lowest rates.Dani Best License Insurance Producer
Once you no longer need insurance, you can cancel your policy. If you decide to pay for your policy upfront, your insurance company will refund you for the unused portion. Most large insurance companies don’t charge a cancellation fee, but you should double-check.
If you plan to keep your insurance for more than a week, setting a reminder to cancel can prevent you from paying for more insurance than you need. While you can get a quote and sign up for insurance online, you’ll probably have to speak to an insurance representative to cancel. Find an auto insurance company agent in your area to learn more.
Alternatives to Temporary Auto Insurance
Buying a standard car insurance policy might not be your best option when you need car insurance for a month.
Depending on your situation, consider the following alternatives to buying short-term car insurance:
- Rental Car Insurance: If you rent a car infrequently, consider buying the rental company’s coverage.
- Non-Owner Car Insurance: Standard car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. Non-owner auto insurance covers you, offering coverage on any vehicle you drive.
- Join An Existing Policy: A parent or guardian can add young drivers to an existing family policy. You can join a parent or guardian’s policy even if you’re living away from home for school.
- Pay-Per-Mile Insurance: While it’s not short-term insurance, you can save money on your coverage by choosing usage-based insurance. With pay-as-you-go auto insurance, you pay for insurance by the mile.
With so many options to find insurance that meets your temporary needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, there’s no need to stress — an insurance representative can help you sort through your options and pick the right coverage.
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The Bottom Line on Finding the Best Temporary Auto Insurance
While you won’t find genuine short-term car insurance, you have plenty of coverage options and types of auto insurance. Whether you choose non-owner insurance or decide to cancel a six-month policy when you’re ready, finding affordable temporary auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to be a challenge.
No matter which type of insurance you choose, the best way to find affordable coverage is to compare rates with as many companies as possible. Use our free comparison tool below to see what auto insurance quotes look like in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a temporary auto insurance policy?
Temporary auto insurance will provide coverage for a short time but is traditionally sold as a six-month policy that drivers cancel early. You will not be able to buy auto insurance for a week, and month-to-month auto insurance plans can be expensive.
Can you buy temporary 1 month auto insurance?
While you might see advertisements for daily auto insurance coverage or emergency auto insurance, they’re usually scams. Reputable companies won’t sell a policy lasting less than six months, but they do allow you to cancel early. You can also look into pay-as-you-go auto insurance.
Are temporary auto insurance plans legitimate?
If you advertisements from temporary auto insurance companies selling cheap month-to-month auto insurance, be careful — it’s likely a scam. Most companies sell six-month or twelve-month policies you can use for short-term car insurance and cancel at any time.
Do you need a short term auto insurance policy to borrow a friend’s car?
Most insurance policies include permissive use, allowing the owner to lend their car out occasionally. If you don’t regularly use their car, their insurance will cover you while you drive their vehicle. There is no such thing as a one-day auto insurance policy. However, you can purchase non-owner auto insurance.
How much does temporary car insurance cost?
Since temporary auto insurance policies are going to be six or twelve month contracts that you cancel early, the policies will have standard auto insurance rates as quoted by your auto insurance company, unless you choose to buy nonowner car insurance which will be cheaper. Get the best auto insurance rates possible by entering your ZIP code below into our free comparison tool today.
Can you purchase temporary auto insurance policies in the U.S.?
Temporary auto insurance policies don’t exist, but you can buy a six-month policy and then cancel car insurance when you no longer need it.
What are short term auto insurance policies?
Some insurance companies allow policyholders to purchase auto insurance month-to-month, meaning the shortest term in auto insurance is around 30 days.
How long can you use temporary auto insurance for?
You can use short term auto insurance, which would either be auto insurance by the month or a six-month policy. You would then need to cancel your auto insurance when you no longer need it.
How many states require drivers to buy a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage?
Forty-eight states require drivers to have no auto insurance lapse on record, which means purchasing the state-mandated minimum requirement of coverage. This means you will need to know the minimum auto insurance requirements of your state.
Which U.S. states do not require auto insurance?
Virginia and New Hampshire do not require car insurance, but drivers must prove they can afford the costs of an auto accident.
Is it illegal to drive a car without insurance in the USA?
Yes, you can face fines or lose your license if you’re caught driving without auto insurance.
What is short term insurance?
Short term auto insurance plans are usually month-to-month or six month policies. It’s important to know how to manage your auto insurance policy in case you need to make any changes.
Why are temporary auto insurance quotes only six months?
Companies only sell six-month or annual policies, so you will receive quotes reflecting six or 12 months of coverage, depending on the policy you pick. You can cancel car insurance before six months for a potential refund.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.