Top Temporary Auto Insurance Provider [2024]

Are you looking for temporary insurance? And are you wondering if specific companies, such as Progressive or Geico, offer it?

Unfortunately, short-term auto insurance may be hard to find. Thus, it is nearly impossible to get temporary auto insurance quotes. The good news is that you have options if you need short-term coverage, but you need to be creative.

In most cases, you may find solutions from standard auto insurance companies. But in some cases, you will still need to worry about upfront payments, cancellation fees, and any extra costs that come with short-term auto insurance.

Read on to know more about short-term auto insurance, including which companies offer affordable temporary auto insurance coverage. But if you want to see rates from top auto insurance companies in your area right now, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above.

What is temporary auto insurance?

Temporary auto insurance is a type of auto insurance policy that lasts for less than six months. In most cases, a temporary auto insurance policy will last for a month or less.

You might look for temporary auto insurance if you:

• Do not drive that often.
• Do not use a specific car that often. For instance, you may have a classic or collector car that you only drive seasonally.
• Will use a specific car for a short amount of time.
• Have a car transferred to your possession but want to sell it quickly.
• Are borrowing a car from a friend.
• Look for immediate coverage between auto insurance companies to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Additionally, you may want a temporary auto insurance policy if you rent a car, especially out of state or while on a trip outside of the United States. Alternatively, if you are visiting the United States for a short time, you may want temporary auto insurance coverage. (For more information, read our “What is short-term Auto Insurance?“).

Most auto insurance companies do not offer temporary policies. Instead, they may offer coverage for a minimum of six months. Auto insurance companies want long-term customers, and customer churn or turnover leads to increased administrative costs.

That said, some companies will allow you to cancel early — sometimes without penalty, so they offer temporary auto insurance by default.

Which auto insurance companies offer temporary insurance?

How much does a temporary auto insurance policy cost? Here are rates for major auto insurance companies, some startups, plus information on their cancellation fees.

Temporary Auto Insurance Rates and Fees for Early Cancellation

As you can see, most of these companies will pro-rate any advanced payments.

Read more: Root Auto Insurance Review

Should you buy temporary auto insurance?

It depends on how long you need coverage and the reasons. Of course, we listed some reasons above. However, there are some alternatives to buying temporary auto insurance, and they might be less expensive in the long run.

The Pitfalls of Temporary Auto Insurance

Be wary of purchasing temporary auto insurance from a company that offers it. For one thing, a temporary auto insurance company will require that you pay for several months in advance to receive any coverage.

Also, those policies may not make comprehensive or collision auto insurance coverage available immediately.

You might be better off purchasing auto insurance from a standard company or a company that offers supplemental insurance. Read on for a list of options.

Alternatives to Temporary Auto Insurance

Should you look to alternatives to purchasing temporary auto insurance, here are a few options to consider:

• Purchase a non-owner auto insurance policy. This type of policy is probably the best solution if you occasionally borrow a car from a friend or frequently use cars you don’t own. Non-owner auto insurance policies follow the driver and not the vehicle.
• Get an auto insurance policyholder to add you to their policy. That may be better if you need to borrow a friend’s car frequently. Alternatively, you can ensure that your friend’s policy allows permissive use.
• Purchase safe storage coverage for a car you rarely use. Many motorcycle owners are familiar with laid-up insurance, but that coverage exists for some regular vehicles. For instance, you can save when you safely store a classic car.
• Add car rental reimbursement coverage to an existing policy. Many top companies offer this coverage and often give you a $500 limit. Alternatively, you may be able to use supplemental auto rental insurance through your credit card company.
• If renting, purchase auto insurance coverage through the rental car company. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a rental agency may offer loss waiver damage, liability insurance, coverage for personal injuries, and coverage for personal effects.

Additionally, you can change your policy to usage-based auto insurance. If you drive under a specific number of miles each year, you can save money. Also, consider using a telematics device or installing a smartphone app to track how you drive.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners points out that telematics devices have numerous benefits. One of those benefits is that your auto insurance companies can adjust your rates based on how you drive. If you drive less and do so safely, you should see lower rates and discounts.

Read more:

• Best Auto Insurance for a Vehicle in Storage
• How to Change Auto Insurance Providers
• Top Rental Car Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know

Case Studies: Top Temporary Auto Insurance Provider

Case Study 1: John’s Rental Car Coverage

John, a frequent traveler, chose a top temporary auto insurance provider for his vacation rental car. Their competitive rates and comprehensive coverage impressed him. He experienced peace of mind with prompt customer service and found them reliable and affordable, making his rental car experience hassle-free.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Extended Test Drive

Sarah sought coverage from the leading temporary auto insurance provider to test drive a new car. The process was fast and easy, and she could customize the coverage to suit her needs. This experience influenced her decision-making and helped her make an informed choice when purchasing a car.

Case Study 3: Michael’s Borrowed Vehicle

Michael required temporary insurance for a friend’s vehicle while his own car was being repaired. The top temporary auto insurance provider provided responsive customer support, guiding him through the process. With comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, Michael had worry-free mobility during his commute, thanks to the reliable provider.

Case Study 4: Emily’s Weekend Road Trip

Emily selected the leading temporary auto insurance provider for her weekend road trip with friends. The provider’s positive reputation and convenient online application process made it an ideal choice. When a friend damaged the car, the provider’s claims department quickly resolved the issue, impressing Emily with their excellent customer service and reimbursement for the repairs.

Case Study 5: David’s Additional Driver Coverage

David chose the top temporary auto insurance provider to cover his car while lending it to a visiting family member. Adding the additional driver was effortless through the provider’s user-friendly online platform. The flexibility and affordability of the temporary coverage provided peace of mind to both David and his family member, ensuring they were adequately insured throughout the visit.

Companies That Offer Temporary Auto Insurance: The Bottom Line

You should only buy a temporary auto insurance policy if it saves you money and provides the level of coverage you think you need. However, you have many options with regular insurance companies to adjust your policy based on your situation.

Ultimately, you may not need to buy temporary insurance. As discussed above, you may also pay cancellation fees whenever you decide to cancel your policy, even with a small auto insurance company.

We hope that this glimpse at temporary auto insurance companies has helped you in your search. Now, if you want to see rates from top auto insurance companies in your area, get started by entering your ZIP code into your free quote tool below.