While getting actual one-week insurance is pretty tough, several alternatives can provide the necessary short-term coverage:
One-Week Car Insurance
Updated: August 5, 2025
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Key Takeaways
GEICO, Kemper and Nationwide offer affordable standard policies that can be canceled after one week. Weekly costs start at $17.
People borrowing vehicles, test driving, using a borrowed vehicle temporarily, facing insurance gaps or hosting visitors may seek a one-week car insurance option for short-term coverage.
Ads offering single-day or one-week car insurance are often untrustworthy and could lure you into a scam.
Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek
MoneyGeek provides reliable and accurate rate comparisons by analyzing over 83,000 car insurance quotes from 46 companies across various state regulations. Mark Fitzpatrick, a licensed property and casualty insurance producer, reviews each piece of content to ensure compliance and accuracy.
How to Get One-Week Car Insurance
1. Explore One-Week Car Insurance Options
Most traditional insurers have minimum policy terms ranging from 30 days to six months due to state regulations, underwriting standards and administrative costs. Conventional channels don't offer one-week policies, but specialized temporary car insurance providers offer quotes for short-term needs. Verify that these companies are fully licensed to operate in your state.
WHY WEEKLY COVERAGE ISN'T COMMON
- State filing requirements make short-term policies expensive to process. Insurance companies must file rate changes with state regulators, which can take weeks or months to approve.
- Minimum policy terms in many states require longer coverage periods. State regulations often mandate 10 to 30-day cancellation notice periods, making actual one-week policies difficult to structure legally.
- Risk assessment challenges complicate pricing. Since insurers need time to evaluate your personal information, underwriting is usually longer than a week.
- Fraud prevention concerns also play a role. Claims investigations often extend beyond a week, creating coverage gaps that fraudsters could exploit.
2. Assess Your Needs
Figure out why you need short-term coverage. How much driving experience do you have? What kind of car will you be driving? Where will you be driving it?
If you're driving in high-risk areas or expecting bad weather, you'll want collision and comprehensive coverage, too.
3. Meet Your State's Minimum Requirements
Every state has different rules about the minimum liability coverage you need. Check what your state requires for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Some states also require extras like personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage.
RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY
Research thoroughly before buying insurance, even for temporary use. Compare insurers to avoid subpar coverage and poor customer service. Consider costs, coverage options and eligibility to make an informed decision.
4. Opt for Policies With Flexible Cancellation Terms
When searching for a temporary insurance policy, prioritize companies that offer month-to-month agreements or flexible cancellation options without penalties. Some insurers provide prorated refunds for unused coverage days, allowing you to cancel after one week and recover most of your premium.
5. Purchase a Standard Policy and Cancel After One Week
A practical way to get coverage for just one week is to purchase a standard car insurance policy and terminate it after seven days. Many major providers charge between $9 and $13 for one week of coverage, often without cancellation fees.
CAN I ADD A TEMPORARY DRIVER TO MY INSURANCE?
You can add a temporary driver to your car insurance policy as a named driver. The additional driver must live with you to be added to your policy. Contact your insurer with the driver's name, date of birth, license information and coverage duration.
6. Document Your Cancellation Process
If you choose the "buy-and-cancel" strategy, obtain written confirmation of your cancellation. This document should clearly outline the cancellation date, any outstanding balances and the anticipated refund amount. This serves as evidence to prevent future billing disputes or coverage lapses.
7. Consider Adding Yourself to an Existing Policy
If you plan to borrow a vehicle from a family member or roommate with whom you share the same verified address, consider asking to be temporarily added to their insurance policy. This typically requires written consent and proof of your shared residence, but is often the most cost-effective solution.
8. Consider Non-Owner Car Insurance
A non-owner car insurance policy is a great option if you often drive vehicles you don't own. This specialized insurance offers liability coverage for infrequent drivers, providing financial protection in case of accidents while operating someone else's vehicle.
Non-owner car insurance is more affordable than traditional policies, averaging $448 annually compared to about $490 for standard coverage. The vehicle owner's insurance policy is the primary coverage in any claim scenario, making non-owner policies suitable for those who occasionally borrow cars or mainly depend on public transportation.
CAN I ADD MY TEEN DRIVER TO MY POLICY?
You can add a teen to your car insurance if they live with you during the policy period. If your teen drives only when home on school breaks and doesn’t have their own policy, you can still add them to yours. Some insurers offer distant student discounts for this situation.
However, be prepared for a premium increase when adding a young driver. If your teen has their own car, drives regularly and lives away from home, they should get their own policy.
9. Explore Usage-Based Insurance Options
Many insurance providers offer pay-per-mile programs for those who own a vehicle but need coverage for a limited time. These usage-based insurance policies calculate your premium based on the exact distance you drive, which can substantially save money.
Some drivers see reductions in insurance costs ranging from 15% to 25% compared to conventional insurance plans. This option benefits those who don't drive regularly, allowing them to manage insurance expenses while meeting coverage requirements.
10. Plan Strategically
Although short-term car insurance may cost more than it's worth, approach the selection process carefully. Premiums, coverage types, administrative fees and eligibility criteria should all be evaluated. Identify the policy that best fits your needs and budget by comparing options from multiple insurers.
How Much Does One-Week Car Insurance Cost?
Insurance companies use different methods to calculate weekly rates for car insurance. Policyholders must pay for the first month upfront before their policy becomes active. If you only need coverage for a week, you can cancel the policy after one week. Here's a cost breakdown for some of the most affordable one-week coverage options:
Provider | Annual Rate | Monthly Rate | Weekly Rate | Weekly Rate vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GEICO | $792 | $66 | $17 | -$9 |
Kemper | $936 | $78 | $20 | -$6 |
Nationwide | $1,152 | $96 | $24 | -$2 |
Travelers | $1,176 | $98 | $25 | -$1 |
Progressive | $1,236 | $103 | $26 | $0 |
Why Is Seven-Day Car Insurance So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the higher costs associated with short-term car insurance coverage:
Cost Factor | Impact on One-Week Car Insurance |
|---|---|
Processing fees | Insurers spread processing costs over months with traditional policies. Compressing these fees into seven days can nearly double daily expenses. |
Cancellation penalties | The "buy-and-cancel" method triggers flat cancellation fees plus high prorated charges due to the short cancellation timeframe. |
Limited competition | Few insurers offer flexible non-owner coverage or policies without cancellation fees, reducing competition and driving up costs. |
Geographic factors | Urban areas have higher rates due to increased accidents and theft. Since city dwellers buy temporary coverage more often, location disproportionately affects one-week policy costs. |
Vehicle type | Luxury and classic car owners purchase non-owner policies more frequently. High-value vehicles require higher premiums, with luxury cars often needing comprehensive coverage. |
One-Week Car Insurance Quotes
Comparing weekly car insurance rates from multiple companies gives you an idea of how much your one-week vehicle insurance policy might cost. When getting one-week car insurance quotes, be prepared to provide a driver's license, vehicle VIN, insurance history and immediate payment. The process takes 15 to 60 minutes.
For a quick estimate requiring minimal personal information, you can use MoneyGeek's calculator below for estimated one-week car insurance rates:
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
$192
High
$139
Average
$87
Low
Rates updated:
Aug 20, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 | 83 /of 100 | $118 | |
| 4 | 83 /of 100 | $129 | |
| 5 | 79 /of 100 | $133 | |
| 6 | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
ASSESS YOUR COVERAGE NEEDS
Consider how much coverage you need, even for short-term requirements like a week. Factors to consider include:
- Will you be driving in areas with higher crime rates?
- Will you encounter challenging weather?
- Are you driving a luxury or high-value vehicle?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, consider collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance covers damage from accidents with other cars or objects. Comprehensive insurance protects against theft, vandalism or damage from natural disasters.
Who Should Get One-Week Car Insurance?
Short-term car insurance can be a lifesaver for circumstances where traditional annual policies aren't suitable. Recent industry research indicates that around 12% of American drivers seek temporary coverage each year, with demand for one-week car insurance increasing by 23% over the last three years.
Getting one-week auto insurance makes sense for people in any of these situations:
Driving occasionally
Short-term car insurance offers a smart financial option for those who drive infrequently. This is especially relevant for urban dwellers who rely on public transportation or other modes of travel. About 68% of drivers looking for temporary coverage fall into this category. Opting for a one-week policy allows these people to avoid high premiums associated with annual policies while maintaining necessary coverage.
Borrowing a car
When driving a borrowed vehicle, consider the potential liability implications. Depending on state laws, drivers may face significant financial risks if an accident occurs while operating someone else's car.
Securing weekly auto insurance covers the borrower without impacting the vehicle owner's insurance policy or increasing their premiums.
Don’t own a car and will rent one
Rental companies generally require proof of insurance before allowing customers to rent vehicles, and associated costs can be steep. If you have a clean driving record and a high deductible on your current policy, purchasing short-term coverage is more budget-friendly than opting for rental insurance.
Traveling out of state
While many personal auto insurance policies provide some coverage for out-of-state travel, varying insurance requirements across state lines can lead to complications. To avoid legal challenges, verify that your current policy meets the specific insurance mandates of the state you're visiting.
WHAT IS INTERSTATE COVERAGE?
Interstate coverage ensures that you're protected while driving across state lines. Most car insurance policies naturally include this coverage, but it's a good idea to double-check with your insurer.
When setting up your policy, your insurer will ask about your driving habits, including the areas you plan to drive. If your trips are mainly within your home state, interstate coverage may not be necessary. However, if you plan to travel across state lines, confirm your policy covers those trips.
Transitioning between policies
Drivers who find themselves between vehicles, such as military personnel returning from deployment, need temporary coverage to avoid insurance lapses. These lapses can lead to unexpected expenses ranging from $75 to $100 when traditional insurance policies are activated after a lapse. Short-term coverage bridges this gap, ensuring continuous financial protection.
Wanting to test drive a car
For those in the market for a new vehicle, extended test drives can often exceed dealership time limits. When examining cars from private sellers, obtaining independent coverage becomes necessary, as their insurance may not allow others to drive their vehicles.
Foreign tourists
International travelers navigating U.S. roads must comply with mandatory insurance requirements. Legal treaties and insurance regulations generally require tourists to have adequate coverage, which can be obtained through U.S.-based insurance providers, rental company insurance or insurance benefits linked to credit cards.
ONE-WEEK COVERAGE VS. LONG-TERM COVERAGE
Insurers typically don’t offer one-week car insurance, so regular drivers should consider long-term policies for better affordability, customization and discounts. Occasional drivers might find short-term options like rental or non-owner insurance costlier per day but more cost-effective overall.
To determine the best option, consider how often you drive and whether you need coverage for a few days or several months.
Students and young adults
About 35% of individuals seeking temporary coverage are students and young adults, often driven by the need for flexible financial solutions. This demand increases to about 40% during summer breaks when students return home or take on short-term jobs requiring vehicle access.
Needing coverage for work
In today's gig economy, more people want flexible insurance for their changing work needs throughout the year. Short-term insurance policies have become increasingly popular among those engaged in rideshare driving, food delivery services and contract work. These flexible policies provide financial protection during busy work periods, ensuring that gig workers have adequate insurance coverage without long-term commitments.
Classic or recreational vehicle owners
Standard year-round insurance can feel unnecessary and expensive for owners of classic cars, motorcycles or ATVs. These prized vehicles are typically used only during specific seasons, special events or leisurely weekend rides, rather than as daily transportation. Short-term insurance policies offer targeted coverage tailored to times when these vehicles are actively used.
Downside to Getting Seven-Day Car Insurance
Short-term car insurance has its perks, but there are some real drawbacks you should know about:
- 1
Hard to find
Most big insurance companies don't offer weekly policies. State rules usually require policies to last at least 30 days, so you're stuck with smaller, specialized companies that aren't as reliable as household names.
- 2
Expensive
Weekly car insurance costs way more per day than regular insurance. You'll pay $15 to $45 daily for short-term coverage, while a standard policy averages just $3 to $8 per day over a full year.
- 3
Limited financial protection
These policies often have serious limitations. Some require you to wait 30 days before you can file a claim, which isn't helpful if you have an accident right away.
You'll likely face high deductibles (sometimes $1,000 or more) and get only the minimum coverage your state requires. That leaves big gaps in financial protection.
- 4
Risky coverage gaps
If your short-term policy expires and you forget to renew it, you're driving without insurance. That can mean hefty fines, a suspended license or even having your car impounded.
- 5
Scammers
With so few legitimate options out there, scammers see an opportunity. Watch out for companies without real addresses, aggressive sales pitches or deals that seem too good to be true. Never give out your Social Security number just to get a quote.
Any gap in your insurance history makes you look risky to future insurers, which can lead to higher rates.
DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE CAN LEAD TO COSTLY GAPS
Cancel your policy and drive without coverage? That's a coverage gap. You can't legally drive unless you're covered by someone else's insurance or rental car coverage. Even short gaps can bump up your future rates.
How to Get Car Insurance for a Week: Bottom Line
One-week car insurance policies don't exist, but you've got other options for temporary coverage. You can get rental car insurance, buy a non-owner policy or add short-term coverage to an existing policy. Shop around and compare your options to find what works best for your situation.
One-Week Car Insurance: FAQ
Many drivers looking for short-term coverage wonder if one-week car insurance is possible. MoneyGeek answers common questions to help you find temporary coverage that fits your driving needs and budget.
What is the shortest term for car insurance?
Most insurance companies offer policies with standard terms of six or 12 months. There's no such thing as official short-term car insurance, but you can use some workarounds to get temporary coverage.
How much does one-week car insurance cost?
If you're looking for cheap options, companies like GEICO and Kemper offer competitive minimum coverage rates starting at about $17 per week. These companies don't charge cancellation fees, so you can cancel over the phone without any extra costs.
Do I need to get my own insurance if I’m borrowing someone’s car?
If you're borrowing a car from a friend or family member, their insurance will cover you under permissive use. This means you're covered as long as the owner says it's okay for you to drive.
Can I get insurance for just one day?
Major insurance companies don't sell one-day policies, but you have other options. You can get rental car insurance or rely on permissive use coverage if you need to drive for just a day.
What happens if I cancel my policy early?
Most insurance companies let you cancel early, but refund policies vary. Some charge cancellation fees, while others give you money back for unused time. GEICO is a good option since it doesn't charge cancellation fees.
Does non-owner car insurance cover rental cars?
Yes, non-owner insurance usually covers rental cars since it follows you, not a specific car. Just double-check with your insurer that rental vehicles are included in your policy.
Will canceling car insurance after one week affect my rates?
Short coverage periods can create gaps in your insurance history, hurting your future rates. Insurance companies like to see continuous coverage, so gaps could mean higher premiums when you shop for new insurance.
Can I get temporary coverage if I have a bad driving record?
You can get temporary coverage even with a bad driving record, but expect to pay more. Insurance companies offer options for high-risk drivers, but these policies cost more than what drivers with clean records pay..
What is the difference between permissive use and being added to a policy?
Permissive use lets you occasionally drive someone else's car under their existing coverage. Being added as a named driver gives you better protection but requires the owner's approval and might cost extra.
Do I need permissive coverage when driving in different states?
Your regular policy should cover you when driving out of state. Just make sure your liability limits meet the requirements where you're going, since some states require higher minimum coverage than others.
Cheap One-Week Car Insurance: Our Review Methodology
Study Overview
MoneyGeek analyzed car insurance quotes based on a sample driver profile to establish national and state-specific averages. We focused on minimum insurance prices, the cost differences between minimum and full coverage, and the impact of at-fault accidents and speeding violations on overall rates.
Data Sources and Depth
We got our data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services, analyzing 83,056 quotes from 46 insurance companies across 473 ZIP codes.
Driver Profile
To calculate the average annual cost of car insurance, we used a sample driver profile with these details: a 40-year-old male driver operating a Toyota Camry LE, maintaining a clean driving record and driving an estimated 12,000 miles annually. We adjusted geographic location, coverage type and coverage amount to provide accurate insurance cost estimates nationwide.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained
Minimum coverage policies don't include a deductible, while full coverage — which includes comprehensive and collision insurance — comes with a deductible for each coverage type. This deductible, which can vary or be the same for both types, represents the out-of-pocket cost you're responsible for before your insurance company handles repair or replacement claims.
Full coverage offers the best financial protection because it covers damage and injuries to other parties and damage to one's own vehicle.
Liability limits are defined as follows:
- 100/300/100: $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident
- 50/100/50: $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $50,000 in property damage liability per accident
For national averages, we used a full coverage policy with 100/300/100 liability limits, along with a $1,000 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage.
We used a full coverage policy for state-specific quotes, with 50/100/50 liability limits and the same $1,000 deductible for both types.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.