Updated: September 3, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
One-day car insurance isn’t a legitimate product. Be cautious of providers claiming to offer one-day coverage.
If you need one-day coverage, consider enrolling in a six-month policy and canceling early or get a rental or usage-based car insurance policy.
If you need only a single day of coverage as proof of insurance. Buying non-owner insurance may be the right one-day car insurance option for you.
One-day car insurance, also called daily car insurance, refers to temporary auto coverage lasting 24 hours or a few days. Such coverage for just 24 hours is not available. Be cautious of providers claiming to offer such coverage. Most major insurers offer policies with a minimum term of six months.
Watch out for providers selling one-day car insurance. Most insurers don’t offer policies shorter than six months. You may fall victim to an insurance scam if you’re not careful.
Car insurers don’t provide daily car insurance. However, there are several ways you can get car insurance coverage for one day. Below are the best methods to get temporary insurance:
Buying a standard car insurance policy and canceling it early is a common solution for one-day coverage. However, some car insurance companies charge cancellation fees, making your one-day policy premium more expensive. To avoid surprises, request a quote and clarify any fees before purchasing.
Many insurers offer same-day car insurance, which starts immediately. Some even provide no-down-payment options, requiring only the first month’s premium to activate coverage.
If you share your car with someone who lives with you, ask them to add you to their insurance policy for one day. This method gives you proof of insurance, and it can be cancelled the next day, effectively giving you a single day of car insurance coverage.
Non-owner car insurance is ideal for those needing same-day proof of insurance but don't own a car. It offers one day of liability coverage, covering costs for damage or medical bills after an accident. These policies are typically more affordable than standard car insurance.
If you don’t drive often, pay-per-mile insurance is a more cost-effective choice than one-day car insurance coverage. Premiums are calculated based on mileage, making it ideal for infrequent drivers. Check with your insurer to see if it offers pay-per-mile coverage.
Rental car insurance suits drivers who need one-day coverage while renting a vehicle. You can purchase car insurance for one day from the rental agency, your regular insurance provider or, in some cases, your credit card company.
One-day car insurance isn’t available, but temporary coverage may be needed in situations like borrowing a car or driving a rental. You might also need proof of insurance if you don’t own a car. Here are common scenarios where temporary coverage can be beneficial:
You likely don’t need one-day car insurance if you're using someone else's car for errands. Most policies include a permissive clause, allowing the owner's coverage to extend to you as long as they give permission.
Rental insurance is a great option when traveling and you need more than one day of car insurance. You can purchase coverage from the rental agent, check with your insurance provider for a better deal or contact your credit card issuer, as many offer rental insurance if you pay with their card.
Gathering estimates is a smart way to find the cheapest temporary car insurance.
If you plan to buy a standard car insurance policy and cancel it early, look for an insurer that doesn’t charge a cancellation fee to receive a full refund for unused premiums. The table below compares average costs for one and three-month coverage across all states and Washington, D.C.
* Rates above are for a full car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits. Rates may vary in your state based on your desired coverage.
One-day car insurance doesn't exist as a standalone product, but you have several practical alternatives if you need temporary coverage. The most common solution is buying a standard six-month policy online and canceling it early, though you'll pay at least one month's premium and potentially a cancellation fee.
You can get one-day coverage through rental companies, your credit card, or extend your existing auto policy for rental cars. If you're borrowing someone else's car, their insurance may already cover you for one day through permissive use, eliminating the need for separate coverage.
Below are frequently asked questions about one-day car insurance to help you understand your options for temporary coverage:
Most car insurance providers don't offer one-day coverage. You may need to buy traditional car insurance, pay for the first month's premium and cancel the policy early.
If you need one-day insurance coverage, you can either purchase a standard policy and terminate it early or get rental or usage-based insurance.
Consider one day car insurance if you're driving someone else's car for a day and aren't listed on their policy. It’s also useful if you're renting a car for a short period. If you need proof of insurance, non-owner insurance is a good option.
Study Overview
Car insurance rates vary based on the insurer, age, gender, vehicle, location, credit score and driving history. MoneyGeek collected data from multiple sources to calculate average rates based on these factors.
Data Acquisition and Analysis
MoneyGeek gathered 83,056 quotes from 46 companies across 473 ZIP codes using data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments.
Driver Profile
A typical driver profile used for calculating averages includes:
In some cases, we adjusted the profile for age, gender, vehicle, credit score and driving record to calculate averages for different needs.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained
We calculated average rates with 100/300/100 comprehensive and collision coverage and a $1,000 deductible. This policy includes:
A $1,000 deductible means paying that amount out-of-pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Generally, higher deductibles lead to lower premiums.
For comparisons, MoneyGeek also analyzed rates for different coverage levels, including 50/100/50 liability-only and 50/1000/50 comprehensive and collision policies, and calculated costs for annual, six-month and monthly payment options.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology.
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.
