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.
How to Insure a Car for One Day
Updated: July 8, 2025
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Key Takeaways
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 temporary coverage as proof of insurance, buying non-owner insurance may be right for you.
What is One-Day Car Insurance?
How to Get One-Day Car Insurance
Car insurers don’t provide traditional temporary car insurance. However, you can explore alternatives, depending on your car insurance needs.
Below are six potential avenues for temporary car insurance:
- 1
Buy a policy and cancel it early
Buying a standard car insurance policy and canceling it early is a common solution for short-term coverage. However, some may charge cancellation fees. To avoid surprises, request a quote and clarify any fees before purchasing.
Many insurers offer same-day auto insurance, which starts immediately. Some even provide no-down-payment options, requiring only the first month’s premium to activate coverage.
- 2
Add a driver to your insurance
If you share your car with someone who lives with you, add them to your insurance policy. Your insurance will cover them should they get into an accident while driving your vehicle.
- 3
Buy non-owner insurance
Non-owner insurance is ideal for those needing proof of insurance but without a car. It offers liability coverage, covering costs for damage or medical bills after an accident. These policies are typically more affordable than standard auto insurance.
- 4
Buy pay-per-mile based car insurance
If you don’t drive often, pay-per-mile insurance is a cost-effective choice. 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.
- 5
Buy rental car insurance
Rental insurance suits drivers who need coverage while renting a vehicle. You can purchase it from the rental agency, your regular insurance provider or, in some cases, your credit card company.
- 6
Buy rideshare car insurance
If you work for a rideshare company and have car insurance, this doesn’t mean you’re always covered. Typically, a standard policy’s coverage stops when you have a customer. Rideshare insurance ensures you’re still protected while on a trip.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
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.
When Do You Need One-Day Car Insurance?
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 need to use someone else’s car for an errand
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.
You’re renting a car for a short time
Rental insurance is a great option when traveling. You can purchase it 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.
You don’t have a car, but you need proof of insurance
If you don’t own a car but need proof of financial responsibility, consider non-owner insurance. It provides liability coverage at lower rates than standard auto insurance.
How Much to Insure a Car for a Day
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.
Gathering estimates is a smart way to find the cheapest temporary car insurance. Use the table below to compare average costs for one and three-month coverage across all states and Washington, D.C.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
State:Alabama
| AIG | $212 | $424 |
| Allstate | $411 | $822 |
| Farmers | $463 | $925 |
| GEICO | $277 | $554 |
| Nationwide | $347 | $693 |
| Progressive | $398 | $796 |
| Travelers | $257 | $515 |
* 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.
Insure a Car for a Day: Bottom Line
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.
For rental cars, you can get coverage through the rental company, your credit card, or extend your existing auto policy. If you're borrowing someone else's car, their insurance may already cover you through permissive use, eliminating the need for separate coverage entirely.
One-Day Car Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about one-day car insurance to help you understand your options for temporary coverage:
Can you get a one-day car insurance policy?
Most auto insurance providers don't offer one-day coverage. You may need to buy traditional auto insurance, pay for the first month's premium and cancel the policy early.
What should you do if you need temporary auto insurance coverage?
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.
When do you need temporary coverage?
Consider temporary auto 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.
One-Day Car Insurance Rates: Our Methodology
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:
- 40-year-old male
- Clean driving record
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- 12,000 miles driven annually
- 100/300/100 comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
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:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
A $1,000 deductible means paying that amount 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.
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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.