Since insurers don't sell actual one-week policies, you'll need to choose between purchasing rental car coverage, buying and canceling a standard policy, getting non-owner insurance, or relying on permissive use. Each option serves different drivers. Rental car insurance fits tourists and infrequent renters needing exactly seven days. The buy-and-cancel strategy works for vehicle owners needing temporary reactivation or those test-driving private sales. Non-owner insurance suits regular borrowers and SR-22 filers. Permissive use covers one-time borrowers driving a friend's car—often requiring no action since their policy already includes occasional drivers.
One-Week Car Insurance
Updated: October 22, 2025
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Seven-Day Car Insurance: Key Takeaways
Four legitimate options exist for one-week coverage: rental car insurance (true daily coverage, but only when renting), buying and canceling a standard policy, non-owner insurance, or using permissive use when borrowing from friends. Read More
One-week car insurance through the buy-and-cancel method costs $17 to $26 weekly from GEICO, Kemper, and Nationwide—but watch for cancellation fees that can triple your actual cost. Read More
Websites advertising "genuine" one-week or daily car insurance are scams. The only true short-term option is rental car coverage at $15 to $30 daily, designed specifically for temporary needs.
Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek's One-Week Car Insurance Analysis
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
WHAT ABOUT TEMPCOVER?
If you found Tempcover.com in search results, note it's a UK-only service that doesn't operate in the United States. Their temporary policies only cover UK-registered vehicles with British insurance regulations. US drivers need to use American insurers since coverage must comply with state-specific minimum requirements and DMV regulations.
1. Buy Rental Car Insurance for a Week if You're Renting
Rental car insurance through the rental company costs $15 to $30 daily—expensive but genuinely designed for one-week needs. This works best for infrequent renters without existing auto coverage, international visitors, or those whose personal policy lacks rental protection. You can purchase exactly seven days of coverage with no cancellation hassles. However, if you rent more than twice yearly or already have comprehensive auto coverage, check if your credit card provides rental insurance or consider non-owner insurance for better long-term value.
TIP: RENTAL CAR INSURANCE IS THE ONLY TRUE TEMPORARY CAR INSURANCE
Despite what online ads claim, no legitimate US insurer sells genuine one-week or daily car insurance policies. Any website promising "real" weekly policies is likely a scam or redirecting you to standard policies you'll need to cancel. The first of the four strategies, rental car insurance, is your only legitimative option. The other three strategies—buy-and-cancel, non-owner insurance, or permissive use—are creative ways to get coverage for one week when you aren't using a rental car.
Read More:
2. Buy and Cancel a Traditional Policy to Get One-Week Car Insurance
This straightforward approach involves purchasing a six-month policy and canceling after seven days for a prorated refund. GEICO, Kemper, and Nationwide process cancellations without penalties, refunding unused premiums within 7 to 30 days. However, watch for minimum earned premiums that keep your first month's payment regardless of when you cancel. Additionally, some insurers charge $25 to $50 cancellation fees, which can triple your effective weekly rate from $28 to $78.
How much does one-week car insurance cost? Anywhere from $17 per week (GEICO) to $26 per week (Progressive). Insurance companies use different methods to calculate weekly car insurance rates. You pay for the first month upfront before your seven-day car insurance policy activates. Here's a cost breakdown for some of the cheapest one-week coverage quotes:
Provider | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate | Annual Rate | Weekly Rate vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$17 | $66 | $792 | -$9 | |
$20 | $78 | $936 | -$6 | |
$24 | $96 | $1,152 | -$2 | |
$25 | $98 | $1,176 | -$1 | |
$26 | $103 | $1,236 | $0 |
Why is seven-day car insurance so expensive? Multiple factors drive up seven-day car insurance costs including processing fees, cancellation penalties, limited competition, geographic factors and vehicle type.
Cost Factor | Impact on One-Week Car Insurance |
|---|---|
Processing fees | Compressing fees into seven days nearly doubles daily expenses for temporary car insurance. With traditional policies, insurers spread processing costs over months. |
Cancellation penalties | Cancelation fees increase the cost of one-week car insurance. When you cancel a seven day car insurance policy, you are charged flat fees plus high prorated charges due to short timeframes. |
Limited competition | Few insurers offer flexible one-week car insurance policies without cancellation fees, reducing competition and driving up costs |
Geographic factors | City dwellers buy weekly car insurance more often, disproportionately affecting costs. Also, urban areas have higher seven-day rates due to increased accidents and theft |
Vehicle type | Luxury and classic car owners purchase temporary one-week car insurance policies more frequently. High-value vehicles require higher premiums, with luxury cars often needing comprehensive coverage. |
3. Buy Non-Owner Car Insurance to Get One-Week Car Insurance
Cheap non-owner policies provide liability coverage when driving vehicles you don't own and can potentially be used for one-week car insurance. This works well if you regularly borrow different cars or rent frequently, since it's cheaper than purchasing multiple rental insurance add-ons. However, non-owner insurance only covers liability—no collision or comprehensive protection for the vehicle itself. It won't cover vehicles in your household or those you drive regularly. Most insurers require a 30-day minimum purchase, making true one-week coverage impossible. Best for people who need SR-22 filings or drive occasionally but don't own a car.
Non-owner policies cost $10 to $16 weekly, with GEICO cheapest at $10. However, insurers require 30-day minimum purchases, meaning you'll pay the full $39 to $63 monthly premium upfront. Unlike standard policies offering prorated refunds, non-owner policies keep the entire first month's payment if you cancel early. This works for regular borrowers or those needing SR-22 filings, but not for true one-week needs—you'd pay $39 to $63 for seven days of coverage.
| GEICO | $10 | $39 |
| Travelers | $11 | $43 |
| State Farm | $11 | $44 |
| Progressive | $13 | $53 |
| Allstate | $16 | $63 |
4. Get One-Week Car Insurance Through Permissive Use, Not a Named Driver
For true one-week needs, permissive use—where you drive with the owner's permission under their existing coverage—often works without any paperwork. Most policies cover occasional drivers who are uninsured even if they don't live with the policyholder. Adding yourself as a named driver rarely makes sense for one week since insurers require you to stay on the policy for months, costing the owner $15 to $30 monthly. Save named driver addition for household members you'll drive with regularly. For borrowing a friend's car once, permissive use already covers you.
One-Week Car Insurance Quotes
Comparing weekly car insurance rates from multiple companies gives you an idea of how much your policy might cost. When getting 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 quote requiring minimal personal information, you can use MoneyGeek's short-term car insurance calculator for estimated rates:
Short-Term 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:
Oct 23, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 |  State Farm | 83 /of 100 | $118 |
| 4 |  Travelers | 83 /of 100 | $129 |
| 5 |  Progressive | 79 /of 100 | $133 |
| 6 |  Farmers | 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.
Who Should Get One-Week Car Insurance?
One week car insurance works where traditional policies aren't suitable. Around 12% of American drivers seek temporary coverage each year, with demand increasing by 23% over the last three years.
Getting seven-day car insurance makes sense for people in 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 drivers to avoid high premiums associated with annual policies while maintaining necessary coverage.
Borrowing a car
Get one-week car insurance when driving a borrowed vehicle to avoid 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 car insurance covers the borrower without impacting the vehicle owner's insurance policy or increasing the owner's premiums.
Don’t own a car and will rent one
If you have a clean driving record and a high deductible on your current policy, purchasing a short-term policy for one week of coverage is more budget-friendly than opting for rental car 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.
Transitioning between policies
Drivers between vehicles often need one-week car insurance to avoid coverage lapses. Lapses lead to $75 to $100 penalties when activating new policies. Getting car insurance for one week bridges this gap and ensures continuous financial protection.
Wanting to test drive a car
For those in the market for a new vehicle, extended test drives can exceed dealership time limits. When examining cars from private sellers, obtaining independent coverage for one week becomes necessary because the seller's insurance may not allow others to drive their vehicle.
Foreign tourists
One-week car insurance coverage ensures international travelers navigating U.S. roads comply with mandatory insurance requirements. Legal treaties and insurance regulations generally require tourists to have short-term coverage, which can be obtained through U.S.-based insurance providers, rental company insurance or insurance benefits linked to credit cards.
Students and young adults
About 35% of people seeking one-week car insurance are students and young adults who need flexible financial solutions.
Students often require one-week car insurance when returning home for breaks or starting temporary jobs that require vehicle access.
Needing coverage for work
Short-term insurance policies have become increasingly popular among those engaged in rideshare driving, food delivery services and contract work. One-week policies provide additional financial protection during busy work periods, ensuring that gig workers have adequate insurance coverage without long-term commitments.
Classic or recreational vehicle owners
Seven-day insurance policies offer targeted coverage tailored to times when owners of classic cars, motorcycles or ATVs actually use their vehicles. These prized vehicles are used only during specific seasons, special events or leisurely weekend rides, rather than as daily transportation.
ONE-WEEK COVERAGE VS. LONG-TERM COVERAGE
Insurers don't typically 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.
Downside to Buying One-Week Car Insurance
One-week car insurance coverage has drawbacks you need to know:
- 1Hard to find
Most big insurance companies don't offer weekly policies. State rules require 30-day minimums, leaving you with smaller, less reliable companies for seven-day car insurance needs.
- 2Expensive
Weekly car insurance costs $15 to $45 daily for short-term coverage compared to a standard policy that averages just $3 to $8 per day over a full year.
- 3Limited financial protection
Short-term policies often have serious limitations. Some require 30-day waiting periods before claim filing, which doesn't help with immediate accidents.
One-week car insurance rates have higher deductibles (sometimes $1,000 or more) and you get only the minimum coverage your state requires, leaving big gaps in financial protection. - 4Risky coverage gaps
Policies that expire without renewal leave you driving illegally and facing fines, license suspension or vehicle impounding. Insurance companies penalize coverage gaps with higher rates when you apply for coverage later.
- 5Scammers
Few legitimate companies offer one week car insurance, creating opportunities for scammers targeting desperate drivers. Red flags include companies without physical addresses, high-pressure sales tactics or rates significantly below market prices for temporary car insurance.
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 short-term coverage. You can get rental car insurance, buy a temporary non-owner policy or add short-term coverage to an existing policy. Shop around and compare your options to find what works best for you.
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.
How much does one-week car insurance cost?
The cheapest one-week car insurance companies are GEICO and Kemper. Both insurers offer competitive minimum coverage rates starting at about $17 per week. GEICO and Kemper don't charge cancellation fees, so you can cancel over the phone without adding costs to your policy.
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 workarounds to get temporary coverage.
Can I get one-day car insurance?
Major insurance companies don't sell one-day policies, but you have other short-term coverage options. You can get rental car insurance or rely on permissive use coverage if you need to drive for just a day.
Does one-week non-owner car insurance cover rental cars?
One-week non-owner car 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?
One-week 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 one-week coverage if I have a bad driving record?
You can get one-week car insurance 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.
Cheap One-Week Car Insurance: Our Review Methodology
Understanding state minimum car insurance requirements can feel overwhelming when every state has different rules and every insurer quotes different prices. We designed our research specifically to cut through the confusion and show you exactly what the law requires in your state, and what you'll actually pay for it.
Our Research Approach
We analyzed 83,056 quotes from 46 insurance companies across 473 ZIP codes, focusing specifically on each state's legal minimums rather than generic coverage packages. This matters because many insurers quote higher coverage levels and call them "minimum," costing you more than the law requires.
Our sample driver (a 40-year-old male with a Toyota Camry LE, clean driving record, and 12,000 annual miles) represents drivers shopping for affordable, legally compliant coverage.
Coverage Standards
National averages: 100/300/100 liability limits ($100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage)
State-specific averages: 50/100/50 liability limits ($50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, $50,000 property damage)
Both scenarios include $1,000 deductibles for comprehensive and collision when applicable.
Key distinction: Minimum coverage policies include only liability coverage with no deductible. Full coverage adds comprehensive and collision protection, each with its own deductible.
Data Sources
Our analysis draws from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments, the actual regulatory bodies that set your state's requirements.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology.
Weekly Car Insurance: Related Articles
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.