Compare Rates and Save on Auto Insurance

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Major insurance companies typically only sell six-month or 12-month term policies, but there are clever ways to get around this. Canceling early, getting coverage from a rental car company or driving someone else’s car under permissive use can get you the coverage you need.

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Key Takeaways

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  • People borrowing vehicles, test-driving, using cars short-term, navigating insurance gaps or hosting visitors needing to drive are likely looking for a one-week car insurance solution.
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  • Most car insurance companies do not offer short term car insurance, typically offering six or 12-month policies.
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  • Ads offering single-day or one-week car insurance are often untrustworthy and could be luring you into a scam.

Can You Buy One-Week Car Insurance?

Short-term car insurance, also called temporary car insurance, is not a standard insurance product. Generally, insurers offer insurance policies with six- or 12-month-long terms.

You may find ads for car insurance policies as short as one day, one week or a month. Do your research when buying insurance, even if you will only be using it temporarily. You may get stuck with iffy coverage and poor customer service.

However, there are unconventional ways you can get temporary car insurance.

How Much Does It Cost to Get One-Week Car Insurance?

State Farm charges $9 per week for liability-only coverage, while it offers a full coverage policy for $18 per week. It doesn’t charge a cancellation fee and offers many discounts to help you save.

Take note that if you buy car insurance, you’re usually required to pay for your first month before your policy is activated. If you only need insurance for a week, you’re free to cancel your policy as soon as you’re done driving.

Below, compare the cost of one-week car insurance by state against monthly rates. Use the dropdown to filter by age range and desired coverage level.

National Provider
Weekly Premium
Monthly Premium
Annual Premium

State Farm

$8

$33

$391

State Farm

$9

$34

$409

GEICO

$9

$35

$424

GEICO

$9

$36

$436

Nationwide

$9

$38

$456

State Farm

$10

$41

$494

GEICO

$10

$42

$500

Nationwide

$10

$38

$462

Travelers

$11

$46

$548

Travelers

$11

$42

$504

Progressive

$11

$43

$514

Progressive

$11

$43

$512

Travelers

$11

$44

$523

Progressive

$12

$48

$579

Nationwide

$12

$49

$592

Farmers

$12

$48

$572

Farmers

$12

$50

$594

Allstate

$13

$53

$641

Allstate

$13

$50

$604

Allstate

$13

$53

$640

Farmers

$14

$58

$692

State Farm

$17

$68

$819

State Farm

$18

$74

$883

Nationwide

$18

$71

$856

Nationwide

$19

$78

$930

GEICO

$19

$78

$936

GEICO

$19

$77

$923

Travelers

$21

$85

$1,015

Travelers

$22

$86

$1,037

State Farm

$23

$92

$1,099

GEICO

$23

$94

$1,123

Progressive

$23

$93

$1,120

Allstate

$23

$94

$1,124

Progressive

$23

$91

$1,088

Nationwide

$24

$96

$1,146

Allstate

$24

$95

$1,143

Farmers

$24

$97

$1,160

Travelers

$25

$99

$1,183

Farmers

$25

$99

$1,192

Allstate

$26

$104

$1,247

Progressive

$28

$113

$1,353

Farmers

$30

$120

$1,437

Whether you're borrowing someone else's car, renting a car for a week, traveling to a different state or temporarily relocating, you'll want to ensure you're adequately covered for that duration.

You'll find a comparison of one-week car insurance costs by state, alongside monthly and semi-annual rates below, where you'll find the cheapest company available for each state. Utilize the dropdown menu to narrow down results by age group and preferred coverage level.

State
Company
Weekly Premium
Monthly Premium
3 Month Premium
6 Month Premium
Annual Premium

Alabama

Allstate

$17

$69

$206

$412

$825

Alabama

Cincinnati Insurance

$5

$21

$64

$128

$256

Alabama

Nationwide

$15

$59

$177

$355

$709

Alabama

Cincinnati Insurance

$4

$17

$50

$100

$201

Alabama

Cincinnati Insurance

$12

$48

$145

$290

$581

Alabama

Cincinnati Insurance

$4

$15

$44

$87

$175

Alaska

GEICO

$16

$62

$187

$375

$750

Alaska

GEICO

$7

$29

$88

$176

$352

Alaska

State Farm

$15

$58

$175

$350

$699

Alaska

State Farm

$7

$27

$81

$161

$322

Alaska

State Farm

$13

$54

$161

$322

$644

Alaska

State Farm

$6

$25

$75

$150

$300

Arizona

Root Insurance Company

$14

$57

$171

$342

$684

Arizona

Travelers

$7

$30

$90

$180

$359

Arizona

Root Insurance Company

$14

$57

$171

$341

$682

Arizona

Mercury

$6

$25

$76

$152

$305

Arizona

Travelers

$14

$57

$172

$344

$689

Arizona

Mercury

$7

$27

$80

$161

$321

Arkansas

Hanover

$15

$62

$185

$370

$741

Arkansas

Hanover

$5

$22

$65

$130

$260

Arkansas

State Farm

$13

$52

$157

$315

$629

Arkansas

State Farm

$5

$19

$58

$116

$232

Arkansas

Hanover

$11

$46

$138

$276

$551

Arkansas

Hanover

$4

$16

$48

$95

$191

California

GEICO

$27

$107

$321

$642

$1284

California

CSAA

$9

$36

$107

$214

$428

California

AAA California

$21

$83

$250

$500

$1001

California

GEICO

$9

$35

$105

$210

$419

California

AAA California

$21

$83

$248

$496

$991

California

GEICO

$9

$34

$103

$205

$411

Colorado

American National P&C

$14

$56

$167

$334

$668

Colorado

American National P&C

$5

$22

$65

$130

$259

Colorado

American National P&C

$11

$45

$135

$270

$541

Colorado

American National P&C

$4

$18

$54

$108

$216

Colorado

American National P&C

$11

$44

$133

$266

$532

Colorado

American National P&C

$5

$21

$62

$124

$248

Connecticut

GEICO

$18

$73

$220

$440

$880

Connecticut

GEICO

$8

$34

$101

$202

$405

Connecticut

GEICO

$14

$58

$173

$346

$693

Connecticut

GEICO

$7

$27

$80

$160

$319

Connecticut

GEICO

$14

$57

$171

$341

$683

Connecticut

GEICO

$7

$27

$82

$163

$326

Delaware

Travelers

$20

$82

$245

$490

$980

Delaware

Travelers

$10

$38

$115

$229

$459

Delaware

State Farm

$18

$73

$220

$440

$881

Delaware

Travelers

$10

$39

$116

$232

$464

Delaware

State Farm

$17

$68

$204

$409

$817

Delaware

Travelers

$9

$37

$111

$222

$444

District of Columbia

GEICO

$18

$73

$220

$439

$878

District of Columbia

GEICO

$10

$40

$119

$237

$474

District of Columbia

GEICO

$14

$55

$166

$331

$662

District of Columbia

GEICO

$8

$31

$93

$186

$372

District of Columbia

Chubb

$8

$31

$93

$186

$372

District of Columbia

GEICO

$15

$60

$179

$358

$715

District of Columbia

Chubb

$7

$29

$86

$173

$345

Florida

State Farm

$26

$105

$315

$630

$1259

Florida

State Farm

$12

$48

$145

$290

$581

Florida

State Farm

$22

$88

$265

$529

$1058

Florida

GEICO

$10

$40

$121

$243

$485

Florida

State Farm

$20

$81

$242

$485

$970

Florida

GEICO

$9

$37

$111

$223

$446

Georgia

Allstate

$20

$78

$235

$471

$942

Georgia

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$9

$37

$110

$220

$441

Georgia

Country Financial

$14

$55

$166

$332

$665

Georgia

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$6

$26

$78

$155

$311

Georgia

Country Financial

$12

$48

$145

$290

$580

Georgia

Country Financial

$6

$24

$71

$143

$285

Hawaii

GEICO

$12

$47

$141

$282

$565

Hawaii

GEICO

$5

$18

$54

$108

$217

Hawaii

GEICO

$12

$47

$141

$282

$565

Hawaii

GEICO

$5

$18

$54

$108

$217

Hawaii

GEICO

$12

$47

$141

$282

$565

Hawaii

GEICO

$5

$18

$54

$108

$217

Idaho

American National P&C

$8

$32

$96

$192

$383

Idaho

American National P&C

$3

$13

$38

$76

$152

Idaho

American National P&C

$6

$25

$75

$150

$299

Idaho

American National P&C

$3

$11

$32

$63

$127

Idaho

American National P&C

$6

$26

$77

$153

$307

Idaho

State Farm

$3

$12

$36

$72

$145

Illinois

American Family

$16

$63

$188

$377

$753

Illinois

Mercury

$7

$27

$82

$164

$329

Illinois

Country Financial

$14

$55

$166

$331

$663

Illinois

Mercury

$5

$19

$56

$113

$226

Illinois

Country Financial

$13

$51

$152

$305

$610

Illinois

Mercury

$5

$20

$59

$118

$235

Indiana

American Family

$12

$50

$149

$299

$598

Indiana

State Farm

$6

$24

$72

$144

$287

Indiana

American Family

$12

$46

$139

$278

$555

Indiana

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$5

$19

$57

$114

$228

Indiana

State Farm

$11

$44

$133

$265

$530

Indiana

State Farm

$5

$18

$55

$111

$222

Iowa

State Farm

$13

$53

$160

$319

$639

Iowa

State Farm

$4

$15

$44

$88

$175

Iowa

State Farm

$11

$42

$127

$255

$509

Iowa

State Farm

$3

$12

$36

$72

$144

Iowa

State Farm

$9

$37

$112

$224

$448

Iowa

State Farm

$3

$11

$34

$68

$136

Kansas

Nationwide

$16

$66

$197

$393

$786

Kansas

Nationwide

$6

$23

$69

$138

$275

Kansas

Nationwide

$14

$56

$167

$335

$670

Kansas

Nationwide

$5

$18

$55

$110

$221

Kansas

Nationwide

$12

$50

$149

$298

$596

Kansas

Nationwide

$5

$18

$54

$109

$218

Kentucky

Nationwide

$21

$84

$252

$504

$1007

Kentucky

Cincinnati Insurance

$7

$28

$83

$165

$330

Kentucky

Nationwide

$16

$66

$198

$395

$790

Kentucky

Cincinnati Insurance

$5

$21

$64

$128

$257

Kentucky

Cincinnati Insurance

$14

$56

$167

$335

$670

Kentucky

Cincinnati Insurance

$5

$19

$57

$114

$228

Louisiana

GEICO

$32

$126

$378

$756

$1512

Louisiana

GEICO

$11

$45

$134

$267

$535

Louisiana

Louisiana Farm Bureau

$22

$87

$262

$524

$1048

Louisiana

Louisiana Farm Bureau

$10

$40

$121

$242

$484

Louisiana

State Farm

$26

$105

$314

$628

$1257

Louisiana

State Farm

$11

$45

$135

$271

$541

Maine

Concord Group

$14

$57

$172

$345

$690

Maine

Countryway Insurance

$6

$22

$67

$133

$266

Maine

Concord Group

$11

$43

$130

$260

$521

Maine

Countryway Insurance

$5

$18

$55

$111

$221

Maine

Concord Group

$10

$41

$124

$249

$498

Maine

Countryway Insurance

$5

$18

$55

$110

$221

Maryland

Progressive

$20

$80

$240

$480

$961

Maryland

Progressive

$12

$48

$143

$286

$572

Maryland

Progressive

$20

$78

$235

$469

$938

Maryland

Kemper

$11

$45

$134

$269

$538

Maryland

Progressive

$18

$71

$214

$429

$857

Maryland

Progressive

$11

$45

$134

$269

$538

Massachusetts

State Farm

$10

$40

$121

$242

$483

Massachusetts

State Farm

$5

$18

$55

$110

$221

Massachusetts

State Farm

$10

$40

$121

$242

$483

Massachusetts

State Farm

$5

$18

$55

$110

$221

Massachusetts

State Farm

$8

$31

$92

$185

$369

Massachusetts

State Farm

$3

$14

$42

$83

$167

Michigan

GEICO

$19

$75

$226

$452

$903

Michigan

Travelers

$2

$9

$28

$56

$111

Michigan

GEICO

$19

$75

$225

$449

$898

Michigan

Travelers

$2

$8

$25

$50

$101

Michigan

Chubb

$17

$67

$200

$399

$798

Michigan

Travelers

$2

$8

$23

$47

$94

Minnesota

American Family

$18

$70

$210

$421

$842

Minnesota

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$8

$31

$92

$185

$370

Minnesota

State Farm

$17

$66

$199

$398

$797

Minnesota

Westfield

$7

$26

$79

$159

$317

Minnesota

Iowa Farm Bureau

$14

$58

$173

$347

$694

Minnesota

State Farm

$6

$25

$76

$153

$305

Mississippi

Direct General Insurance

$19

$77

$230

$459

$919

Mississippi

Progressive

$6

$25

$76

$152

$304

Mississippi

Direct General Insurance

$15

$60

$181

$362

$723

Mississippi

Direct General Insurance

$6

$23

$69

$138

$275

Mississippi

Direct General Insurance

$13

$53

$160

$319

$639

Mississippi

Progressive

$5

$19

$57

$114

$227

Missouri

American Family

$22

$89

$267

$535

$1070

Missouri

State Farm

$10

$40

$120

$239

$479

Missouri

Nationwide

$19

$76

$227

$455

$909

Missouri

State Farm

$8

$32

$97

$194

$388

Missouri

Nationwide

$18

$72

$215

$430

$860

Missouri

State Farm

$8

$32

$95

$191

$381

Montana

Progressive

$11

$44

$131

$262

$525

Montana

State Farm

$4

$15

$46

$93

$185

Montana

Progressive

$9

$36

$109

$219

$437

Montana

State Farm

$3

$14

$42

$84

$168

Montana

Progressive

$8

$33

$100

$199

$399

Montana

State Farm

$3

$13

$39

$77

$154

Nebraska

American National P&C

$10

$41

$123

$247

$493

Nebraska

American National P&C

$3

$14

$41

$81

$163

Nebraska

American National P&C

$8

$34

$101

$202

$405

Nebraska

American National P&C

$3

$12

$35

$69

$138

Nebraska

American National P&C

$8

$32

$95

$190

$381

Nebraska

American National P&C

$3

$13

$39

$78

$157

Nevada

CSAA

$24

$97

$292

$584

$1168

Nevada

CSAA

$12

$47

$141

$283

$565

Nevada

CSAA

$20

$78

$235

$470

$940

Nevada

CSAA

$9

$37

$111

$222

$444

Nevada

CSAA

$18

$70

$210

$420

$840

Nevada

CSAA

$8

$33

$100

$201

$402

New Hampshire

State Farm

$14

$57

$170

$341

$681

New Hampshire

State Farm

$6

$25

$74

$148

$296

New Hampshire

State Farm

$11

$45

$135

$270

$540

New Hampshire

State Farm

$5

$21

$62

$124

$247

New Hampshire

State Farm

$10

$42

$125

$250

$500

New Hampshire

State Farm

$5

$19

$58

$116

$233

New Jersey

Plymouth Rock Assurance

$20

$80

$241

$483

$965

New Jersey

Amica Mutual

$10

$38

$115

$230

$460

New Jersey

Plymouth Rock Assurance

$19

$75

$224

$448

$895

New Jersey

GEICO

$9

$36

$107

$214

$428

New Jersey

NJM

$17

$66

$199

$399

$798

New Jersey

GEICO

$9

$35

$105

$210

$420

New Mexico

State Farm

$18

$71

$213

$427

$854

New Mexico

State Farm

$6

$26

$77

$155

$310

New Mexico

State Farm

$13

$54

$161

$322

$644

New Mexico

State Farm

$5

$21

$64

$127

$254

New Mexico

State Farm

$13

$51

$152

$304

$607

New Mexico

State Farm

$5

$20

$60

$120

$239

New York

Kemper

$21

$82

$247

$495

$990

New York

Kemper

$11

$45

$135

$270

$540

New York

Kemper

$16

$65

$195

$391

$781

New York

Kemper

$10

$39

$116

$232

$464

New York

Kemper

$16

$64

$191

$383

$766

New York

Kemper

$10

$39

$117

$234

$468

North Carolina

Erie

$13

$54

$161

$322

$644

North Carolina

Nationwide

$6

$24

$73

$146

$293

North Carolina

Erie

$13

$52

$157

$315

$630

North Carolina

Nationwide

$5

$20

$61

$121

$242

North Carolina

Nationwide

$11

$43

$128

$257

$514

North Carolina

Nationwide

$5

$19

$58

$115

$230

North Dakota

American Family

$15

$59

$177

$355

$709

North Dakota

Nodak Mutual

$4

$18

$53

$105

$211

North Dakota

American Family

$13

$51

$154

$308

$616

North Dakota

Nodak Mutual

$4

$16

$47

$95

$190

North Dakota

Nodak Mutual

$11

$43

$129

$257

$514

North Dakota

Nodak Mutual

$3

$13

$40

$79

$158

Ohio

American Family

$11

$43

$129

$258

$516

Ohio

Erie

$5

$18

$55

$110

$220

Ohio

Nationwide

$10

$40

$121

$242

$485

Ohio

Erie

$4

$15

$44

$88

$176

Ohio

Nationwide

$9

$37

$112

$224

$448

Ohio

Erie

$4

$14

$43

$85

$170

Oklahoma

State Farm

$17

$68

$204

$409

$818

Oklahoma

State Farm

$5

$22

$65

$129

$258

Oklahoma

State Farm

$14

$55

$165

$331

$662

Oklahoma

State Farm

$4

$18

$54

$107

$215

Oklahoma

State Farm

$12

$48

$145

$290

$579

Oklahoma

State Farm

$4

$17

$50

$100

$200

Oregon

State Farm

$17

$68

$203

$407

$813

Oregon

State Farm

$9

$34

$103

$206

$411

Oregon

State Farm

$15

$59

$176

$353

$706

Oregon

State Farm

$8

$32

$95

$190

$381

Oregon

State Farm

$14

$55

$164

$328

$656

Oregon

State Farm

$7

$30

$90

$180

$360

Pennsylvania

Travelers

$14

$56

$168

$336

$672

Pennsylvania

Travelers

$6

$24

$71

$143

$286

Pennsylvania

Nationwide

$12

$48

$145

$290

$580

Pennsylvania

Erie

$5

$20

$60

$119

$238

Pennsylvania

Nationwide

$11

$42

$127

$254

$508

Pennsylvania

Erie

$5

$20

$61

$121

$242

Rhode Island

State Farm

$18

$72

$216

$431

$862

Rhode Island

Travelers

$8

$31

$94

$188

$376

Rhode Island

State Farm

$15

$58

$175

$350

$700

Rhode Island

State Farm

$7

$29

$86

$172

$344

Rhode Island

State Farm

$15

$59

$178

$356

$712

Rhode Island

State Farm

$7

$30

$89

$178

$356

South Carolina

American National P&C

$11

$46

$137

$274

$548

South Carolina

American National P&C

$6

$24

$71

$143

$285

South Carolina

American National P&C

$10

$39

$116

$232

$463

South Carolina

American National P&C

$5

$21

$63

$126

$251

South Carolina

American National P&C

$10

$40

$120

$241

$482

South Carolina

American National P&C

$6

$24

$71

$141

$283

South Dakota

Allstate

$17

$67

$201

$401

$803

South Dakota

State Farm

$5

$22

$65

$130

$260

South Dakota

Allstate

$16

$62

$187

$373

$746

South Dakota

Farmers Mutual of Nebraska

$4

$17

$52

$103

$207

South Dakota

Nationwide

$15

$58

$175

$351

$702

South Dakota

State Farm

$4

$17

$51

$102

$204

Tennessee

State Farm

$15

$61

$182

$364

$728

Tennessee

State Farm

$5

$21

$64

$128

$256

Tennessee

State Farm

$12

$48

$145

$290

$579

Tennessee

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$4

$17

$52

$103

$207

Tennessee

State Farm

$11

$43

$129

$258

$516

Tennessee

State Farm

$4

$16

$49

$99

$197

Texas

State Farm

$19

$75

$225

$450

$900

Texas

State Farm

$8

$33

$98

$196

$392

Texas

State Farm

$15

$58

$175

$349

$699

Texas

State Farm

$7

$27

$80

$160

$321

Texas

Texas Farm Bureau

$13

$52

$157

$314

$629

Texas

Texas Farm Bureau

$6

$25

$74

$147

$295

Utah

Nationwide

$19

$75

$224

$448

$896

Utah

GEICO

$10

$41

$123

$245

$490

Utah

Nationwide

$15

$60

$181

$362

$725

Utah

Farmers Union Insurance

$8

$32

$97

$194

$388

Utah

Nationwide

$14

$56

$167

$335

$670

Utah

Farmers Union Insurance

$8

$31

$92

$185

$369

Vermont

State Farm

$13

$51

$153

$305

$611

Vermont

State Farm

$5

$19

$58

$116

$233

Vermont

State Farm

$10

$41

$123

$246

$493

Vermont

State Farm

$4

$17

$50

$99

$198

Vermont

State Farm

$9

$37

$112

$225

$449

Vermont

State Farm

$4

$16

$47

$94

$188

Virginia

Virginia Farm Bureau

$16

$63

$188

$376

$753

Virginia

Virginia Farm Bureau

$6

$25

$75

$150

$300

Virginia

American Family

$13

$50

$150

$300

$601

Virginia

American Family

$5

$20

$61

$121

$243

Virginia

Nationwide

$14

$54

$163

$326

$651

Virginia

Mercury

$5

$21

$63

$125

$251

Washington

PEMCO

$14

$56

$167

$335

$670

Washington

PEMCO

$7

$27

$81

$163

$326

Washington

PEMCO

$11

$44

$133

$267

$534

Washington

PEMCO

$5

$22

$66

$131

$262

Washington

PEMCO

$12

$47

$142

$284

$569

Washington

PEMCO

$6

$24

$71

$142

$284

West Virginia

Erie

$20

$80

$241

$481

$962

West Virginia

Erie

$8

$30

$90

$181

$361

West Virginia

Erie

$16

$65

$196

$392

$784

West Virginia

Erie

$6

$25

$76

$151

$303

West Virginia

Erie

$16

$64

$193

$387

$773

West Virginia

Erie

$6

$25

$75

$150

$300

Wisconsin

GEICO

$13

$53

$160

$321

$641

Wisconsin

GEICO

$6

$23

$68

$136

$273

Wisconsin

GEICO

$12

$46

$139

$278

$556

Wisconsin

Erie

$5

$19

$57

$115

$230

Wisconsin

State Farm

$12

$47

$142

$284

$568

Wisconsin

State Farm

$5

$19

$58

$116

$232

Wyoming

Farmers

$18

$72

$217

$435

$870

Wyoming

GEICO

$4

$17

$50

$101

$201

Wyoming

State Farm

$16

$62

$186

$373

$745

Wyoming

GEICO

$4

$15

$44

$88

$176

Wyoming

State Farm

$13

$54

$161

$323

$646

Wyoming

State Farm

$4

$15

$45

$91

$182

Downside to Getting Short-Term Car Insurance

Insurers favor long-term customers since short-term ones might not cover administrative costs with their premiums.

While you might be free to cancel, whether you get a refund for the unused portion of your premium can vary based on the insurer's policies and potentially any state-specific regulations.

Most car insurance policies have a waiting period of at least 30 days before you can make a claim. This means that you will not be able to file a claim for damage to your car that occurs within the first 30 days of your policy being in effect.

Read your policy carefully before you decide if short-term car insurance is right for you.

Canceling your policy and going without coverage can lead to a lapse in coverage. You also won’t be able to drive legally unless you drive with permissive use or get car insurance from a rental car company.

How to Get One-Week Car Insurance

You can get one-week car insurance by purchasing a policy and canceling it early or getting car insurance from your rental car company.

In some cases, you may get automatic coverage by driving under permissive use.

More temporary car insurance hacks include:

Non-Owner Car Insurance

Non-owner car insurance is designed for people who don’t own cars but are licensed drivers.

Non-owner car insurance caters to those who drive occasionally, perhaps borrowing or renting cars. It's often a more budget-friendly option than conventional car insurance. The main focus of this insurance is liability. This means it covers expenses if you're at fault in an accident and cause bodily harm or property damage. In contrast, regular car insurance extends its coverage umbrella to include both comprehensive and collision options. The duration for both types of policies tends to be either six or 12 months.

MoneyGeek found that the average yearly cost for non-owner car insurance stands at $448. In comparison, a traditional policy with equivalent coverage is slightly more expensive at $490 annually.

Get on an Existing Car Insurance Policy

Thinking of using your roommate's car for a week? You can join their insurance for a short time. Just make sure you use the car for personal tasks. If it's for business, it's more complicated and will require business car insurance to cover extra drivers who don't live with the policy owner.

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CAN I ADD MY TEEN DRIVER TO MY POLICY?

Yes — granted that your teen will be living with you for the duration of the policy.

If your teen driver does not have their own policy and only drives when they’re home on breaks from school, you can still add them to your policy. Some providers also offer distant student discounts for this scenario. However, expect a premium hike that usually comes along with adding a young driver to your insurance. If your teen driver has a car, drives regularly and lives away from home, they should get their own policy.

Drive With a Policyholder’s Permissive Use

Permissive use is a special provision that lets someone not named on your policy drive your car and still be safeguarded by your insurance. Think of it as an "unlisted driver" benefit.

Here's how it works:

  • Getting Permission: You should obtain the car owner's consent to use their vehicle. This consent can be verbal or written.
  • Usage Limits: Permissive use generally means occasional driving. For instance, if a friend borrows your car once a month, they're typically covered. But if, say, a family member uses your car daily after moving out, that might not qualify.
  • Accidents and Coverage: If an accident happens while a permissive user is behind the wheel, your insurance usually steps in, but always consult your policy specifics to confirm.
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CAN I ADD A TEMPORARY DRIVER TO MY INSURANCE?

Yes, you can add a temporary driver to your car insurance policy. This is sometimes known as named driver insurance or additional driver insurance.

To add a temporary driver, you will need to contact your insurance company and provide them with the driver's:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Driver's license information
  • Specific duration for which you need coverage

However, note that to add any driver to your insurance, the additional insured must be living with you.

Get Rental Car Insurance

If you're thinking of renting a car for the weekend, many rental agencies offer weekend car insurance as an add-on. While this is a convenient option, MoneyGeek's research suggests it's often pricier than policies from independent insurers.

The term of these weekend car insurance offerings from rental companies typically aligns with your rental duration. Whether you opt for a basic or extended plan, ensure that it suits your needs and offers value for your money.

Buy a Traditional Policy and Cancel Early

Purchase the shortest term — typically six months — and choose to pay monthly. After a month or once you’re done driving, call your insurance provider to cancel your policy. You've only paid for one month, so there's no refund wait. However, be careful to choose an insurance company that does not charge a cancellation fee.

Who Should Get One-Week Car Insurance

People who only drive occasionally, drivers in between cars or policies or people renting cars are great candidates for short term car insurance.

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    You only drive occasionally

    If you're not frequently behind the wheel, why pay a full year's insurance? Short-term car insurance might offer better value.

  • carAccident icon

    You’re borrowing someone else’s car

    While borrowing a vehicle, it's wise — and often required — for you to have insurance coverage. However, in many cases, it's the car owner's insurance that will primarily be used in the event of an incident.

  • carInsurance icon

    You don’t own a car and will be renting one

    Rental companies mandate insurance. While some offer it, it's not always the best deal. With a clean driving record and a significant deductible on your own policy, getting your own coverage might be more economical. However, if your past driving history isn't stellar, consider opting for the company's offer.

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    You have car insurance but are traveling to a different state

    Spending a week in another state? Your current policy likely covers out-of-state trips. But, since insurance requirements differ across states, ensure your coverage meets the destination state's requirements. For instance, a wintry state may necessitate collision coverage, while a higher-risk city could call for comprehensive coverage.

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    You’re currently in between cars

    Even if your old vehicle isn't in use, maintaining insurance may be legally required if it's still registered. Be wary of potential insurance lapses that could affect your registration.

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    You want to test drive a car

    If you're considering purchasing a car from a private seller and their insurance lacks a permissive use clause, you'll need to secure coverage for the test drive. And, if you're planning on a purchase, you can seamlessly transfer your new insurance to your new vehicle.

  • vsDocuments icon

    You are in between car insurance policies

    Did you accidentally create a gap between your old and new policies? Short-term insurance can bridge this, ensuring continuous coverage.

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    You’re a foreign tourist on vacation in the U.S.

    Tourists must also adhere to insurance requirements before driving U.S. As a foreign visitor, your options include:

    • Obtaining insurance from a U.S.-based provider
    • Opting for rental company insurance
    • Leveraging your credit card's rental car insurance perks

    Always keep your insurance card handy — accidents are unpredictable, and it's essential to provide evidence of insurance if needed.

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WHAT IS INTERSTATE COVERAGE?

Interstate coverage refers to car insurance policies that ensure you're protected while driving across various states. While a majority of policies naturally cover this, it's always a wise move to verify with your insurer.

When you're setting up your car insurance, the insurer will inquire about your driving patterns, specifically where you anticipate driving. This assists them in tailoring the coverage to your needs. If your drives are restricted to your home state, the need for interstate coverage might be minimal. But if cross-state trips are in your plans, ensuring that your policy has interstate coverage is important.

Remember, driving without insurance is illegal. Even if you plan to hit the road later rather than sooner, it's good to note that any gap in your insurance can lead to heftier premiums in the future.

Evaluate how much coverage aligns with your needs, even for short-term requirements like a week. Factors to consider include:

  • Will you be driving in areas known for higher crime rates?
  • Might you encounter challenging weather conditions?
  • Are you driving a luxury or high-value vehicle?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, MoneyGeek advises considering both collision and comprehensive insurance. While collision insurance covers costs stemming from damages due to collisions with other cars or objects, comprehensive insurance offers financial protection for situations like theft, vandalism or nature-induced damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many drivers who need short-term coverage may wonder if purchasing one-week car insurance is possible. MoneyGeek answered common questions to help you find temporary coverage solutions for your unique driving needs and financial situation.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.