Auto insurance is a key tool in keeping you and others safe on the road. However, policies aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are different types of coverage that may work best for certain situations, one being temporary auto insurance.
Temporary auto insurance, also known as short-term car insurance, provides coverage only for a short period of time. While temporary car insurance is not usually available in the U.S., there are options for when you only need car insurance for a limited time period. Let’s walk through the situations where it may make sense to purchase a temporary car insurance policy so you can decide if this coverage type meets your needs.
Four Situations to Consider Getting Short-Term or Another Type of Car Insurance
There are certain circumstances where purchasing short-term car insurance makes sense. How often you drive, whether you’re a frequent traveler and even your occupation can all factor into whether or not temporary car insurance is right for you. Here are a few situations where you may consider short-term car insurance.
1. If You’re a Ridesharing Professional
Drivers who use their own car for services like Uber and Lyft maydiscover their regular auto insurance policy does not cover ridesharing. Ridesharing companies may offer insurance with certain limits to their drivers, but it’s important to understand the limitations. You may also want to speak with your carrier about purchasing a business auto insurance policy to see if it’s right for your needs.
2. If You Rent Cars Frequently
It’s important to remember that your current auto insurance policy may already include coverage options on renting cars, so ask your carrier if rental cars are covered in your policy. This can help you avoid spending extra money on insurance from the car rental company. If you decide to purchase a rental car insurance policy, be sure you understand the coverage so there are no surprises if you get in an accident.
3. If You’re “In Between” Cars
Depending on your situation, your options for car insurance can vary. If you plan to purchase a vehicle in the near future, you should have some kind of continuous insurance policy. If you don’t plan to drive ever again, you can look into canceling your policy altogether. It’s important to speak with your carrier about your situation and determine the actions to take on your policy so you are never without coverage.
4. If You Don’t Own A Car, but Drive Occasionally
If you don’t own a car currently, but might need to drive one occasionally, you can look into a non-owner policy. This may be the case if you borrow a car for personal use or if you drive cars professionally that you don’t own. No matter if you own the car or are behind the wheel, it’s important to obtain an auto insurance policy to protect you financially in case of an accident.
What is the cost of short-term car insurance?
Auto insurance rates are determined by a number of factors, including what type of car you’re insuring, your driving record, where you live and more. The cost of short-term car insurance can vary, so it’s important to shop around for the right price. SelectQuote can help make the shopping process easier by comparing car insurance rates from some of the most trusted carriers to find you the right policy at the right price.
SelectQuote Can Help You Find Affordable Temporary Car Insurance
SelectQuote is here to help, whether you’re looking to explore temporary car insurance options or have general questions about auto insurance. Our licensed insurance agents can shop and compare policies and rates from trusted car insurance carriers in just minutes. With over 35 years of industry experience, we can find you the right coverage at a price that works for you.
