What Is Temporary Car Insurance Coverage?

There are times when a standard car insurance policy simply doesn’t suit your needs. Perhaps you are loaning a friend’s vehicle and need short term insurance while you drive it around. You certainly can’t drive without insurance, but it doesn’t make sense to sign up for a year-long auto insurance policy. For these types of situations, car insurance companies offer temporary auto insurance.

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How Does Temporary Car Insurance Differ From Standard Car Insurance?

The major difference between temporary insurance and regular car insurance is the length of the policy. Temporary insurance is only issued for a few days or weeks at a time – usually anywhere between 1 and 28 days (but can be longer if necessary). A standard auto insurance policy is issued for either six months or a year.

There are no long-term contracts with a temporary policy. If the policy expires in two weeks, that’s it. You no longer have any obligations to that insurance company and don’t have to do business with them ever again.

The price of the policy is also an important distinction between standard and temporary car insurance. Due to the special nature of temporary insurance, it is more expensive. Expect to pay higher rates than what you are used to.

However, you can find the same coverages with temporary insurance that you normally enjoy under your regular policy. Both liability and comprehensive coverages are offered, and can be tailored to meet your circumstances.

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When Should I Buy Temporary Car Insurance?

The following situations might necessitate temporary auto insurance:

YOU JUST BOUGHT A NEW CAR

You are driving a new car off the lot, but it will take a few days for that car to be added to your car insurance policy. You don’t want risk getting into a collision as you leave the showroom floor, so temporary insurance can cover you until your regular insurance kicks in.

DRIVER NOT LISTED ON YOUR POLICY NEEDS TO DRIVER YOU CAR

This could be a relative, friend, guest, anyone who is not listed on your car insurance policy. They will drive your car for a couple weeks, and need to have insurance.

YOU ARE DRIVING SOMEONE ELSE’S CAR

The car is not under your policy and you need to drive it for the month. You don’t wish to add it to your insurance policy, so temporary insurance makes the most sense.

YOU’RE RENTING A CAR

Let’s say you are taking a two-week cross-country trip in a rented vehicle. The rental car company offers insurance, but it is out of your price range. Temporary car insurance might be a more affordable alternative.

YOU HAVE A CAR IN STORAGE YOU WANT TO INSURE

It could be the height of storm season, and you want to protect your vehicle from damage until the threat passes. This car is not under your policy, and you only need insurance for the summer.

How Can I Get Temporary Car Insurance?

Most of the auto insurance companies that offer standard car insurance also sell temporary insurance. Fill out multiple quote forms here at Cheap Quotes Car Insurance and find the cheapest rates for temporary car insurance!