Are you in the market for short-term auto insurance? Have you ever asked yourself: “Is it possible to insure a car for a month?” We can help answer your question.
This article outlines everything you need to know about one-month car insurance policies. Our goal is to help you find the perfect coverage for your driving needs. We can even connect you with a highly rated national insurance provider. If you would like to jump right into comparing rates, simply enter your zip code below to get connected with top insurers in your area.
How to Get One-Month Car Insurance
Often referred to as month-to-month insurance, temporary policies are great for those who do not need to drive all year round. However, most major insurance companies do not offer month-to-month coverage.
If you need short-term coverage, you may need to purchase a six-month policy and cancel it later. While you can certainly obtain single-month coverage from a fly-by-night provider, most national insurance companies do not offer one-month coverage as an option. If you plan on getting a policy then canceling it, it is important to find out if the provider will charge any early cancellation fees beforehand.
What is Non-Owner Car Insurance?
Is it possible to insure a car for a month? Technically, the answer is yes, but doing so may not be your best option. If you only need short-term coverage, you may want to consider non-owner car insurance or rental insurance instead.
As the name implies, non-owner car insurance is designed for drivers who do not own a car. It is a liability policy that does not offer much else in terms of coverage. However, when appropriate, it is an extremely affordable option that’s usually notably cheaper than a traditional coverage plan.
It is also worth noting that not everyone is eligible for non-owner car insurance. For example, if you live with a car owner and regularly use their vehicle, purchasing non-owner car insurance may be considered a form of insurance fraud. Instead, you should be added to their existing policy.
Why You May Need One-Month Car Insurance
As noted above, there are several types of drivers who may find one-month car insurance ideal. Students who only have access to their vehicles during summer break are a great example. Another reason that someone may need one-month coverage is due to an emergency. For example, say you live in a city that has plenty of public transportation, but you have to temporarily move back home to take care of a sick relative. While caring for them, you may need to use their vehicle. If this is the case, one-month coverage is a great option.
When You May Want to Change to Permanent Insurance
If you find that your driving frequency is increasing or you are constantly having to renew temporary policies, it may be beneficial to upgrade to permanent insurance. After a while, maintaining monthly insurance will become tedious. In addition, you will miss out on loyalty discounts that are offered by many major providers.
When it is time to upgrade to permanent insurance, be sure to do your research. Compare multiple rates so that you can find an affordable policy from a reputable provider.
Our Recommendations for Auto Insurance
Now that we have answered the question: “Is it possible to insure a car for a month?”, it is time to cover our top recommendations for auto insurance. Our experts performed exhaustive research on the nation’s largest insurance providers.
In our industry-wide review, we examined every major car insurance provider and rated companies in categories such as reputation, coverage, cost and customer service. Read on to learn more about our top picks, and enter your zip code below to get connected with top providers in your area.
GEICO: Best Overall
If you do not know anything else about GEICO, you have undoubtedly seen the company/s famous gecko commercials. However, GEICO is much more than just a great advertiser. It is also our top-ranked auto insurance company.
Our experts awarded GEICO an overall score of 9.5 out of 10.0 in our review. The company also earned a 9.5 for industry reputation and a 9.0 for customer experience, cost and coverage. GEICO offers affordable auto insurance coverage for most drivers, flexible payment options and plenty of discounts. The company also has some helpful add-ons, like mechanical breakdown insurance and rideshare coverage.
USAA: Best Military Provider
If you or an immediate family member are in the armed forces, then you are eligible for USAA coverage. We awarded USAA a total score of 8.9 out of 10.0. The company earned an 8.5 for coverage and 9.0s across the board for industry reputation, cost and customer experience. USAA offers flexible coverage options and payment plans. The company also has mileage-based plans, which can be a good option for those who drive infrequently.
Progressive: Best for High-Risk Drivers
For over 65 years, Progressive has provided its customers with high-quality auto insurance coverage. The company is one of the few major providers that caters to high-risk drivers.
Progressive earned an 8.9 out of 10.0 overall in our review. The insurer has plenty of discounts, a great mobile app and flexible coverage. Like our other major providers, Progressive does not offer month-to-month coverage. However, you can opt for monthly payments on a six-month policy.
FAQ: Is It Possible to Insure a Car for a Month?
Why don’t most companies sell temporary auto insurance or month-to-month policies?
Most companies gain little to no benefit from providing month-to-month policies. While the major insurers on our list have a great reputation with customers, these companies are businesses that are profit-driven. With that said, the companies will still allow you to cancel a six-month policy before it has run its course, but you may have to pay a cancellation fee.
Is one-month auto insurance considered month-to-month?
No, a one-month auto insurance policy is not the same thing as a month-to-month policy. A one-month policy only covers you for that short time period. When it is up, you will have to seek out a new policy. A month-to-month policy allows you to keep your coverage indefinitely by continuing to make premium payments.
What coverage does temporary auto insurance provide?
Typically, temporary auto insurance coverage provides minimal liability coverage. It may also provide uninsured motorist and personal injury protection.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car insurance provider to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Our in-depth rating system takes into account market share, coverage, pricing, customer satisfaction, and ratings from industry experts. Each insurer is given a weighted score in four categories as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend auto insurance companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best coverage.
