What Is Weekend Car Insurance?

No, you can’t get car insurance for the weekend. 

No insurance carrier in the United States offers temporary car insurance. It’s the same answer to the question if you can rent a car for someone else. If you want to insure your car, it must be for 30 days minimum, not two. 

The minimum policy length for car insurance is six months. Most major car insurance carriers offer a six-month policy and yearly policies. Very rarely do auto insurance carriers provide a single-month policy. 

The following car insurance carriers offer short-term coverage: 

• Nationwide: The short-term policy through Nationwide comes with no cancellation fees, quick quotes, and an easy claims process. 
• GEICO: Touted as one of the best car insurance carriers, GEICO offers nationwide coverage, exclusive discounts, and temporary coverage via non-owner car insurance. 
• Progressive: Although it doesn’t offer car insurance quotes, Progressive discounts premiums, but you’ll have to inquire with your local agent to discuss any short-term coverage options. 
• Hagerty: Classic car enthusiasts trust Hagerty to insure their cars, whether for years to come or a short time. 
• Allstate: Pay-as-you-go insurance from Allstate can help save you money, especially if you don’t drive very far.

As you look for the best short-term coverage policy, compare the process to how you’d determine the best rental car company. The best auto insurance carrier should have excellent customer service, a user-friendly mobile app and website, and coverage that makes sense. Affordable car insurance isn’t always worth it if it’s a hassle to use. 

If you’re renting a car for a road trip and want temporary car insurance, below are the steps to obtaining coverage. 

1. Check your existing car insurance policy 

Believe it or not, your existing car insurance policy may already have rental car insurance coverage. If this is the case, it’s typically listed as an addition or “rider” on the policy. If you have this coverage, you can use it within the parameters listed in the policy. Otherwise, you can ask your insurance agent if you can add rental car coverage without breaking the bank. 

2. Seek out pay-as-you-go or pay-per-mile policies 

Many people who drive short distances opt for pay-as-you-go or pay-per-mile insurance policies or those that charge you per mile driven. These policies can save you money if you don’t drive much and simply require installing a telematics device that tracks and records your driving. At month’s end, you’re typically charged a flat rate plus mileage for this type of policy. 

3. Purchase coverage through a car-sharing service

If you rent a car through a car-sharing app like Zipcar or Turo, you can typically obtain car insurance coverage through the rental company. While this coverage must meet the state’s minimum car liability insurance requirements, the policies aren’t often the best or most comprehensive. Be sure to read through the fine print and understand what’s included before you select it as additional coverage. 

4. Cancel your policy early 

If you decide to purchase a car insurance policy but only need it for the weekend, you can cancel your policy early. Beware of early termination fees that cut into your refund. Most carriers require you to pay at least one month’s premium, but reading the fine print beforehand is a good idea. 

5. Add a driver to an existing policy 

You can easily add a driver to a current car insurance policy online or via a mobile app. However, some insurance providers require you to speak directly with a representative. Ensure that you have the following on hand for the driver you want to add: 

• Personal details such as date of birth, address, and occupation
• Social Security number
• Valid driver’s license number
• Clean driving record

Adding this driver to the policy could lower the associated premium. A clean driving history goes a long way in reducing car insurance costs. 

You can calculate short-term car insurance costs based on the amount due. For example, if you purchase a car insurance policy but cancel it after one month, you’d owe the month’s premium and any applicable cancellation fees. Some insurance carriers charge $50 or 10% of your remaining premium due, so it can be a hefty sum all said and done. If your premium is $3,600 annually and $300 monthly, the cancellation fee alone could be $360 ($60 more than the monthly price without the coverage).