Geico Temporary Car Insurance
Need short-term auto insurance? Learn how to get Geico temporary car insurance for a short-term use.
FREE Auto Insurance Comparison
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Geico Temporary Car Insurance offers flexible coverage options for drivers who need short-term protection without committing to a long-term policy. Whether borrowing a friend’s vehicle for a weekend trip, renting a car for a few weeks, or test-driving a new ride, temporary car insurance can give you peace of mind and financial protection.
While Geico doesn’t offer a true short-term insurance policy that spans just a few days or weeks, they do provide a standard six-month policy that can be canceled at any time. This flexibility allows drivers to create a form of “temporary” coverage with some caveats. This flexibility makes Geico a solid choice for those who need insurance on a non-permanent basis.

ARTICLE GUIDE
What Is Temporary Car Insurance?
Before we dive into Geico’s specifics, let’s define what we mean by temporary or short-term car insurance. Temporary car insurance is auto coverage that typically lasts:
- Less than 6 months
- Sometimes, it’s as short as a single day
- Commonly used for borrowed cars, students home from college, seasonal drivers, or test drives
You’ll usually need to prove ownership or permission to drive the vehicle and verify your driving record, location, and purpose of use.
Does Geico Offer Temporary Car Insurance?
No, Geico does not offer traditional temporary car insurance policies that last for a day, a week, or even a month. Instead, Geico’s shortest policy term is 6 months. However, some workarounds can mimic the benefits of temporary coverage.
Geico’s Alternative: The 6-Month Policy Workaround
Here's how you can use Geico’s standard coverage temporarily:
|
Important Note: If you cancel too many times or too early, it might affect your insurance history and rates with other providers. Always read the fine print and confirm cancellation policies.
How Much Does Geico Temporary Coverage Cost?
Although Geico doesn’t offer per-day rates, we can break down what a short-term Geico policy might look like based on a 6-month term and prorate it.
Sample Monthly Geico Rates
Driver Profile | Location | 6-Month Premium | Monthly Equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
30 y/o Male, Clean Record | Texas | $432 | $72 |
22 y/o Female, 1 Ticket | Florida | $679 | $113 |
40 y/o, Multiple Cars | California | $560 | $93 |
18 y/o, Student, New Driver | Georgia | $1,410 | $235 |
Pro Tip: These rates are estimates, and your rate will depend on factors like your zip code, vehicle, mileage, credit score, driving history, and more.
When Does It Make Sense to Use Geico for Short-Term Insurance Needs?
- When You’re Borrowing a Car for a Few Weeks : You can add yourself to the owner’s Geico policy or create your own short-term policy and cancel it once done.
- When Buying a New Car: Need to drive your new ride home from the dealership? Start a Geico policy immediately and cancel or switch once your long-term plan is in place.
- When Driving Out of State or Visiting Family: A 6-month policy canceled after your visit can fill this gap.
When Geico Isn’t Ideal for Temporary Coverage
- International Visitors: Geico won’t cover non-U.S. license holders for short trips.
- Rideshare or Rental Situations: You’ll need specialty coverage (like rideshare insurance or rental car insurance).
- One-Day Events or Test Drives: You’ll need per-day insurers.
Solid Geico Competitors For Short-Term Auto Insurance
Provider | Coverage Term | Price | Best For | Extras / Unique Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bonzah (For Rental Cars) | Daily | ~$12–$15 per day | Travelers avoiding expensive rental company insurance | Collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection |
Metromile (Pay-Per-Mile coverage) | Monthly billing | ~$29/month base + 6¢/mile | Infrequent drivers or temporary vehicle use | Ideal for under 500 miles/month |
Turo via Liberty Mutual | Per trip | 15%–65% of the trip cost | Peer-to-peer car sharing (Turo platform users) | Varies by protection plan selected |
Hugo Insurance | Daily / Pay-as-you-go | As low as $6/day | On-demand driving needs with pause-and-play coverage | Instant activation via smartphone |
Allstate Ride-Hailing/ Rental | Single day or weekly | Varies (~$13–$40/day) | Uber/Lyft drivers or renters needing supplemental coverage | Designed for gig work and short-term rentals |
If you’re exploring alternatives with no upfront payments, check out no deposit car insurance options.
How to Get Temporary Coverage with Geico (Step-by-Step)
Even though Geico doesn’t advertise temporary auto insurance, here’s how to go about getting short-term coverage.
Step 1: Get a Geico Quote
Visit Geico.com or call 1-800-207-7847. Enter the exact dates you’ll need the car and provide details.
Step 2: Choose the Minimum Required Coverage
This keeps costs down. You can customize:
- Liability only
- With/without comprehensive insurance
- With or without collision
Step 3: Pay for the 6-Month Term
You’ll usually need to pay monthly or upfront, depending on your credit and driving history.
Step 4: Cancel the Policy When Done
Call Geico and cancel. You’ll receive a refund for the unused months.
Watch Out for These Common Mistakes
- Canceling Too Soon: Canceling a policy within the first week may trigger fees or affect your insurance history.
- Not Checking State Minimum Coverage: Some states require more than just liability. Always check your local DMV requirements before purchasing temporary insurance.
- Forgetting to Notify the DMV
In states like California or New York, cancellation without proof of alternate insurance may lead to fines or registration suspension.
Temporary Insurance Cost Comparison (Geico vs. Competitors)
Provider | Term | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost | Refundable? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Geico | 6 months | $3 – $8/day | $90 – $240 | Pro-rated |
Bonzah | Daily | $12/day | $360 | — |
Hugo | Daily | $6 – $8/day | $180 – $240 | Paused coverage, not refunded |
Metromile | Monthly | Varies | $40 – $90 | — |
Turo (Liberty Mutual) | Per trip | Varies | — | — |
Allstate | Weekly/Daily | $10 – $40/day | $280 – $1,200 | — |
What To Do If You Only Need One Day Car Insurance
If you’re test-driving a car, borrowing a friend’s car, or moving cross-country, Geico isn’t your best option. Instead, consider:
- Bonzah or Hugo for immediate, one-day coverage
- Your friend’s policy—many allow permissive use for occasional drivers
- Non-owner car insurance through Geico if you frequently borrow but don’t own
Non-Owner Insurance: A Good Solution From Geico
This is a great option if you don’t own a car but need liability coverage to drive occasionally.
- Costs: $300 – $500 a year
- Perfect for: Borrowing cars, rentals, and staying insured between vehicles
- Caveat: Doesn’t cover the car itself, rather only damages you cause to others
Does Geico Cover Temporary International Driving?
Geico does not cover international driving. If you’re heading abroad, you’ll need:
- Rental car insurance through the rental agency
- A third-party policy like Bonzah
- Your credit card’s rental insurance benefit
For foreign visitors coming to the U.S., Geico usually requires a U.S. driver’s license – so Hugo or Bonzah may work better.
The Final Word On Geico Temporary Car Insurance
If you’re looking for the cheapest one-day, weekly, or month-to-month auto insurance, Geico isn’t your best bet. But if you’re okay with a 6-month policy and the option to cancel, it can be a cost-effective workaround—especially if you need quality coverage fast.
However, for ultra-flexible or instant temporary insurance, alternatives like Hugo, Bonzah, and Metromile are good choices. Now that you know about Geico temporary car insurance, it’s time to compare quotes online. Save hundreds on short-term car insurance with direct rates. Start your quote now and compare online rates in less than five minutes.
Let the companies fight for you. Get a Quote!
Compare Quotes From Top Rated Insurers. Good Drivers Can Get Good Discounts. See How Much You Can Save Now!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption