Temporary Car Insurance In California
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Most people buy a 6-month or 12-month auto insurance policy. However, there are times when a short-term policy makes sense. Having temporary car insurance in California is a good way to get legally covered for a short time, without opting into a long-term and expensive policy.
There are so many times when you need a temporary policy. For example, you’ve just bought a new car but want to sell your old one that’s now sitting in your garage. You still need to cover it because people will want to test-drive it. You can get a temporary auto insurance policy in California for a week or a few months.
ARTICLE GUIDE
What Is Temporary Car Insurance?
Temporary car insurance refers to auto insurance policies designed to provide coverage for a short duration, typically less than six months. Such policies are ideal for individuals who require insurance for a limited time due to specific or unique circumstances.
Here are the most common timelines:
- One Day to One Week: Some people look for one-day car insurance or one-week policies, especially if they are renting or borrowing a car. However, traditional insurers don’t offer such short durations. Instead, drivers use rental car insurance, non-owner car insurance, or a regular policy with early cancellation.
- One Month: A one-month car insurance policy is ideal for students on break, business travelers, or temporary residents. Since most insurers require a six-month policy, drivers typically buy coverage and cancel it after a month. Some insurers, like Metromile, offer pay-per-mile insurance, which can be cost-effective for short-term use.
- Three to Six Months: People who need coverage for a leased or borrowed car or are staying in California temporarily often opt for three- or six-month policies. Most standard insurers allow cancellation before the six-month term ends, though some may charge a fee.
- Seasonal or Stored Vehicles: If a car is only driven part of the year, drivers may use comprehensive-only insurance while the vehicle is stored and reactivate full coverage when needed.
Availability in California
In California, most major insurance providers do not offer traditional temporary car insurance policies with terms shorter than six months. However, there are alternative approaches to obtaining short-term coverage:
- Standard Policy with Early Cancellation: Purchase a standard six-month policy and cancel it when the coverage is no longer needed. However, be aware that some insurers may charge cancellation fees, and frequent policy cancellations can affect your insurance history.
- Non-Owner Car Insurance: If you don’t own a vehicle but plan to drive occasionally, non-owner insurance provides liability coverage when driving vehicles you don’t own. This is a smart choice for individuals who frequently rent cars or borrow vehicles from others.
- Pay-Per-Mile Insurance: Ideal for infrequent drivers, pay-per-mile insurance calculates premiums based on the actual miles driven, potentially offering cost savings for low-mileage drivers.
Cost of Temporary Car Insurance in California
The cost of short-term car insurance in California varies based on factors such as the chosen provider, coverage type, and individual driving history. While exact figures can fluctuate, understanding average rates can provide a solid benchmark when comparing rates.
Temporary Auto Insurance Average Premiums
The average monthly premium for auto insurance in California is approximately $156, equating to $934 over a six-month term. However, rates can vary significantly between providers and locations.
Temporary Car Insurance Rates From top California Providers
Here are some average monthly premiums based on a 2020 Toyota Corolla with Temporary California liability auto insurance for one month.
- Esurance: $118
- Century National: $121
- GEICO: $123
- Progressive: $133
- California Capital: $139
Temporary Auto Insurance Premiums By Large Metro California Cities
- Los Angeles: $219
- San Diego: $148
- San Jose: $155
- San Francisco: $188
- Fresno: $156
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The Cheapest Temporary Car Insurance Providers in California
When seeking the cheapest short-term car insurance in California, get quotes from these providers.
Insurance Providers Comparison
| Provider | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Esurance | Competitive rates, with an average monthly premium of $118. User-friendly online platform for easy policy management. | Limited availability of local agents for in-person assistance. Potential cancellation fees if terminating the policy early. |
| GEICO | Nationwide presence with a strong financial reputation. Average monthly premium of $123. Offers various discounts that can further reduce premiums. | Customer service experiences can vary. Early policy cancellation may incur fees. |
| Progressive | Diverse coverage options and flexible policy terms. Average monthly premium of $133. User-friendly online tools and resources. | Rates may be higher compared to other providers. Cancellation policies may include fees. |
Temporary Car Insurance For Garaged Or Stored Vehicles
If you own a vehicle that is not in use and remains stored or garaged, you might consider adjusting your insurance coverage accordingly.
Comprehensive-Only Coverage
For vehicles in storage, maintaining comprehensive coverage without liability insurance can protect against non-driving-related incidents such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. This approach can reduce premiums while ensuring the vehicle remains protected.
Registration Requirements: In California, vehicles must have liability insurance to remain registered. If you opt for comprehensive-only coverage, you may need to file a Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to avoid penalties.
Reinstating Full Coverage: Before driving the vehicle again, ensure that you reinstate the necessary liability coverage to comply with state laws.
Pros and Cons of Temporary Car Insurance
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of short-term car insurance can help in making the best possible buying decision.
Pros
- Flexibility: Ideal for individuals needing coverage for a limited time, such as travelers or temporary residents.
- Cost Savings: Potentially lower premiums for those who do not require long-term coverage.
- Tailored Coverage: Ability to customize policies based on specific short-term needs.
Cons
- Limited Availability: Major insurers in California do not widely offer traditional temporary policies. Potential Fees: Early cancellation of standard policies may result in fees.
Important Note:
Insurance History Impact: Frequent policy changes or cancellations can affect your insurance record and future premiums
Best Places to Buy Temporary Auto Insurance in California
While traditional temporary car insurance policies are scarce, several providers offer flexible options suitable for short-term needs.
| Provider | Offerings | How to Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | Standard six-month policies with the option to cancel early. They also provide non-owner insurance for individuals who drive vehicles they don’t own. | Policies can be obtained online through their website or by contacting a local agent. |
| GEICO | Six-month policies with flexible terms. GEICO also offers non-owner insurance policies. | Obtain quotes and purchase policies online or via their customer service hotline. |
| Metromile | Specializes in pay-per-mile insurance, making it cost-effective for low-mileage drivers. | Policies can be purchased through their website, where you can also find more information about their services. |
| Insurance Brokers | Brokers like Jerry Insurance provide coverage in most states and offer quote comparisons from multiple insurers. This helps you find policies that suit your short-term coverage needs. | Use their mobile app or website to compare quotes and purchase policies. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Temporary Car Insurance in California
Most major insurers in California do not offer true short-term policies lasting less than six months. However, you can purchase a standard policy and cancel it early, though some companies may charge a cancellation fee.
The shortest coverage period depends on the insurer. While traditional policies last for at least six months, you can cancel a policy after a few days or weeks, though refunds and cancellation fees vary.
Rates vary based on factors like your age, driving history, and the insurer. On average, a six-month policy costs around $934, or about $156 per month. However, some providers, like Esurance, offer policies under $100 a month for qualified drivers.
Yes. If you don’t own a vehicle but need occasional coverage, non-owner car insurance provides liability protection when driving borrowed or rented cars.
Yes. If your vehicle is not in use, you can get comprehensive-only coverage, which protects against theft, vandalism, and weather damage. You may also need to file a Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status with the DMV to avoid penalties.
Progressive, GEICO, and Esurance offer flexible short-term policies with early cancellation options. Metromile is a good choice for low-mileage drivers, while non-owner insurance is available from multiple providers.
Yes. Many insurers, such as GEICO and Progressive, allow you to purchase policies online, adjust coverage, and cancel if necessary.
Yes. If you’re visiting and renting a car, you can purchase temporary coverage through the rental company. If you’re borrowing a car, consider non-owner car insurance to meet California’s liability requirements.
It depends. Short-term policies often have higher monthly rates since insurers prefer longer commitments. However, pay-per-mile insurance or early cancellation of a standard policy may save money if you don’t need long-term coverage.
Most insurers refund unused premiums if you cancel early. However, some may charge a cancellation fee, and frequent cancellations could affect your insurance history.
Yes, but it may be more expensive. If you have a DUI or multiple violations, you might need high-risk insurance (SR-22), which some insurers offer for short periods.
Most lenders require full coverage (liability, collision, and comprehensive), even if you only need insurance for a short time. Check with your lender before purchasing temporary insurance.
Not usually. Rental car companies offer their own insurance, but if you have non-owner car insurance or a credit card with rental coverage, you might not need additional protection.
If you drive infrequently, consider pay-per-mile insurance (like Metromile) or non-owner insurance, which can be cheaper than a full policy.
Yes. If you’re a college student who only drives while home on break, consider non-owner insurance or a pay-per-mile policy to save money. Some insurers also offer discounts for students.
Yes, but it’s expensive. Many insurers charge higher rates for drivers under 25. Instead of short-term insurance, young drivers may save money by being added to a parent’s policy.
Rideshare companies provide limited coverage, but you may need a rideshare endorsement from insurers like GEICO or Progressive. Temporary coverage is generally unavailable for Uber or Lyft drivers.
Some insurers allow this, but it’s rare. If you regularly drive someone else’s car, non-owner insurance is a better option.
Yes, but it will be expensive. High-risk drivers often need SR-22 insurance, which is available as a short-term policy from some providers.
Traditional insurers don’t offer one-day or one-week policies, but you can buy a standard policy and cancel it early. Rental car insurance or non-owner insurance may also work, depending on your situation.
The Final Word On Temporary Car Insurance In California
While traditional temporary car insurance policies are not commonly available in California, various alternatives can accommodate short-term insurance needs. By exploring options such as standard policies with early cancellation, non-owner insurance, or pay-per-mile coverage, you can find a solution that fits your specific needs.
Always assess your circumstances when buying temporary car insurance in California. Now that you understand the ins and outs of short-term car insurance, get an online quote and compare the cheapest rates from top providers. Save more money today on the quality coverage you deserve.
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