Temporary Car Insurance in Florida

If you need a car for only a short period in Florida, purchasing temporary car insurance is often the cheapest and best option. Temporary car insurance provides coverage for just a few days up to a couple of months. This differs from most policies, which are typically 6 months to 12 months. 

Temporary auto insurance in Florida fits drivers who just need a vehicle briefly, such as a college student coming home for the summer, or a business person who will be renting a car for two or three weeks in FL. This guide goes in-depth on everything you need to know about getting cheap temporary car insurance in Florida.

What is Temporary Car Insurance?

Temporary car insurance provides shorter-term coverage compared to standard annual automobile insurance policies. It allows you to get insurance coverage only for the specific timeframe you need. If you need additional time, you can usually extend your coverage for another day, week, or month.   

Most temporary car insurance policies in Florida typically last anywhere from 1 day up to 30 days. Some insurers may offer policies for three months.  

Just like standard insurance, temporary coverage protects you financially if you get into an accident by paying for repairs to your rental car or covering injuries and damages you cause to others. However, the coverage amounts tend to be lower than with annual policies and you typically won’t get extras like roadside assistance.

When Do You Need Temporary Car Insurance?

Here are some of the most common situations when purchasing temporary car insurance in Florida.  

• Borrowing someone else’s car for a short period
• Renting a car for a road trip 
• On an extended business trip and need added protection
• Leasing a car short-term while your own vehicle is in the repair shop
• Needing a car for one month during a college break 
• Wanting your friend or family member to be covered if they borrow your car

As you can see, temporary car insurance is ideal for covering a vehicle when you need it for a short time, like a week or up to a month. Getting temporary insurance for longer than a month doesn’t make as much financial sense. If you need your car covered for 3 or 4 months, then you should probably get a six-month policy and then cancel it later on if you need to.  

Is Temporary Auto Insurance Legal in Florida?

Yes, getting temporary car insurance to cover a vehicle for anywhere from 1 day up to 1 month is perfectly legal in Florida. In fact, Florida law actually mandates that all drivers carry the state minimum auto insurance coverage amounts on any vehicle they drive. Florida minimum liability coverage amounts are:

• $10,000 for injuries or death per person
• $20,000 for total injuries or death per accident  
• $10,000 for property damage

So long as the temporary policy you purchase meets these baseline requirements under Florida law, you are good to go.  It’s also important to note that Florida does not require drivers to have their own car insurance policy. So you do not need an existing annual policy in your name to legally get a temporary insurance policy on a rental car or borrowed vehicle.

As long as you have valid temporary car insurance coverage that meets the state minimum requirements listed above, you can legally drive any car in Florida with the owner’s permission.

Where to Get Temporary Car Insurance in Florida

You have several options for securing temporary car insurance coverage in Florida:

1. Specialty insurers in Florida that focus specifically on temporary policies – These insurers provide short-term policies ranging from just a couple of days up to 3 months. They make the quote and purchase process quick and convenient.
2. Standard insurance companies that offer temporary coverage – Some major auto insurance carriers like State Farm and Allstate allow you to add a temporary use rider to an existing policy to cover borrowing a vehicle or renting one.  
3. Coverage From a Rental Car Company – If you rent a car, the rental agency is required to provide minimum liability insurance that meets state requirements. However, their coverage tends to be very basic. Many experts recommend purchasing a policy from a 3rd party insurer for better protection.
4. Florida Joint Underwriting Association (FJUA) – This organization offers temporary car insurance coverage in FL as a last resort insurer if you’re having trouble finding coverage elsewhere. Monthly policies are available.

Experts typically recommend securing an independent temporary FL insurance policy from a specialty provider over relying solely on rental car coverage for better rates and coverage levels. 

How Much Does Temporary Car Insurance in Florida Cost?

Costs for temporary car insurance in Florida can vary quite a bit depending on:

• Your age and driving record
• Length of the policy  
• Type and value of the vehicle
• Coverage amounts selected  
• The city and state where the vehicle will be driven 

Typically rates range from as low as $9 per day up to $25 per day depending on these factors. 

To give you a better idea, here are sample quotes from five top insurers offering temporary coverage in Florida for less than $200 a month:

As you can see, even drivers with accidents and tickets can find cheap temporary car insurance in Florida for under $20 per day on average. Daily rates typically range from as low as $7 per day for older drivers with clean records up to $25 per day for younger motorists with infractions.

The amount of coverage you select also plays a significant role in determining total policy costs. Picking lower liability limits can save you quite a bit of money.

Tips for Getting the Cheapest Temporary Car Insurance in Florida 

Here are some top ways to get the lowest possible rate on Florida temporary car insurance:

• Compare quotes from at least 3 insurers
• Select lower liability limits like 30/60/10 instead of 100/300/100
• Take advantage of low mileage discounts 
• Ask about discounts for safety features like airbags and anti-theft devices 
• Avoid adding collision/comprehensive coverage to older cars
• Partner with an insurer that offers discounts for completing defensive driver courses or having good grades
• Reduce your quote by raising your deductible amount  

Following these tips can potentially cut your daily insurance costs by as much as 50% or more.

Temporary Insurance Policy Exclusions

While temporary car insurance protects for a short period, most policies do contain exclusions. Common temporary auto policy exclusions include:

• Regular vehicle maintenance and repairs – you cannot make a claim to fix existing problems with the car or perform standard maintenance.
• Pre-existing damage – damage to the vehicle that occurred before coverage started will not be covered.
• Personal property – things like clothes, electronics, etc. left in a rental or borrowed car are not covered. You need renters or homeowners insurance for that.
• Business/commercial use – using the vehicle for any type of delivery or other business purposes.

Be sure to read the fine print to look for any other exclusions or limitations before purchasing a policy. This can help avoid any surprises later on.

Can I Cancel My Temporary FL Auto Insurance Early? 

Yes – most insurers allow you to cancel your temporary car insurance policy early and receive a pro-rated refund. There is usually no fee or penalty for canceling a short-term policy as long as no claim has been filed.

For example, say you purchased 14 days of coverage but ended up only needing the car for 7 days. You would typically be eligible for a 50% refund of your original premium cost when you cancel.

However, this can vary by insurer so double-check cancellation rules at the time of purchase. However, early cancellation and pro-rated refunds are generally standard practice with temporary auto policies.

Do I Need Temporary Insurance on a Florida Rental Car?

This depends – rental car agencies are required by law to provide minimum liability coverage that meets state auto insurance requirements. 

However, many experts caution that rental company insurance tends to offer the bare minimum legally allowed. The coverage amounts they include tend to be extremely low and may leave you financially exposed.

For example, a basic rental car policy might include just $10,000 in bodily injury liability per person or $10,000 total property damage coverage – that’s the minimum Florida legal requirement. If you caused an accident that injured multiple parties or resulted in $15,000 in vehicle damage, you could be on the hook for quite a bit.

The Final Word on Temporary Auto Insurance in Florida 

When you need a car insured for just a short period of time in Florida, temporary coverage can be the ideal solution. Getting temporary auto insurance tends to cost less than longer-term policies since you’re only paying for the exact days or weeks you actually need the coverage. Just make sure that whichever insurer you choose provides adequate coverage to meet your state’s minimum liability requirements and protects you should an accident occur. 

The most important thing when selecting a temporary insurer is to understand what’s covered and what’s not. While minimum liability meets state requirements, it may not cover damage to your own car in an accident. Consider adding collision or comprehensive if you’re driving a newer vehicle. Also, look at extras like roadside assistance which can be invaluable if you break down out-of-state.

Temporary coverage gives Florida drivers an affordable way to stay insured while between vehicles, taking a road trip out of state, or during other short-term situations. With a little research and quote shopping, Florida drivers can easily find cheap car insurance for a short period. To find temporary car insurance quotes where you live, enter your zip code and fill out a free online obligation. Compare up to 10 rates from both regional and national insurers. Save more money today on temporary car insurance in Florida.