The term short term car insurance can be misleading. Learn exactly what it means, who it's for and how to get it.
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Short-term car insurance, also known as temporary car insurance, refers to auto policies shorter than the typical six-month to a year. If you’re renting a car or borrowing someone else’s car for a trip, short-term car insurance may be worth looking into in case of an unexpected accident.
Most major insurance companies don’t specifically offer temporary car insurance. However, some offer policies with varying terms that you can cancel once you no longer need coverage. However, beware of fake car insurance companies that claim to provide cheap short-term auto insurance. Some ads may try to entice you by offering seven-day or 30-day policies but may only be able to provide you with a minimum of six months.
If a friend or family member borrows your car once in a blue moon, they will likely be covered by your policy. However, if someone is going to borrow your vehicle regularly, you may want to add them to your insurance. While this may increase your rates, you can take them off the policy once they stop using your car.
The rental insurance company will typically provide drivers insurance coverage when renting a car. If no insurance is provided or you’re planning to rent a car for an extended period, temporary car insurance may be a good fit. Before you purchase a new policy, though, be sure to check with your insurer first to see if they may be able to provide some alternative coverage for you.