Getting a one-week policy can be challenging, but temporary car insurance hacks can help ensure short-term coverage. Below are some steps you can take to get car insurance for a week.
How to Get One-Week Car Insurance
Updated: March 27, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
State Farm, GEICO and Nationwide offer affordable one-week car insurance coverage, with the cheapest at $9 per week.
People borrowing vehicles, test driving, using a vehicle temporarily, facing insurance gaps or hosting visitors may seek a one-week car insurance option for short-term coverage.
Ads offering single-day or one-week car insurance are often untrustworthy and could be luring you into a scam.
1. Find Out If You Can Get One-Week Car Insurance
Short-term car insurance, often called temporary car insurance, isn’t a standard product. Most insurers offer policies with six or 12-month terms, making one-week coverage difficult to find. Start by checking if you qualify for one-week insurance. Contact providers directly to request quotes for short-term options.
2. Understand Your Options
When requesting quotes, ask providers about all available options. Even if one-week coverage isn’t offered, they may have policies that suit your needs. You might also come across ads for car insurance lasting as short as one day, one week or one month.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Research thoroughly before buying insurance, even for temporary use. Compare insurers to avoid subpar coverage and poor customer service. Consider costs, coverage options and eligibility to make an informed decision.
3. Buy Non-Owner Car Insurance
Non-owner insurance is for licensed drivers who don’t own a car but occasionally borrow or rent vehicles. It focuses on minimum coverage, paying for bodily injury or property damage if you're at fault in an accident.
Unlike standard car insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage, non-owner policies are often more affordable. Non-owner insurance typically lasts six or 12 months, similar to standard policies. The average annual cost of non-owner insurance is $448, compared to $490 for a traditional policy with similar coverage.
4. Add Yourself to an Existing Car Insurance Policy
Planning to use your roommate's car for a week? You can temporarily join their insurance policy, but only for personal use. If you’re driving for business purposes, you’ll need commercial auto insurance to cover additional drivers not living with the policyholder.
CAN I ADD MY TEEN DRIVER TO MY POLICY?
You can add a teen to your car insurance if they live with you during the policy period. If your teen drives only when home on school breaks and doesn’t have their own policy, you can still add them to yours. Some insurers offer distant student discounts for this situation.
However, be prepared for a premium increase when adding a young driver. If your teen has their own car, drives regularly and lives away from home, they should get a policy.
5. Drive With a Policyholder’s Permissive Use
Permissive use allows someone not listed on your policy to drive your car and still be covered by your insurance. It’s like an "unlisted driver" benefit.
Here’s how it works:
- Getting permission: You should get the car owner’s consent, which can be verbal or written.
- Usage limits: Permissive use typically applies to occasional driving. For example, if a friend borrows your car once a month, they’re usually covered. However, if a family member drives your car daily after moving out, it may not qualify.
- Accidents and coverage: If an accident occurs while a permissive user is driving, your insurance generally covers the damage, but always check your policy for details.
CAN I ADD A TEMPORARY DRIVER TO MY INSURANCE?
You can add a temporary driver to your car insurance policy, known as a named driver or additional driver. To do this, contact your insurer and provide the driver's name, date of birth, license information and coverage duration.
Note that the additional driver must live with you to be added to your policy.
6. Get Rental Car Insurance
If you're renting a vehicle for the weekend, many rental agencies offer weekend car insurance as an add-on. While convenient, it’s often more expensive than policies from independent insurers.
These weekend insurance options usually match your rental duration. Whether you choose a basic or extended plan, make sure it meets your needs and provides good value.
7. Buy a Traditional Policy and Cancel Early
Purchase the shortest term — typically six months — and choose to pay monthly. After a month or once you’re done driving, call your insurance provider to cancel your policy. You've paid for only one month, so there's no refund wait. However, choose an insurance company that doesn't charge a cancellation fee.
How Much Is One-Week Car Insurance?
When you buy car insurance, you're typically required to pay for the first month before your policy is activated. If you need insurance only for a week, you can cancel your policy once you're done driving.
Car insurance companies calculate premiums in various ways. Some may offer lower rates than others. Below, you can compare the cost of one-week car insurance with monthly and annual rates. Use the dropdown to filter by age range and desired coverage level.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Range:30-59
Select
Coverage Options:State Minimum Liability Only
| State Farm | $9 | $34 | $409 |
| GEICO | $9 | $35 | $424 |
| Nationwide | $10 | $38 | $462 |
| Travelers | $11 | $42 | $504 |
| Progressive | $11 | $43 | $514 |
| Farmers | $12 | $48 | $572 |
| Allstate | $13 | $50 | $604 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for One-Week Coverage by State
Whether you're borrowing someone else's car, renting one for a week, traveling to another state or temporarily relocating, make sure you have the right coverage for that time.
Below, you'll find a comparison of one-week car insurance costs by state, along with monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual rates. You can also see the cheapest company in each state. Use the drop-down menu to filter results by age group and preferred coverage level.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Range:30-59
Select
Coverage Options:Minimum Coverage
| Alabama | Cincinnati Insurance | $4 | $17 | $50 | $100 | $201 |
| Alaska | State Farm | $7 | $27 | $81 | $161 | $322 |
| Arizona | Mercury | $6 | $25 | $76 | $152 | $305 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | $5 | $19 | $58 | $116 | $232 |
| California | GEICO | $9 | $35 | $105 | $210 | $419 |
| Colorado | American National P&C | $4 | $18 | $54 | $108 | $216 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $7 | $27 | $80 | $160 | $319 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $10 | $39 | $116 | $232 | $464 |
| District of Columbia | GEICO | $8 | $31 | $93 | $186 | $372 |
| District of Columbia | Chubb | $8 | $31 | $93 | $186 | $372 |
| Florida | GEICO | $10 | $40 | $121 | $243 | $485 |
| Georgia | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $6 | $26 | $78 | $155 | $311 |
| Hawaii | GEICO | $5 | $18 | $54 | $108 | $217 |
| Idaho | American National P&C | $3 | $11 | $32 | $63 | $127 |
| Illinois | Mercury | $5 | $19 | $56 | $113 | $226 |
| Indiana | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $5 | $19 | $57 | $114 | $228 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $3 | $12 | $36 | $72 | $144 |
| Kansas | Nationwide | $5 | $18 | $55 | $110 | $221 |
| Kentucky | Cincinnati Insurance | $5 | $21 | $64 | $128 | $257 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Farm Bureau | $10 | $40 | $121 | $242 | $484 |
| Maine | Countryway Insurance | $5 | $18 | $55 | $111 | $221 |
| Maryland | Kemper | $11 | $45 | $134 | $269 | $538 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $5 | $18 | $55 | $110 | $221 |
| Michigan | Travelers | $2 | $8 | $25 | $50 | $101 |
| Minnesota | Westfield | $7 | $26 | $79 | $159 | $317 |
| Mississippi | Direct General Insurance | $6 | $23 | $69 | $138 | $275 |
| Missouri | State Farm | $8 | $32 | $97 | $194 | $388 |
| Montana | State Farm | $3 | $14 | $42 | $84 | $168 |
| Nebraska | American National P&C | $3 | $12 | $35 | $69 | $138 |
| Nevada | CSAA | $9 | $37 | $111 | $222 | $444 |
| New Hampshire | State Farm | $5 | $21 | $62 | $124 | $247 |
| New Jersey | GEICO | $9 | $36 | $107 | $214 | $428 |
| New Mexico | State Farm | $5 | $21 | $64 | $127 | $254 |
| New York | Kemper | $10 | $39 | $116 | $232 | $464 |
| North Carolina | Nationwide | $5 | $20 | $61 | $121 | $242 |
| North Dakota | Nodak Mutual | $4 | $16 | $47 | $95 | $190 |
| Ohio | Erie | $4 | $15 | $44 | $88 | $176 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $4 | $18 | $54 | $107 | $215 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $8 | $32 | $95 | $190 | $381 |
| Pennsylvania | Erie | $5 | $20 | $60 | $119 | $238 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $7 | $29 | $86 | $172 | $344 |
| South Carolina | American National P&C | $5 | $21 | $63 | $126 | $251 |
| South Dakota | Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $4 | $17 | $52 | $103 | $207 |
| Tennessee | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $4 | $17 | $52 | $103 | $207 |
| Texas | State Farm | $7 | $27 | $80 | $160 | $321 |
| Utah | Farmers Union Insurance | $8 | $32 | $97 | $194 | $388 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $4 | $17 | $50 | $99 | $198 |
| Virginia | American Family | $5 | $20 | $61 | $121 | $243 |
| Washington | PEMCO | $5 | $22 | $66 | $131 | $262 |
| West Virginia | Erie | $6 | $25 | $76 | $151 | $303 |
| Wisconsin | Erie | $5 | $19 | $57 | $115 | $230 |
| Wyoming | GEICO | $4 | $15 | $44 | $88 | $176 |
WHAT IS INTERSTATE COVERAGE?
Interstate coverage ensures that you're protected while driving across state lines. Most car insurance policies naturally include this coverage, but it's a good idea to double-check with your insurer.
When setting up your policy, your insurer will typically ask about your driving habits, including the areas you plan to drive. If your trips are mainly within your home state, interstate coverage might not be a significant concern. However, if you plan to travel across state lines, confirm that your policy provides the necessary coverage for those trips.
One-Week Car Insurance Quotes
Comparing quotes from multiple companies gives you an idea of how much your policy might cost. Use MoneyGeek's calculator below to get quick estimates from different providers.
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
$192
High
$139
Average
$87
Low
Rates updated:
Apr 23, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 | 83 /of 100 | $118 | |
| 4 | 83 /of 100 | $129 | |
| 5 | 79 /of 100 | $133 | |
| 6 | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
1
Capital Insurance Group
MoneyGeek Score
94
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$87/mo
2
GEICO
MoneyGeek Score
82
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$109/mo
MoneyGeek Score
83
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$118/mo
MoneyGeek Score
83
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$129/mo
MoneyGeek Score
79
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$133/mo
MoneyGeek Score
77
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$151/mo
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Evaluate how much coverage aligns with your needs, even for short-term requirements like a week. Factors to consider include:
- Will you be driving in areas with higher crime rates?
- Might you encounter challenging weather?
- Are you driving a luxury or high-value vehicle?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, consider collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance covers damage from accidents with other cars or objects. Comprehensive insurance protects against theft, vandalism or damage caused by natural events.
Who Should Get One-Week Car Insurance?
People who drive occasionally, are in between cars or policies, or rent cars benefit from short-term car insurance.
- Get insurance from a U.S.-based provider.
- Choose rental company insurance.
- Use your credit card’s rental car insurance perks.
You drive occasionally
If you don't drive often, why pay for a full year's insurance? Short-term car insurance could be a better value.
You’re borrowing someone else’s car
While borrowing a vehicle, it's wise — and often required — to have insurance coverage. However, in many cases, it's the car owner's insurance that's primarily used in an incident.
You don’t own a car and will rent one
Rental companies require insurance. While some offer it, it may not be the best deal. If you have a clean driving record and a high deductible on your own policy, your coverage might be more affordable. However, if your driving history isn't great, consider choosing the company's insurance.
You have car insurance but are traveling to a different state
Spending a week in another state? Your current policy likely covers out-of-state trips. However, insurance requirements vary by state. Make sure your coverage meets the destination state's rules. For example, a snowy state may require collision coverage, while a high-risk city might need comprehensive coverage.
You’re currently in between cars
Even if your old vehicle isn't in use, maintaining insurance may be legally required if it's still registered. Beware of potential insurance lapses that can affect your registration.
You want to test drive a car
If you're considering purchasing a car from a private seller and their insurance lacks a permissive use clause, you'll need to secure coverage for the test drive. If you're planning on a purchase, you can seamlessly transfer your new insurance to your new vehicle.
You're in between car insurance policies
Did you create a gap between your old and new policies? Short-term insurance can fill the gap and ensure continuous coverage.
You’re a foreign tourist on vacation in the U.S.
Tourists must follow insurance requirements before driving in the U.S. As a foreign visitor, you can:
Always keep your insurance card on hand. Accidents are unpredictable, and you'll need to show proof of insurance if required.
Downside to Getting 7-Day Car Insurance
Insurers prefer long-term customers since short-term ones may not cover administrative costs. While you can cancel, whether you get a refund for unused premium depends on the insurer's policies and state regulations.
Most car insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim. This means you can't claim for damage that occurs within the first 30 days of your policy. Read your policy carefully to decide if short-term insurance is right for you.
DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE CAN LEAD TO COSTLY GAPS
Canceling your policy and driving without coverage can result in a lapse. You also can't drive legally unless you're covered under permissive use or get insurance from a rental car company. Even if you plan to drive later, any gap in your coverage may lead to higher premiums in the future.
How to Get Car Insurance for a Week: Bottom Line
While one-week car insurance policies don’t exist, you can get temporary coverage through rental car insurance, non-owner policies or short-term add-ons. This guide helps you explore these options and choose the best solution for your needs.
One-Week Car Insurance: FAQ
Many drivers seeking short-term coverage wonder if one-week car insurance is possible. MoneyGeek answers common questions to help you find temporary coverage that fits your driving needs and budget.
What is the shortest term for car insurance?
Most insurance providers offer policies with six- or 12-month terms. Short-term car insurance isn't a specific product but a strategy that policyholders use to get temporary coverage.
How much does one-week car insurance cost?
State Farm and GEICO offer the cheapest minimum insurance at $9 per week. They don’t charge cancellation fees, and you can cancel your policy over the phone.
Do I need to get my own insurance if I’m borrowing someone’s car?
If you’re borrowing a friend's or a relative’s car, you’re likely to get coverage from the owner’s insurance policy.
Cheap One-Week Car Insurance: Our Review Methodology
Study Overview
MoneyGeek analyzed car insurance quotes for a sample driver profile to determine national and state averages. We focused on minimum insurance prices, the rate difference between minimum and full coverage, and how at-fault accidents and speeding tickets affect rates.
Data Sources and Depth
We collected data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services, studying 83,056 quotes from 46 companies across 473 ZIP codes.
Driver Profile
We used a sample driver with the following characteristics to calculate the average annual car insurance cost:
- 40-year-old male
- Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
We adjusted the profile by location, coverage type and coverage amount to estimate insurance costs across the U.S. for different needs.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained
Minimum coverage doesn't have a deductible. Full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision insurance, has a deductible for each type. The amount can be the same or different for each. It’s what you pay out of pocket before your insurer covers repair or replacement costs in a claim. Full coverage provides the best protection since it covers damage and injuries to others, as well as damage to your vehicle.
Liability limits are explained as:
- 100/300/100 means:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
- 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
For national averages, we used a full coverage policy with 100/300/100 liability limits and a $1,000 deductible for comprehensive and collision. For state-specific quotes, we used a full coverage policy with 50/100/50 liability limits and the same $1,000 deductible for both coverage types.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology.
Weekly Car Insurance: Related Articles
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.