How to Get One-Week Car Insurance


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Key Takeaways

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State Farm, GEICO and Nationwide offer affordable one-week car insurance coverage, with the cheapest at $9 per week.

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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.

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Ads offering single-day or one-week car insurance are often untrustworthy and could be luring you into a scam.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.
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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
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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
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Coverage Options:Minimum Coverage
AlabamaCincinnati Insurance$4$17$50$100$201
AlaskaState Farm$7$27$81$161$322
ArizonaMercury$6$25$76$152$305
ArkansasState Farm$5$19$58$116$232
CaliforniaGEICO$9$35$105$210$419
ColoradoAmerican National P&C$4$18$54$108$216
ConnecticutGEICO$7$27$80$160$319
DelawareTravelers$10$39$116$232$464
District of ColumbiaGEICO$8$31$93$186$372
District of ColumbiaChubb$8$31$93$186$372
FloridaGEICO$10$40$121$243$485
GeorgiaAuto-Owners Insurance Co$6$26$78$155$311
HawaiiGEICO$5$18$54$108$217
IdahoAmerican National P&C$3$11$32$63$127
IllinoisMercury$5$19$56$113$226
IndianaAuto-Owners Insurance Co$5$19$57$114$228
IowaState Farm$3$12$36$72$144
KansasNationwide$5$18$55$110$221
KentuckyCincinnati Insurance$5$21$64$128$257
LouisianaLouisiana Farm Bureau$10$40$121$242$484
MaineCountryway Insurance$5$18$55$111$221
MarylandKemper$11$45$134$269$538
MassachusettsState Farm$5$18$55$110$221
MichiganTravelers$2$8$25$50$101
MinnesotaWestfield$7$26$79$159$317
MississippiDirect General Insurance$6$23$69$138$275
MissouriState Farm$8$32$97$194$388
MontanaState Farm$3$14$42$84$168
NebraskaAmerican National P&C$3$12$35$69$138
NevadaCSAA$9$37$111$222$444
New HampshireState Farm$5$21$62$124$247
New JerseyGEICO$9$36$107$214$428
New MexicoState Farm$5$21$64$127$254
New YorkKemper$10$39$116$232$464
North CarolinaNationwide$5$20$61$121$242
North DakotaNodak Mutual$4$16$47$95$190
OhioErie$4$15$44$88$176
OklahomaState Farm$4$18$54$107$215
OregonState Farm$8$32$95$190$381
PennsylvaniaErie$5$20$60$119$238
Rhode IslandState Farm$7$29$86$172$344
South CarolinaAmerican National P&C$5$21$63$126$251
South DakotaFarmers Mutual of Nebraska$4$17$52$103$207
TennesseeAuto-Owners Insurance Co$4$17$52$103$207
TexasState Farm$7$27$80$160$321
UtahFarmers Union Insurance$8$32$97$194$388
VermontState Farm$4$17$50$99$198
VirginiaAmerican Family$5$20$61$121$243
WashingtonPEMCO$5$22$66$131$262
West VirginiaErie$6$25$76$151$303
WisconsinErie$5$19$57$115$230
WyomingGEICO$4$15$44$88$176
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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 01, 2025

Insurance Carrier
MoneyGeek Score
Average Monthly
Payment
1
Capital Insurance Group

Capital Insurance Group

94
/of 100
$87
2
GEICO

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

Capital Insurance Group

MoneyGeek Score
94
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$87/mo
2
GEICO

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
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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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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:

    • Get insurance from a U.S.-based provider.
    • Choose rental company insurance.
    • Use your credit card’s rental car insurance perks.

    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.

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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.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Why do we need ZIP code?

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?

How much does one-week car insurance cost?

Do I need to get my own insurance if I’m borrowing someone’s car?

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

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.


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