Updated: October 22, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
One-day car insurance isn’t a legitimate product. Be cautious of providers claiming to offer one-day coverage.
If you need one-day coverage, consider enrolling in a six-month policy and canceling early or get a rental or usage-based car insurance policy.
If you need only a single day of coverage as proof of insurance. Buying non-owner insurance may be the right one-day car insurance option for you.
One-day car insurance, also called daily car insurance, refers to temporary auto coverage lasting 24 hours or a few days. Such coverage for just 24 hours is not available. Be cautious of providers claiming to offer such coverage. Most major insurers offer policies with a minimum term of six months.
Watch out for providers selling one-day car insurance. Most insurers don't offer policies shorter than six months. You may fall victim to an insurance scam if you're not careful.
Car insurers don't provide daily car insurance. But several methods can get you car insurance coverage for one day. The best methods to get temporary insurance are:
Buying a standard car insurance policy and canceling it early is a common solution for one-day coverage. However, some car insurance companies charge cancellation fees, making your premium more expensive. To avoid surprises, request a quote and clarify any fees before purchasing. Many insurers offer same-day car insurance, which starts immediately. Some even provide no-down-payment options, requiring only the first month's premium to activate coverage.
If you share your car with someone who lives with you, ask the owner to add you to their insurance policy for one day. This method gives you proof of insurance and can be cancelled the next day, effectively giving you a single day of coverage.
Non-owner car insurance is ideal for those needing same-day proof of insurance but who don't own a car. Non-owner insurance offers one day of liability coverage, covering costs for damage or medical bills after an accident. These policies are typically more affordable than standard car insurance.
If you don't drive often, pay-per-mile insurance is a more cost-effective choice than one-day coverage. Premiums are calculated based on mileage, making pay-per-mile ideal for infrequent drivers. Check with your insurer to see if it offers pay-per-mile coverage.
Rental car insurance suits drivers who need one-day coverage while renting a vehicle. You can purchase car insurance for one day from the rental agency, your regular insurance provider or, in some cases, your credit card company.
One-day car insurance isn't available, but temporary coverage may be needed in situations like borrowing a car or driving a rental. You might also need proof of insurance if you don't own a car. Here are common scenarios where temporary coverage can be beneficial:
Its possible you don't need one-day car insurance if you're using someone else's car for errands. Most policies include a permissive clause, allowing the owner's coverage to extend to you as long as the owner gives permission.
Rental insurance is a great option when traveling and you need more than one day of car insurance. You can purchase coverage from the rental agent, check with your insurance provider for a better deal or contact your credit card issuer because many credit card companies offer rental insurance if you pay with their cards.
Gathering estimates is a smart way to find the cheapest temporary car insurance.
If you plan to buy a standard car insurance policy and cancel it early, look for an insurer that doesn't charge a cancellation fee to receive a full refund for unused premiums. Compare average costs for one- and three-month coverage across all states and Washington, D.C. in the table:
| AIG | $212 | $424 |
| Allstate | $411 | $822 |
| Farmers | $463 | $925 |
| GEICO | $277 | $554 |
| Nationwide | $347 | $693 |
| Progressive | $398 | $796 |
| Travelers | $257 | $515 |
* Rates above are for a full car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits. Rates may vary in your state based on your desired coverage.
One-day car insurance doesn't exist as a standalone product, but you have several alternatives for temporary coverage. The most common solution is buying a standard six-month policy online and canceling it early, though you'll pay at least one month's premium and potentially a cancellation fee.
You can get one-day coverage through rental companies, your credit card or by extending your existing auto policy for rental cars. If you're borrowing someone else's car, the owner's insurance may already cover you through permissive use, eliminating the need for separate coverage.
We answer common questions about one-day car insurance and temporary coverage options:
Most car insurance companies don't offer one-day coverage. You'll need to buy traditional car insurance, pay the first month's premium and cancel the policy early.
If you need one-day insurance coverage, you can purchase a standard car insurance policy and terminate it early, or get rental or usage-based insurance for temporary coverage needs.
Consider one-day car insurance when driving someone else's car and you aren't listed on the owner's policy. One-day coverage also works if you're renting a car for a short period. If you need proof of insurance without owning a vehicle, non-owner insurance is a good option.
Finding accurate one-day car insurance rates is challenging because standard policies require longer commitments. Understanding how insurers calculate these rates helps you evaluate your short-term coverage options and avoid overpaying for temporary financial protection.
Our Research Approach
Car insurance rates vary based on insurer, age, gender, vehicle, location, credit score and driving history. We analyzed 83,056 quotes from 46 companies across 473 ZIP codes to calculate average rates for short-term coverage options.
Sample Driver Profile
We used a baseline driver profile to ensure consistent rate comparisons:
We adjusted age, gender, vehicle, credit score and driving record to reflect different driver situations common in short-term insurance needs.
Understanding Coverage and Costs
Our analysis used 100/300/100 comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible: $100,000 bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 property damage liability per accident. You'll pay the $1,000 deductible out-of-pocket before your car insurance covers the rest, with higher deductibles generally leading to lower premiums.
We also analyzed 50/100/50 liability-only and 50/100/50 comprehensive and collision policies, calculating costs for annual, six-month and monthly payment options to show how canceling early affects your total cost.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
