Major insurers don't offer month-to-month car insurance. Established companies sell only six-month or annual policies, not 30-day insurance plans. Be cautious of websites advertising daily or weekly car insurance options because these are often scams that leave you driving without proper coverage. Your best option depends on your situation, how long you need coverage, whether you own a vehicle and your driving frequency.
Month-to-Month Car Insurance
Updated: November 6, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Month-to-month car insurance offers a flexible alternative to traditional six-month or annual policies. If you need temporary coverage, this option lets you adjust your protection without long-term commitments, but you'll pay more for that flexibility.
To get month-to-month car insurance, buy a standard six-month policy and cancel when finished. True "monthly" car insurance plans don't exist, but this provides temporary coverage.
Pay your premium in full to save money by avoiding installment fees of $5 to $15 per payment and qualifying for 5% to 10% discounts. A $50 cancellation fee increases the cost of one-week coverage by 179%.
Nationwide provides the best month-to-month car insurance due to its flexibility with no cancellation penalties and quick refund processing. Other good options include State Farm, Allstate and GEICO, each offering different advantages for short-term coverage.
What Is Month-to-Month Car Insurance?
Temporary Car Insurance Coverage Types
Temporary car insurance provides flexible coverage options for drivers who need month-to-month or 30-day policies. Compare the options below to find the right coverage for your needs.
Coverage Type | Best For | Key Benefit | Duration Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard policy/Early cancellation | Temporary car owners | Full coverage with a refund | 1–6 months |
Non-owner | Non-owners who drive occasionally | Affordable liability coverage | 1–6 months |
Added driver | Regular borrowers of the same vehicle | Cost-effective for frequent use | 1–6 months |
Usage-based | Very infrequent drivers | Pay for actual mileage | 1–6 months |
Rental car | 1 to 7-day needs | Convenient for brief driving | 1–7 days |
Permissive use | Brief borrowing of someone's car | No additional cost | 1–7 days |
Non-owner liability | Brief driving without ownership | Minimal coverage for short needs | 1–30 days |
Temporary named driver | Short-term access to someone's car | Leverages existing policy | 1–30 days |
GETTING SAME-DAY TEMPORARY CAR INSURANCE
GEICO, Progressive and State Farm provide immediate temporary car insurance with digital ID cards available online within minutes. You can start coverage and receive proof of insurance instantly, perfect for driving a newly purchased vehicle home or borrowing a car for a short trip. These insurers also offer 30-day car insurance policies with no waiting period, so you're covered the moment you need it.
Pros and Cons of Short-Term Auto Insurance
The main advantage is paying only for coverage when needed, with options including month-to-month policies, non-owner insurance and pay-per-mile plans. The primary drawback is higher daily rates compared to standard annual policies.
Month-to-Month Auto Insurance
Buy a standard six-month policy and cancel early for full coverage with prorated refunds. You pay more upfront and wait seven to 30 days for your refund after cancellation.
Non-Owner Car Insurance
Non-owner policies provide liability coverage for drivers without vehicles. This coverage maintains your insurance history and satisfies SR-22 requirements at lower rates than standard policies. You won't get coverage for damage to borrowed vehicles, just liability protection.
Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
Pay-per-mile insurance cuts premiums up to 40% for drivers traveling under 500 miles monthly. You pay a low base rate plus charges for actual miles driven. Insurers require telematics monitoring to qualify for these rates.
Daily Rental Coverage
Rental companies sell coverage for one to seven days without requiring policy cancellations. This gets expensive after one week compared to month-to-month policies.
Named Driver Addition
Get added to someone else's existing policy for comprehensive coverage at lower cost than buying separate insurance. You're only covered for specific periods, and your protection depends on the policyholder keeping their policy active.
Month-to-Month Car Insurance Cost
Month-to-month car insurance costs approximately $113 based on prorating a standard six-month policy priced at $678. You'll receive around $565 as a refund when you cancel temporary car insurance after 30 days.
Monthly Car Insurance Quotes by State
Monthly car insurance quotes vary between states due to local regulations, traffic patterns and risk factors. Compare your state's average costs below to determine if the quotes you receive for short-term coverage are competitive.
Data filtered by:
Minimum Coverage
| Alabama | $1 | $8 | $30 | $91 |
| Alaska | $1 | $9 | $36 | $107 |
| Arizona | $1 | $11 | $44 | $131 |
| Arkansas | $1 | $8 | $34 | $101 |
| California | $2 | $12 | $50 | $149 |
| Colorado | $1 | $9 | $37 | $111 |
| Connecticut | $2 | $15 | $59 | $176 |
| Delaware | $3 | $21 | $85 | $254 |
| District of Columbia | $2 | $12 | $46 | $138 |
| Florida | $2 | $17 | $67 | $201 |
| Georgia | $1 | $10 | $38 | $115 |
| Hawaii | $1 | $8 | $30 | $91 |
| Idaho | $1 | $6 | $25 | $76 |
| Illinois | $1 | $8 | $32 | $96 |
| Indiana | $1 | $7 | $30 | $89 |
| Iowa | $1 | $5 | $21 | $63 |
| Kansas | $1 | $9 | $35 | $105 |
| Kentucky | $1 | $10 | $41 | $122 |
| Louisiana | $2 | $14 | $56 | $169 |
| Maine | $1 | $7 | $29 | $88 |
| Maryland | $2 | $14 | $56 | $169 |
| Massachusetts | $1 | $10 | $38 | $114 |
| Michigan | $3 | $19 | $77 | $230 |
| Minnesota | $1 | $10 | $40 | $121 |
| Mississippi | $1 | $9 | $34 | $102 |
| Missouri | $2 | $12 | $50 | $149 |
| Montana | $1 | $7 | $26 | $79 |
| Nebraska | $1 | $8 | $31 | $94 |
| Nevada | $2 | $17 | $70 | $209 |
| New Hampshire | $1 | $10 | $38 | $115 |
| New Jersey | $2 | $17 | $69 | $207 |
| New Mexico | $1 | $9 | $34 | $103 |
| New York | $3 | $24 | $97 | $292 |
| North Carolina | $1 | $9 | $36 | $107 |
| North Dakota | $1 | $7 | $27 | $82 |
| Ohio | $1 | $8 | $30 | $90 |
| Oklahoma | $1 | $8 | $32 | $95 |
| Oregon | $2 | $13 | $54 | $161 |
| Pennsylvania | $1 | $8 | $32 | $96 |
| Rhode Island | $2 | $13 | $51 | $152 |
| South Carolina | $2 | $16 | $63 | $190 |
| South Dakota | $1 | $6 | $24 | $73 |
| Tennessee | $1 | $7 | $29 | $86 |
| Texas | $2 | $12 | $47 | $140 |
| Utah | $1 | $11 | $44 | $133 |
| Vermont | $1 | $6 | $23 | $69 |
| Virginia | $1 | $9 | $38 | $114 |
| Washington | $2 | $12 | $49 | $146 |
| West Virginia | $1 | $10 | $39 | $118 |
| Wisconsin | $1 | $8 | $32 | $95 |
| Wyoming | $1 | $5 | $22 | $66 |
Calculate Your Temporary Car Insurance Rate
Personalized estimates for temporary coverage give you a baseline to compare your month-to-month options without committing to applications. MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator helps determine your potential costs without sharing personal information.
Month-to-Month 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:
Nov 07, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 |  State Farm | 83 /of 100 | $118 |
| 4 |  Travelers | 83 /of 100 | $129 |
| 5 |  Progressive | 79 /of 100 | $133 |
| 6 |  Farmers | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
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.
Is Month-to-Month Car Insurance Cheaper?
Month-to-month car insurance can be cheaper than standard policies when you need coverage for only a short period. Paying for the months you need instead of a full six-month term eliminates wasted premium costs.
College students home for summer, drivers between cars and people selling vehicles benefit most from this approach. Your payment method greatly affects total costs.
Paying in Full: Best Value for Month-to-Month Car Insurance
Paying upfront for one to three months saves money despite the initial cost and refund wait. Verify cancellation terms and refund calculations before buying.
Benefits:
- Save 5% to 10% with payment-in-full discounts ($30 to $60 on six-month policies)
- Skip monthly installment fees ($5 to $15 per payment)
- Get prorated refunds for unused coverage (minus cancellation fees)
Drawbacks:
- Wait seven to 30 days for refund processing
- Pay more upfront
Paying Monthly: Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
Monthly payments require less cash upfront but cost more overall:
Benefits:
- Initial payment covers just 1/6 of total policy cost
- Better cash flow management
- Cancel without waiting for refunds
- Keep your cash available
Costs:
- Pay 10% to 15% more overall
- Monthly installment fees: $5 to $15 per payment
- Lose 5% to 10% payment-in-full discounts
How Cancellation Fees Make Short-Term Policies More Expensive
Cancellation fees dramatically increase your effective daily rate. A one-month policy costs $113 when prorated from a $678 six-month premium. Add a $50 cancellation fee and you pay $163, a 44% increase from $3.77 to $5.43 per day.
One-week policies show even bigger jumps: $11.14 per day with a cancellation fee versus $4 per day without it.
Coverage Period | Best Cost | With $50 Fee | % Cost Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
1 week | $28 | $78 | 179% |
1 month | $113 | $163 | 44% |
How to Get and Cancel Month-to-Month Car Insurance
Getting month-to-month car insurance takes one to two days and can save you 30% to 48%. Follow these five steps:
- 1Determine if You Need Month-to-Month Car Insurance
Month-to-month policies work for:
- Waiting for your new car to arrive
- Home from college with temporary access to family vehicles
- Researching local insurers after moving states
- Selling your vehicle and need coverage until sale
- Driving infrequently or seasonally
Skip month-to-month policies if you're:
- Renting cars infrequently (buy rental company insurance)
- Renting frequently (buy non-owner car insurance)
- Borrowing a friend's car (their policy covers you with permission)
- Borrowing a roommate's car (get added as a named driver)
- Living at home and driving parents' car (stay on their policy)
- Needing SR-22 filing (buy non-owner car insurance with SR-22)
- 2Choose Your Coverage
Start with 100/300/100 liability limits to protect your assets. Add comprehensive coverage for theft and weather damage, plus collision insurance for accident repairs. Pick $500 to $1,000 deductibles based on what you can afford.
Additional coverage options:
- Gap insurance (covers the difference between your car's value and loan amount)
- Uninsured motorist coverage (critical in high-uninsured driver states)
- Rental reimbursement (pays for rental cars during repairs)
- Roadside assistance (covers towing and emergency services)
- 3Gather Required Documents
Have these ready before requesting quotes:
- Driver's license and Social Security number
- Bank account information for payments and refunds
- Vehicle VIN, registration, year, make and model
- Coverage start and end dates
- Current policy information (if switching)
- 4Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers and compare coverage limits, deductibles, discounts and payment options. Look for providers without cancellation fees. Check for hidden charges like minimum earned premiums that reduce refunds. Shopping around saves 30% to 48% on temporary coverage.
- 5Cancel Strategically
Time your cancellation to maximize refunds:
- Contact your insurer by phone, online portal or through your agent
- Provide your policy number and cancellation date
- Confirm your prorated refund amount
- Get written cancellation confirmation with the effective date
- Wait seven to 30 days for refund processing
- Contact your state insurance commissioner if refunds don't arrive
Best Month-to-Month Car Insurance Companies
Nationwide earns our top spot for the best month-to-month car insurance company with a 93 out of 100 MoneyGeek score, based on our analysis of thousands of quotes and customer reviews. It offers straightforward cancellation, prompt premium refunds and responsive customer service.
Best OverallNationwide
MoneyGeek Score:
93/ 100
Monthly Premium$105
Annual Premium$1,260
Overview
Nationwide ranks first for month-to-month car insurance with straightforward cancellation that provides full prorated refunds and no hidden fees. Nationwide offers instant coverage activation through its digital platform with 24/7 customer support. The SmartRide program provides discounts within 30 days for drivers who need flexible coverage options.
Best for Personalized In-Person ServiceState Farm
MoneyGeek Score:
88/ 100
Monthly Premium$109
Annual Premium$1,308
Overview
State Farm ranks as the best month-to-month car insurance provider for drivers who want personalized service from local agents. State Farm agents customize policies with no cancellation penalties for short-term coverage needs. The Drive Safe & Save program offers discounts within two weeks for quick savings.
Best for Premium Coverage OptionsAllstate
MoneyGeek Score:
71/ 100
Monthly Premium$133
Annual Premium$1,596
Overview
Allstate provides the best month-to-month car insurance for drivers who need comprehensive customization and immediate access to premium features. Allstate's coverage options include specialty protections like rental reimbursement and sound system coverage that other insurers reserve for long-term customers.
Allstate's accident forgiveness starts immediately instead of requiring years of loyalty. The Drivewise program offers discounts within 30 days, and Allstate's cancellation team processes prorated refunds within seven to 10 days.
Best for Digital-First ExperienceGEICO
MoneyGeek Score:
62/ 100
Monthly Premium$100
Annual Premium$1,204
Overview
GEICO ranks as the best month-to-month car insurance provider for drivers who prefer digital-only service. GEICO offers the lowest average premium at $100 monthly with same-day coverage activation and instant digital ID cards. GEICO processes refunds within 48 hours, completing cancellations in two days compared to the seven- to 14-day industry standard.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MONTH-TO-MONTH CAR INSURANCE COMPANY FOR YOU
Compare quotes from at least three month-to-month car insurance companies to find the best rates and terms. Evaluate each insurer's cancellation policies, refund processing times and digital services before purchasing. Choose temporary car insurance providers with no cancellation fees, instant digital ID cards and refund guarantees to avoid gaps that can increase your premiums by 10% to 30%.
Month-to-Month Temporary Auto Insurance: Bottom Line
Month-to-month car insurance offers flexible short-term coverage without long-term commitments. You'll pay higher daily rates compared to standard six-month policies, but the ability to cancel anytime with prorated refunds makes it useful for vehicle switching, seasonal driving or waiting for better rates.
Before buying month-to-month auto insurance, compare quotes from several insurers. Rate differences can exceed 40% between providers. Look for companies with instant digital ID cards, no cancellation fees and quick refund processing. Purchase your new policy before canceling your current coverage to avoid gaps and premium increases.
Start by requesting quotes from GEICO, Progressive, State Farm and Nationwide to find the best month-to-month car insurance rates for your needs.
Monthly Auto Insurance: FAQ
We answer common questions about month-to-month car insurance to help you understand how it works and how to get coverage.
Can you get month-to-month car insurance?
Month-to-month car insurance isn't available as standalone policies from insurers. For short-term coverage, buy a standard six-month or one-year policy and cancel it when you no longer need coverage.
What are the alternatives to month-to-month car insurance?
Non-owner car insurance is a good alternative for short-term coverage, providing protection for drivers who don't own a vehicle. Another option is to be added as a driver to someone else's policy.
What is the best company for month-to-month car insurance?
According to MoneyGeek's analysis, Allstate, GEICO, Nationwide and State Farm are the top options for the average driver. These providers balance service quality and affordability, and they don't charge cancellation fees.
Does canceling a policy early affect future insurance rates?
Canceling a policy early doesn't directly impact future rates if you maintain continuous coverage without gaps. Allowing even a brief lapse can increase premiums by 10% to 30% for several years.
How do monthly payments differ from policy terms?
Monthly payments are an installment plan for longer-term policies. They incur $5 to $15 fees per payment, while policy terms define the coverage period and contract. Paying in full earns a 5% to 10% discount.
What are the risks of ultra-short-term coverage (1–7 days)?
Minimum earned premium requirements force insurers to keep 10% to 30% of the six-month premium regardless of cancellation timing, making a one-week effective period cost $67 to $203 instead of just $28. Some insurers also impose waiting periods before certain coverages take effect.
How can international visitors get temporary car insurance?
International visitors can choose between rental car insurance (best for trips under 30 days), specialized visitor policies from companies like Visitors Coverage (for one to six-month stays) or being added to a U.S. resident's policy. Most options require a valid international driver's license.
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How We Rated the Best Daily Car Insurance Car Insurance Companies
Month-to-month coverage demands different criteria than standard policies. You need insurers that process refunds fast, skip cancellation penalties and activate coverage immediately. We built our methodology around these priorities, weighing factors that matter most when you're only keeping a policy for weeks or months.
What makes this analysis different: We collected 2,118,312 quotes from 67 insurers across 897 ZIP codes through Quadrant Information Services, then filtered for companies offering flexible cancellation terms. Most car insurance research focuses on long-term value. We focused on short-term flexibility, evaluating cancellation policies and refund timelines alongside traditional metrics like price and claims satisfaction.
Our scoring system weights the factors short-term drivers care about most:
- Customer and claims satisfaction (45%) tracks how insurers handle service requests and process claims using NAIC complaint indexes and CRASH Network Claims Scores. Quick, hassle-free cancellations depend on responsive customer service.
- Claim satisfaction (30%) measures real experiences with claim handling through NAIC and CRASH Network data. Even temporary coverage needs reliable claims processing if accidents happen during your coverage period.
- Available coverages (20%) evaluates both standard protections and specialty options like rental reimbursement. We weighted this lower since short-term drivers care more about core coverage than add-ons.
- Financial stability (5%) confirms the insurer can pay claims using AM Best ratings. All recommended companies maintain strong financial positions.
- Sample profile for rate calculations: We used a 40-year-old man with a clean driving record, 100/300/100 liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, driving a 2010 Toyota Camry LE for 12,000 miles annually. Rates vary based on your age, location, driving history, car type and coverage choices.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
Temporary Car Insurance: Related Articles
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.