Although temporary car insurance in Florida is available, most car insurance companies don’t offer policies that last less than six months. But don’t worry; that doesn’t mean you don’t have options.
If you only need coverage for a short time, you can sign up for a standard policy and cancel it early—just keep in mind that some insurers may charge a cancellation fee. If you’re visiting Florida and don’t have a car in the state, rental car insurance may be your best option for temporary coverage. Other situations, such as reinstating a suspended license or driving for a ride-sharing company, may also require short-term insurance.
In this article, we’ll explain when it makes sense to have temporary coverage and what options are available in Florida. If you’re worried about not having insurance or overpaying for coverage you don’t need, read on!
Quick Facts
- Geico and State Farm typically have the best rates
- Hugo offers Florida car insurance with terms as short as three days.
- Some short-term insurance plans last as little as one day.
- If you borrow someone else’s car occasionally, you may not need your own policy, but if you drive it regularly, non-owner insurance might be worth considering.
What’s Temporary Car Insurance?
Do you ever need car insurance for a short period of time? Maybe you’re borrowing a friend’s car for a road trip or adding a college student to your policy while they’re home for the summer. That’s where temporary car insurance comes in: It provides coverage for just a few days, weeks, or months, depending on your needs.
Note that temporary car insurance is used when annual car insurance, which typically covers a full year, is not adequate for your current needs.
When is Temporary Car Insurance Needed?
There are many situations in which you may need car insurance for a short period. Maybe you just bought a car and need coverage to drive it off the lot. Or maybe you plan to drive your own car for less than six months and don’t want a long-term policy.
If you occasionally borrow a friend’s car or frequently drive someone else’s car, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage. The same applies if you drive different people’s cars at once for a period of less than six months or need coverage for an SR-22 while driving someone else’s vehicle.
Even if you’re renting a car and don’t own one of your own, having the right insurance is essential. Whatever the case, finding true short-term car insurance can be tricky. Most major insurers don’t offer policies for less than six months, and constantly switching providers can create gaps in your insurance history, something that could increase your premiums down the road.
Pros and Cons of Short-Term Car Insurance
If you need car insurance but don’t want to commit to a long-term policy, temporary car insurance might be the perfect fit. Whether you’re borrowing a car for a weekend trip, test-driving a potential new ride, or covering a rental, short-term coverage offers flexibility. But, like anything, it has its ups and downs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Flexibility – No long-term contracts! You get coverage only for the time you need, whether it’s a day, a week, or a month. | ❌ Higher Daily Rates – While you might save on a long-term commitment, the per-day cost of temporary insurance is usually higher than a standard policy. |
| ✅ Cost-Effective (in some cases) – If you only need insurance for a short period, you could end up paying less overall compared to a six-month or annual policy. | ❌ Risk of Scams – Not all temporary insurance providers are legitimate. You’ll need to do your homework to avoid shady companies. |
| ✅ Instant Coverage – Many providers offer quick approval, meaning you can get insured and hit the road almost immediately. | ❌ Potential Gaps in Coverage – If you rely on temporary insurance regularly, you could accidentally find yourself uninsured when the policy expires. |
| ✅ Meets Legal Requirements – Need proof of insurance to drive legally? A short-term policy gets the job done without a long-term commitment. | ❌ Extra Paperwork – Constantly starting and stopping coverage can mean more forms to fill out, which can be a hassle. |
At the end of the day, temporary car insurance is a great option when you need short-term coverage without the strings of a traditional policy. Just make sure you compare options and read the fine print to avoid surprises!
Can You Get Temporary Car Insurance in Florida?
Finding temporary car insurance in Florida isn’t precisely easy. Most major insurance companies don’t offer coverage for a day, a week, or even a month. Instead, policies typically have a minimum term of six months.
But if you’re just looking for short-term coverage, don’t worry: you still have options. The key is to understand why you need it and find an alternative that works for you.
Whether it’s for a weekend trip or an occasional trip, you can explore flexible solutions through our website. We’ll help you find the coverage that fits your needs without tying you down to a long-term policy.
Can you Get Car Insurance for One Day?
In most cases, no. You won’t find a car insurance policy for one day unless you get rental insurance for just one day. Most insurance companies stick to semi-annual or annual policies. That said, there are some exceptions. For example, Hugo offers coverage that starts at just three days, which could be a good option if you need something on a very short notice.
How to Get Temporary Car Insurance in Florida?
Most major insurers don’t offer policies that last less than six months, but there are workarounds. While there’s no official “temporary” policy, you’ve got options depending on your situation. Consider how each policy works to make the best decision for your insurance needs.
- Need full coverage for a short period? You can get a regular policy and cancel it early (just watch out for potential cancellation fees).
- Driving someone else’s car? You might be able to adjust their existing policy by adding yourself as a driver.
- Renting a car? You can either grab coverage from the rental company or use your own policy if it applies.
- No car of your own but still need liability coverage? A non-owner insurance policy could be the way to go.
- Driving occasionally and want to save money? A usage-based car insurance lets low-mileage drivers pay only for what they use.
- Driving for Uber or Lyft? Rideshare insurance will make sure you’re covered while working.
- Another way is to look into newer companies like Hugo, which offer pay-as-you-go options for infrequent drivers. Whatever your situation, it’s worth comparing quotes to find the best temporary coverage for your needs.
Canceling Your Policy Early
Most insurance companies in Florida only sell policies for six-month periods. The good news? You don’t actually have to keep it for that long if you need temporary coverage. Many drivers get a standard six-month policy and cancel it early when they no longer need it, which basically makes it a suitable solution for those looking for short-term car insurance.
Let’s say you take out a six-month policy for $1,104 but cancel it after three months. You’ll typically get a refund for the unused portion, meaning you’ll only end up paying around $552. Keep in mind, though, that some insurers charge cancellation fees, which can be a flat amount (less than $100) or a small percentage (10-15%) of the remaining balance.
If you go with this option, make sure you don’t leave a gap in your coverage; having a lapse, even for a short period, can lead to higher rates down the road. And, as always, shopping around for car insurance to find the best deal is key. Some companies are more flexible than others when it comes to early cancellations, so comparing quotes before you commit can save you money in the long run.
Getting Covered Under Someone Else’s Policy
If you occasionally borrow a friend’s or family member’s car, you might already be covered under their insurance policy. Many car insurance policies include something called “permissive use,” which means the car owner can let you drive, and their insurance will still apply. It’s an easy way to get temporary coverage without having to buy your own policy. But there are limits—if you’re driving their car all the time or you live with them, you may need to be added to their policy to stay covered.
In some states, like Florida, things are even simpler. If you don’t live with the car owner, you don’t need to be added to their policy—you’re already covered as long as they allow you to drive. But if you’re a household member who plans to use the car regularly, you’ll likely need to be listed on the policy.
Bottom line? If you’re borrowing a car for a short time, getting covered under someone else’s policy is an easy, temporary solution.
Rental Car Insurance
If you rent a car, you’ll need some form of insurance before you hit the road. The good news? Most rental companies make it easy to get coverage right at the counter or online when you reserve your vehicle. This is one of the easiest ways to get temporary car insurance, perfect if you only need coverage for a short trip.
One of the biggest advantages of rental car insurance is that you only pay for it while you use it. There’s no long-term commitment or monthly bills, just coverage for the days you actually need it. That said, the daily rate can be higher than a standard car policy, so it’s worth comparing costs if you rent frequently.
If you don’t have your own car insurance (or if your policy doesn’t cover rentals), this type of insurance is a solid option. Some credit cards even offer rental car coverage as a benefit, so check out your card’s benefits before paying extra at the rental counter.
For those who rent frequently, a non-owner auto insurance policy may be a better option, as it provides liability coverage without requiring a personal vehicle. But if you’re just renting a car for a quick weekend trip or vacation, rental car insurance keeps things simple: no paperwork, no hassle, just coverage when you need it.
Non-Owner Car Insurance: A Simple Temporary Insurance Option
If you drive occasionally but don’t own a car, non-owner auto insurance is a smart way to stay covered. It’s designed for people who borrow or rent cars occasionally and need liability protection without committing to a regular auto insurance policy. Think of it as a flexible, temporary insurance option: You get coverage when you need it without paying for a full policy on a car you don’t even own. Non-owner insurance only covers liability, meaning it helps pay for injuries or damage to others if you cause an accident. It won’t cover the car you drive—that depends on the owner’s policy.
Most non-owner policies run for six months to a year, but the best part? You can cancel at any time if you no longer need it. It’s also cheaper than standard coverage, making it a cost-effective way to stay insured while between cars.
Why Get Non-Owner Insurance?
- Great if you rent or borrow cars regularly
- Helps maintain continuous coverage, which can keep your insurance rates lower over time.
- Required if you need an SR-22 to reinstate your license, even if you don’t own a car.
Who Offers Non-Owner Insurance?
Many big insurers like GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, and Liberty Mutual offer non-owner policies. If you’re in Florida and need an SR-22, this is often the cheapest way to meet state requirements.
Usage-Based Car Insurance
If you don’t drive often, why pay for full-time car insurance? Pay-as-you-go and pay-per-mile car insurance lets you get the coverage you need without committing to a long-term policy. Whether you’re an occasional driver, work from home, or just need short-term insurance, these options help you stay insured without overpaying.
Pay-As-You-Go Car Insurance: Best for Occasional Drivers
With pay-as-you-go insurance, you can buy coverage for just a few days or weeks at a time instead of having to get a traditional six-month policy. This is perfect if you only drive once in a while and don’t want to pay for a car insurance policy you barely use.
Companies like Hugo offer this kind of flexible insurance, letting you activate coverage only when you need it. However, keep in mind that Hugo only provides state-minimum liability insurance in select states, so if you need full coverage, this might not be the best option.
Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance: Best for Low-Mileage Drivers
If you drive short distances but want continuous coverage, pay-per-mile insurance could be a great option. Instead of a flat monthly rate, you pay a base fee plus a few cents for every mile you drive.
Many insurers track mileage through a device installed in your car or a smartphone app. Companies like Metromile, Mile Auto, Allstate, and Nationwide offer pay-per-mile policies in certain states.
In states like Florida, pay-per-mile insurance might be a better long-term solution than temporary coverage if you don’t drive much. Either way, if you don’t drive often, why pay for coverage you don’t use? These flexible options help you stay legal and save money at the same time!
Rideshare Car Insurance: A Smart Way to Get Temporary Carry Coverage
Florida is packed with Uber and Lyft drivers, which makes rideshare insurance a big deal. Regular auto insurance won’t cut it if you’re in an accident while working. On the other hand, the rideshare company provides temporary coverage only once drivers accept a fare or start transporting a passenger. That’s where rideshare insurance comes in. It fills the gaps between your personal coverage and the insurance provided by Uber or Lyft, ensuring you’re protected at every stage—whether you’re waiting for a ride request or actively driving a passenger.
Think of it as temporary car insurance because you only need it while working. Some major insurers offer add-ons. However, getting coverage directly through a rideshare-friendly provider ensures you’re not left vulnerable. If you’re driving for Uber or Lyft in Florida, this extra layer of protection is a must—for your own peace of mind and for your passengers’ safety.
Finding Cheap Temporary Car Insurance in Florida
Looking for short-term car insurance in Florida? You’ve got options! While most insurance policies last at least six months, some companies offer coverage for shorter periods (like 30 or 90 days) so you wouldn’t be locked into a long-term contract.
Who’s Got the Best Deals?
If you only need coverage for a few months, GEICO and State Farm typically have the best rates:
- GEICO: Around $334 for a 90-day policy
- State Farm: Roughly $467 for a 90-day policy
These prices don’t include cancellation fees, but the good news is that most major insurers don’t charge a penalty if you cancel early. That means you can sign up for a standard policy, use it as long as you need, and cancel when you’re done. Just make sure you don’t leave a gap in coverage if you plan on driving again soon!
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest short-term coverage, companies like Hugo and USAA (if you qualify) are worth checking out. Hugo specializes in flexible, pay-as-you-go car insurance, making it ideal for those who need temporary or occasional coverage without a long-term contract. USAA, on the other hand, offers affordable auto insurance but is only available to military members, veterans, and their families. Your exact rate will depend on things like your driving record, location, and vehicle type, so it’s always a good idea to compare quotes.
Quick Tip: If you’re only driving temporarily and don’t want to commit to a long policy, comparing short-term insurance options is the way to go. Check out online quotes at Young America Insurance to find the best deal for your situation. You may be surprised how much you can save!
How Your Location Affects Your Car Insurance Rate in Florida
Car insurance rates in Florida don’t just depend on your driving record, they’re also influenced by where you live. In cities like Miami, where accident rates are higher, insurance tends to be more expensive. But if you live in a place like St. Petersburg, where there are fewer accidents, you might notice lower premiums.
Insurance companies look at local accident trends, claims history, and even traffic congestion when setting prices by zip code. That means if your current rate seems too high, checking out quotes from different insurers could help you find a better deal.
If you’re looking for temporary coverage, whether for a quick trip or a short-term driving need, it’s worth comparing rates in your specific area because where you live can make a big difference in what you pay!
Temporary Car Insurance Rates in Florida
| City | Average Monthly Premium | Average Six-Month Policy Premium |
|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | 182 | 1092 |
| Jacksonville | 189 | 1134 |
| Orlando | 194 | 1162 |
| Tampa | 252 | 1510 |
| Miami | 258 | 1548 |
Final Words on Temporary Car Insurance
If you only need car insurance for a short time, term coverage can be a great solution. It gives you the flexibility to get insurance when you need it, without committing to a long-term commitment.
That said, it’s always smart to do your research before making a decision. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. It’s important to consider things like coverage limits, customer service, and the reputation of the company you trust. At our Young America Insurance website, we encourage you to shop around. We trust that at the end of the day, you’ll feel good about the choice you’ve made.
Whether you need coverage in Florida for a day, a week, or a month, we’re here to help. We work to help you find the right policy for your insurance needs—one that gives you the protection you need at a reasonable price. Get a personalized quote and find out how easy it can be to get coverage on your terms.