Car owners traditionally buy auto insurance policies that last six or 12 months. But in some cases, you may be looking for a short-term policy.

Mark Friedlander, a spokesperson for the industry-backed Insurance Information Institute, says drivers typically buy short-term car insurance policies covering 30 days or less when they need coverage for only a limited amount of time.

Just as with traditional auto insurance, the price of short-term coverage varies depending on the options you choose and the type of policy you buy, according to Friedlander. You can pick liability-only coverage, he says, or select broader coverage that includes collision and comprehensive insurance.

Why Would You Buy Short-Term Car Insurance?

Trusted Choice, a network of independent insurance agents, says car owners might buy short-term car insurance for reasons such as:

• You’re in the process of switching longtime coverage from one insurer to another, and you’ve already dropped your previous coverage.
• You’re temporarily lending your car to a relative, friend or someone else who will be excluded by your regular auto insurance policy. The short-term coverage applies to your vehicle while it’s being driven by the relative, friend or someone else.
• You’re selling your car and need to cover the vehicle when it’s being driven by potential buyers who won’t be covered by your regular policy.

Before you decide to look for a short-term car insurance policy, talk with your auto insurance agent to make sure that your regular auto insurance policy won’t cover your situation.

Trusted Choice points out that if you need to file a claim under a short-term car insurance policy, it wouldn’t jeopardize a claim-free discount you might have on a longer-term policy.

Friedlander notes that a typical short-term car insurance policy lasts 30 days even if you need the coverage for only a day or a week. As with traditional policies, pricing for short-term coverage depends on factors like:

• Type of vehicle
• Intended use of vehicle
• Your auto insurance history
• The vehicle model
• Your credit-based insurance score (states that restrict the use of credit in setting auto insurance rates are California, Hawaii, Michigan and Massachusetts)

Who Sells Short-Term Car Insurance?

Short-term car insurance is not widely available. While car insurance companies typically don’t advertise one-month policies on their websites, Forbes Advisor found that these companies have made filings with state insurance departments to provide one-month car insurance policies:

• American Hallmark Insurance Co. of Texas (one-month auto insurance policies available only as renewal policies)
• Direct General Insurance Co.
• National Unity Insurance Co.
• Old American County Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
• Young America Insurance Co.

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Why Auto Insurance Companies Don’t Like Short-Term Policies

Friedlander says most national and regional insurance companies don’t offer short-term car insurance policies. Why? For insurers, the risk of offering short-term coverage outweighs the benefits of selling this kind of coverage, he says. That’s why insurers normally sell car insurance policies lasting six or 12 months, he says.

Related: How to Get Cheap Same-Day Car Insurance

Other Ways to Get Short-Term Car Insurance

So, what if you aren’t able to buy a 30-day car insurance policy? Alternatives include:

• Non-owner car insurance. If you don’t own a car but need coverage, non-owner car insurance may be an option. This coverage might be a good choice if you frequently rent cars so you don’t have to buy liability coverage from a rental car company. Or it could fill the insurance void when you’re between vehicles.
• Cancellation of a standard car insurance policy. You could buy a standard car insurance policy and cancel it once you no longer need the coverage. Keep in mind, though, that the insurer may charge a fee if you cancel the policy before it’s supposed to expire. Also, remember that you may need to line up other coverage for your vehicle if you cancel a car insurance policy.
• Car insurance broker. If you’re having troubles finding a short-term policy, consider contacting a car insurance broker who can help you shop for car insurance. They work to understand your coverage needs and then find the best option for you.