When looking for the best short-term car insurance, the top picks are Geico, USAA, and Progressive, each offering unique advantages and rates starting at $85/month.

Geico stands out for its excellent customer service and competitive pricing, while USAA is the top choice for temporary coverage, and Progressive excels with its loyalty rewards.

Company	Rank	Bundling Discount	A.M. Best	Best For	Jump to Pros/Cons
	#1	25%	A++	Customer Service	Geico
	#2	10%	A++	Temporary Coverage	USAA
	#3	10%	A+	Loyalty Programs	Progressive
	#4	17%	B	Reliable Coverage	State Farm
	#5	20%	A+	Customizable Policies	Nationwide
	#6	25%	A	Comprehensive Coverage	Liberty Mutual
	#7	25%	A+	Online Tool	Allstate
	#8	10%%	A	High-Risk Drivers	The General
	#9	25%	A	Costco Members	American Family
	#10	13%	A++	Reliable Coverage	Travelers

These companies provide flexible, affordable options to meet a variety of short-term insurance needs. By having a practical guide for understanding car insurance, you can tailor your coverage to fit your budget and preferences.

Take the first step toward cheaper car insurance rates. Enter your ZIP code above to see how much you could save.

What You Should Know

• Discover the best short-term car insurance choices for your unique needs
• Geico offers top-rated coverage with for its superior customer service
• Compare USAA and Progressive for temporary coverage and loyalty rewards benefits

#1 – Geico: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Outstanding Customer Experience: Geico is lauded for its superior customer service, making it a leading option for short-term car insurance.
• Affordable Rates: Geico offers competitive rates for short-term car insurance, starting at $90 per month. Gain more insights in our resource titled "Car Make and Model: Impact On Car Insurance Rates."
• Substantial Bundling Savings: Enjoy up to a 25% discount by combining policies with Geico, enhancing overall affordability for short-term needs.

Cons

• Limited Policy Customization: Geico may offer fewer options for tailoring short-term policies compared to other insurers.
• Higher Premiums for High-Risk Drivers: Short-term rates can be significantly higher for high-risk drivers.

#2 – USAA: Best for Temporary Coverage

Pros

• Tailored for Military Members: USAA is an excellent provider of short-term car insurance specifically designed for military personnel and their families.
• Low Starting Rates: USAA offers short-term coverage at just $85 per month, providing great value. For a comprehensive guide, read our USAA review.
• Exceptional Financial Strength: With an A++ rating from A.M. Best, USAA delivers reliable short-term coverage backed by robust financial health.

Cons

• Exclusive Membership Requirements: Access to USAA’s short-term car insurance is restricted to military members, veterans, and their families.
• Geographical Limitations: USAA’s short-term policies may not be available in all areas, limiting accessibility.

#3 – Progressive: Best for Loyalty Programs

Pros

• Rewarding Loyalty Programs: Progressive offers attractive perks for loyal customers, making it an excellent choice for short-term car insurance.
• Competitive Pricing: Progressive’s short-term insurance is available at $95 per month, providing cost-effective coverage. Read up in our Progressive review.
• Intuitive Digital Platform: Progressive’s user-friendly website and mobile app simplify managing short-term insurance policies.

Cons

• Higher Costs for High-Risk Profiles: Progressive may charge elevated rates for drivers with a less-than-stellar driving history.
• Limited Discounts Beyond Loyalty: While loyalty rewards are strong, Progressive's other discounts are less extensive.

#4 – State Farm: Best for Reliable Coverage

Pros

• Dependable Insurance Solutions: State Farm is recognized for its consistent short-term car insurance options, ideal for steady coverage requirements.
• Low Monthly Rates: State Farm provides short-term insurance starting at $88 per month, offering value for money. Check out our review of State Farm for full details.
• Extensive Agent Network: A large network of agents offers personalized support for managing short-term insurance.

Cons

• Reduced Discount Offers: State Farm presents fewer discount opportunities for bundling short-term policies than some competitors.
• Limited Online Management Tools: The digital tools offered by State Farm may not be as comprehensive as those of other insurers.

#5 – Nationwide: Best for Customizable Policies

Pros

• Flexible Policy Options: Nationwide allows for highly customizable short-term car insurance to suit individual needs.
• Reasonable Pricing: Offers short-term insurance at $92 per month, providing flexible options for different budgets.
• Bundling Incentives: Customers can save up to 20% when combining short-term policies with other insurance products. Find out more in our Nationwide review.

Cons

• Availability Constraints: Nationwide’s short-term policies may not be accessible in all states.
• Higher Premiums for Specific Risks: Rates for certain categories can be higher.

#6 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Comprehensive Coverage

Pros

• Broad Coverage Options: Liberty Mutual is perfect for those needing extensive short-term car insurance protection.
• Competitive Rates: Short-term insurance starts at $97 per month, offering robust coverage.
• Generous Bundling Discounts: Receive a 25% discount when combining multiple policies. Browse our guide Liberty Mutual review to learn what else is offered.

Cons

• Higher Rates for Certain Plans: Liberty Mutual’s premiums may be steeper for some types of short-term insurance.
• Less Access to Local Agents: Limited local agent presence may affect personalized service.

#7 – Allstate: Best for Online Tool

Pros

• Superior Online Management Tools: Allstate offers robust digital platforms for efficiently managing short-term car insurance.
• Affordable Rates: Insurance begins at $93 per month, providing a range of short-term coverage options. Discover our Allstate review for a full detail.
• Discounts for Policy Bundling: Save up to 25% by bundling policies with Allstate, lowering overall costs.

Cons

• Higher Premiums for Certain Drivers: Rates for short-term insurance may be elevated for some drivers based on location or driving history.
• Limited Variety of Discounts: Allstate’s discount options may not be as varied as competitors.

#8 – The General: Best for High-Risk Drivers

Pros

• Specialist in High-Risk Insurance: The General specializes in short-term car insurance for high-risk drivers.
• Versatile Payment Plans: As mentioned in our guide entitled "The General Auto Insurance Customer Ratings", the company provides multiple payment options for managing costs.
• Starting Rates: Short-term car insurance begins at $100 per month, accommodating various budgets.

Cons

• Generally Higher Rates: The General’s rates are often higher than those of other providers.
• Limited Coverage Customization: Offers fewer options for personalizing short-term insurance.

#9 – American Family: Best for Costco Members

Pros

• Exclusive Savings for Costco Members: American Family offers special discounts for Costco members.
• Reasonable Pricing: Short-term insurance is available at $91 per month, providing accessible coverage.
• Reputable Customer Service: Based on our guide titled "American Family Insurance Customer Reviews", American Family is known for excellent support, especially for short-term policies.

Cons

• Geographical Restrictions: Short-term car insurance may not be offered in all states.
• Limited Online Resources: Fewer digital tools are available for managing insurance policies.

#10 – Travelers: Best for Reliable Coverage

Pros

• Consistently Reliable: Travelers is renowned for its steady short-term car insurance solutions. Find additional info in our Travelers review.
• Competitive Pricing: Coverage starts at $94 per month, offering secure insurance backed by strong financial health.
• Robust Financial Stability: With an A++ rating, Travelers provides confidence in coverage.

Cons

• Fewer Discount Options: Limited availability of discounts compared to other insurers.
• Higher Rates for Select Plans: Premiums may be higher for some types of short-term coverage.

Insurance Rates Across Top Providers for Short-Term Car Insurance

When choosing short-term car insurance, comparing rates from top providers can help you find the most affordable option for your needs. The table below is a comparison of both minimum and full coverage monthly rates.

Insurance Company	Minimum Coverage	Full Coverage
	$93	$188
	$91	$183
	$90	$180
	$97	$195
	$92	$185
	$95	$190
	$88	$178
	$100	$200
	$94	$189
	$85	$175

USAA offers the lowest rates, with minimum coverage starting at just $85 per month and full coverage at $175 per month. State Farm follows closely, with rates beginning at $88 per month for minimum coverage and $178 for full coverage.

Geico also provides competitive pricing, offering minimum coverage at $90 per month and full coverage at $180 per month.

Other notable providers include American Family, starting at $91 per month for minimum coverage and $183 for full coverage, and Nationwide, with rates at $92 per month for minimum and $185 for full coverage. Gain more insight by reading our guide "Why Your Car & Homeowners Insurance Rates Increased."

Liberty Mutual and The General tend to have higher rates, with Liberty Mutual starting at $97 per month for minimum coverage and The General at $100 per month. To find the best short-term car insurance, consider your coverage needs and compare these rates to secure the most cost-effective policy.

Understanding Short-Term Car Insurance Coverage

Understanding what coverage options are available is vital when choosing short-term car insurance. Most policies offer liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, but the specifics can differ among providers.

Insurance Company	Available Discount
	Safe Driving Bonus, Multi-Policy, Pay-per-Mile, Bundling
	Multi-Policy, Safe Driver, Loyalty, Early Bird Discount
	Multi-Policy, Safe Driver, Defensive Driving, Good Payer
	Multi-Policy, Accident Forgiveness, Safe Driver, New Car Replacement
	Vanishing Deductible®, Multi-Policy, SmartRide®, Bundling
	Snapshot®, Multi-Policy, Continuous Insurance, Pay-per-Mile
	Drive Safe & Save™, Multi-Policy, Accident-Free, Bundling
	Continuous Insurance, Good Payer, Defensive Driving, Low Down Payment
	Multi-Policy, Safe Driver, Accident Forgiveness, Bundling
	Military Discount, Multi-Policy, Safe Driver, Loyalty

Liability coverage protects against damage or injury to others, which is often the minimum requirement by law. Learn more by checking out our full guide "What does liability car insurance cover?."

Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle in an accident, while comprehensive insurance protects against non-collision incidents, such as theft or natural disasters.

Assess your unique needs, including the coverage duration and any specific protections, to choose the short-term car insurance policy that best suits your situation.

Securing the Best Short-Term Car Insurance

Geico, USAA, and Progressive dominate the short-term car insurance space. Geico shines with top-tier customer service, USAA offers the lowest rates starting at $85 per month, and Progressive rewards loyal customers with special perks.

For those interested in luxury short-term coverage, many insurers offer flexible plans tailored to premium vehicles.

To uncover the best deal, it’s crucial to know what kind of car insurance you really needcompare multiple car insurance quotes online, helping you secure the most affordable and suitable short-term coverage for your needs.

Need the cheapest car insurance possible? Enter your ZIP code below into our free comparison tool to find the most affordable rates for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is short-term car insurance, and who should consider it?

Short-term car insurance provides temporary coverage, typically lasting from one day to several months, ideal for drivers who need flexible, short-duration protection, such as travelers, car borrowers, or temporary drivers.

Discover more insurance insights in our guide, "The Best and Cheapest Car Insurance Companies."

How do I find the best short-term car insurance policy?

To find the best short-term car insurance, compare rates and coverage options from top providers like Geico, USAA, and Progressive, considering factors such as customer service, discounts, and specific needs.

Your car insurance rates will likely increase after an at-fault accident, but you can find your cheapest coverage option by using our free quote comparison tool below today.

Can I get short-term car insurance if I am a high-risk driver?

Yes, short-term car insurance is available for high-risk drivers. Companies like The General specialize in providing coverage options tailored to high-risk profiles, though rates may be higher.

How does short-term car insurance differ from regular auto insurance?

Short-term car insurance provides temporary coverage, often for specific, brief periods, unlike regular auto insurance, which usually covers six months to a year or more and is ideal for long-term use. Delve into our guide titled, "How to Buy Car Insurance."

Are there any discounts available for short-term car insurance?

Yes, many providers offer discounts for short-term car insurance, such as bundling multiple policies. Geico, for example, offers up to a 25% discount when bundling short-term coverage with other policies.

Can I get short-term car insurance if I’m a student or a new driver?

Yes, students and new drivers can get short-term car insurance. Providers like Progressive and State Farm offer flexible options that cater to younger or new drivers, though rates may vary.

Can I customize a short-term car insurance policy to fit my needs?

Absolutely. Some providers, like Nationwide, offer customizable short-term car insurance policies that allow you to select coverage levels, add-ons, and duration that best match your requirements.

What factors affect the cost of short-term car insurance?

The cost of short-term car insurance is influenced by factors such as your driving history, location, vehicle type, coverage level, and the provider. Comparing multiple quotes can help find the best rate.

Is short-term car insurance available for rental cars?

Yes, short-term car insurance can be used for rental cars, providing additional coverage beyond the rental company’s policy, especially useful for international travelers or those seeking extra protection. Extend your knowledge in our guide "Should I buy rental car insurance?."

What are the benefits of short-term car insurance over traditional insurance?

Short-term car insurance offers flexibility, affordability for temporary needs, and quick, easy setup, making it ideal for those who do not require long-term coverage, such as occasional drivers or visitors. Find the best comprehensive car insurance quotes by entering your ZIP code below into our free comparison tool today.