Temporary Car Insurance in California (2025)
It can be difficult to find temporary car insurance in California. Learn about some ways to obtain a short-term policy.
Excellent
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Whether you’re borrowing a friend’s car, renting a vehicle, or you’re a college student or a military member looking to store your car, you might wonder if temporary car insurance in California is available. The majority of car insurance companies offer policies of six or 12 months, with the average cost of liability insurance at $94 per month in California.
Though you might not find many options for a shorter term, you can typically cancel your car insurance coverage at any time, and you have other options to look into.
Quick Facts
Temporary car insurance in California may be challenging to get from major insurers.
California drivers can look into rental car insurance, pay-per-mile coverage, and non-owner insurance as possible temporary car insurance solutions.
While you can cancel your policy early, be aware of risks due to lapses in coverage and potential cancellation fees.
Best temporary car insurance in California
Temporary car insurance in California can be difficult to find from major insurance companies, but you have different options to look into that can fit your needs.
Here, you’ll find three of the best temporary car insurance companies in California based on cost, Insurify Quality Score, J.D. Power ratings, and coverage options.
State Farm: Best for non-owner car insurance
USAA: Best for military storage
Mercury: Best for pay-per-mile insurance
To choose the top companies for temporary car insurance in California, we looked at multiple factors as part of our ranking. These include average costs of car insurance, ratings, discount options, customer service, and Insurify Quality Scores.
Cheapest short-term car insurance in California
Drivers in the Golden State have many options for car insurance coverage. To get temporary car insurance in California, you typically need to get a six-month policy and cancel your coverage when you no longer need it.
If you’re looking for a short-term car insurance policy, here’s a list of the cheapest options, starting at $72 per month. Your specific insurance rates depend on your age, whether you’ve had an accident, your claims history, type of vehicle, ZIP code, and the level and duration of coverage.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Options for temporary car insurance
Though temporary car insurance in California isn’t widely available, some solid alternatives can help you pay less for insurance coverage. The best option for you will depend on your situation and overall needs.
Here, you can review the different options available to you in California.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance: Best for remote workers
As more people work from home, pay-as-you-go car insurance has become a popular choice. Pay-as-you-go car insurance is different from traditional insurance, as your premiums vary each month. For example, usage-based insurance offers a base rate and a fluctuating rate that depends on how much you drive and other factors.
On one hand, this is a temporary auto insurance option to consider to save on costs. On the other hand, some insurers require you to download an app or use a device that tracks your vehicle, which isn’t ideal for people who value privacy.
Non-owner car insurance: Best for borrowing cars
A non-owner policy is a type of car insurance that provides liability coverage for you if you’re driving a vehicle that you don’t own. While the primary owner’s car insurance typically covers other drivers, non-owner car insurance can make sure you have enough liability coverage. Having insufficient coverage can put you at risk.
If you borrow cars frequently from friends and family, getting a non-owner car insurance policy can make sense and be a good option. Allstate and State Farm offer non-owner car insurance in California.
This specific insurance policy is generally more affordable than standard auto insurance.
Pay-per-mile car insurance: Best for low-mileage drivers
A pay-per-mile policy allows you to get an insurance premium with a base rate and per-mile rate. So, instead of a flat rate, your car insurance rates can fluctuate based on how much you drive. This type of car insurance works best for low-mileage drivers who don’t rack up a ton of miles each year, typically fewer than 7,000–10,000 miles annually.1
Pay-per-mile car insurance from an insurer like Metromile can be a good choice to reduce your overall costs. If you drive less, you can lower your monthly car insurance costs. But your base rate will vary by your personal driving history, and this coverage isn’t the best option if you end up needing to drive more than normal.
Rental car insurance: Best for renting vehicles
If you don’t own a vehicle and you want to rent one for a road trip or excursion, you’ll need to get insurance from the rental car company. This can protect you if you’re involved in an incident and there’s a loss, such as property damage.2 If you have a car, your auto insurance policy will typically extend to the rental. You can also check your credit card benefits, as some offer rental car insurance as a perk.
Pros and cons of temporary car insurance
Getting short-term car insurance can feel like a good idea if you need auto insurance for only a specific time. But the best way to find the right insurance for you is to review the pros and cons of temporary car insurance beforehand.
Pros
Not widely available
Fits your needs
Able to customize your coverage
Cons
Risk of lapsed coverage
Potential for scams
Limited coverage and protection
Temporary car insurance in California FAQs
If you’re looking for temporary car insurance in California, this additional information can help.
Can you get temporary insurance in California?
Temporary car insurance in California isn’t typically available from major auto insurance companies. The standard length for a car insurance policy is six months, though terms can vary from one month to one year.3 You can cancel a six-month policy early or get non-owner insurance.
What is the shortest term for car insurance?
For most major insurers, the shortest term for car insurance is six months. Pay-as-you-go and pay-per-mile insurance are other alternatives to look into as well.
Can you drive a car without insurance in California if you just bought it?
If you just purchased a vehicle in California, it’s illegal for you to drive without car insurance at any time. You must carry coverage that meets at least the state’s minimum requirements. Additionally, car dealerships also require proof of insurance.
What types of coverage does temporary car insurance include in California?
To get temporary car insurance in California, you can purchase a six-month policy and cancel it before the term ends. You can also look into a pay-per-mile car insurance policy, rental car insurance, and non-owner car insurance.
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
