Temporary Car Insurance in California (2025)

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 $95 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.

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

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.

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.