Temporary car insurance, or short-term car insurance, isn’t a regular option from major national and regional car insurance companies. In Florida, most insurers offer car insurance policies with a minimum term of six months. But Sunshine State drivers seeking a more temporary coverage option do have other options.
Learn how temporary car insurance works in Florida and what alternatives might be available to you.
Best temporary car insurance in Florida
If you need car insurance for only a short time, the right short-term policy option for you will depend on your unique situation. Here, you can see a collection of top insurers in Florida.
Hugo: Best for on-demand coverage
GEICO: Best for non-owner coverage
Mile Auto: Best for infrequent drivers
Cheapest short-term car insurance in Florida
Sunshine State drivers seeking a short-term car insurance policy have many options. For the shortest terms available, Hugo might offer the most affordable rates. But the exact cost of your car insurance coverage varies based on the details of your unique rating factors, including your age, vehicle type, driving record, claim history, ZIP code, duration of coverage, and more.
The table below highlights the cheapest short-term car insurance options in Florida.
Options for temporary car insurance
Florida law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance.1 Although you need coverage while on the road, your situation might not require you to carry a standard auto policy for at least six months.
Drivers seeking temporary car insurance have several options. But the right temporary policy varies based on your situation. Below is a look at some of the most common temporary car insurance options.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance: Best for infrequent drivers
Pay-as-you-go insurance allows you to purchase car insurance for a few days or weeks at a time. If you don’t drive regularly, the option to pay for coverage when you need it is worthwhile and reduces expenses.
Pay-as-you-go auto insurance allows you to get coverage that meets the state’s legal requirements before hitting the road and also helps you fit car insurance into your budget. Since you can get coverage in relatively short bursts, you don’t have to lock yourself into a months-long car insurance policy. For infrequent drivers on a tight budget, this enhanced flexibility and control is ideal.
Hugo is one popular pay-as-you-go temporary car insurance option. If you go long periods without getting behind the wheel, pay-as-you-go coverage might work best for your short-term insurance coverage needs.
Non-owner car insurance: Best for drivers without a vehicle of their own
If you sometimes borrow a vehicle from a friend or rent a vehicle regularly, a non-owner policy provides the liability coverage you need. If you cause damage or injuries to others in an accident, this type of policy might kick in to protect you.
Non-owner car insurance is a type of secondary policy, which means that the vehicle owner’s primary insurance policy will likely be tapped first to cover any liability. But if the vehicle owner’s policy doesn’t include enough coverage to pay for the incident, your non-owner insurance policy can protect you from paying out of pocket for the rest of the costs.
Non-owner car insurance rates are generally lower than the price for a standard liability or full-coverage policy. State Farm and USAA are two companies that offer non-owner car insurance policies.
Pay-per-mile car insurance: Best for short-distance drivers
If you drive short distances infrequently, a pay-per-mile car insurance policy offers a straightforward way to get the coverage you need while only paying for the miles you drive. But if you’re a frequent driver, you likely won’t tap into savings through this type of policy.
Some drivers might not want a pay-per-mile car insurance policy due to privacy concerns. Many pay-per-mile insurers require you to install a mileage-tracking device, which might be a red flag for some drivers.2
Metromile, Mile Auto, Allstate, and Nationwide are a few companies that offer pay-per-mile insurance coverage.
Rental car insurance: Best for drivers renting a vehicle
Most rental companies allow you to purchase rental car insurance before driving off the lot. If you occasionally rent a vehicle to get around, rental car insurance can help you get the coverage you need on a temporary basis.3
The best part about rental car insurance is that you’ll only have to pay for it while you use the rental car. When you return the vehicle, you won’t face ongoing car insurance costs. But the daily cost of a rental car insurance policy might be higher than what you’d find through traditional car insurance.
If you need coverage for only a brief period while you use a rental, this might be the easier solution.
Pros and cons of temporary car insurance
Like all financial products, temporary car insurance has advantages and disadvantages. It’s a good idea to weigh your options when finding the best policy for your situation.