Most major car insurance companies don’t offer short-term auto insurance policies. Typical policies come with terms of six months or one year.1 On average, Michigan drivers pay $142 per month for liability coverage and $214 for full-coverage insurance.
Though Michigan drivers don’t have many temporary car insurance options, it’s possible to find insurers offering pay-per-mile and non-owner insurance.
Here’s what you should know about finding short-term car insurance in Michigan.
Best temporary car insurance in Michigan
Nationwide, USAA, and State Farm offer some of the best options for Michigan drivers seeking short-term or affordable car insurance. Learn more about each insurer below.
Nationwide: Best for pay-per-mile coverage
USAA: Best for the military community
State Farm: Best for non-owner car insurance
We chose the best companies by taking a close look at the auto insurance companies offering policies in Michigan. We considered average rates, IQ Scores, customer service, J.D. Power ratings, AM Best scores, policy length options, and more.
Cheapest short-term car insurance in Michigan
Car insurance premiums can vary widely based on factors like the driver’s age, vehicle type, driving record, duration of coverage, level of coverage, location, and more.3 Michigan drivers pay an overall average of $178 per month for car insurance coverage.
The table below highlights the average monthly quotes for temporary car insurance across popular companies.
Options for temporary car insurance
If you need car insurance only on a temporary basis, purchasing a standard policy might not make sense. Below are some other options for you to consider.
Pay-as-you-go insurance is usage-based coverage that typically tracks your driving habits and allows you to pay for coverage based on how much you drive. These policies typically have a base rate and a variable daily rate.
For drivers seeking a short-term option, the flexibility of this style of coverage is appealing. Most policies will likely last six months or one year, but these policies at least provide some flexibility with how much you pay for coverage each month.
Pay-as-you-go coverage has increased in popularity in recent years, with infrequent drivers and remote workers benefiting the most.
If you drive regularly but don’t own a vehicle, non-owner car insurance may be a good option to consider. This type of policy includes liability-only coverage for when you rent or borrow a car, which means your insurer would help you pay for damages and injuries you cause.
A non-owner car insurance policy typically lasts between six and 12 months. But non-owner car insurance is generally less expensive than a traditional policy because it provides less coverage.
Some major insurance companies offering non-owner car insurance include USAA, State Farm, and Progressive. But before settling on a policy, it’s helpful to shop around to determine the most affordable rates for your situation.
Pay-per-mile insurance involves paying a predetermined rate per mile on top of a base rate. You’ll pay more for coverage in a month when you drive more and less when you don’t drive as frequently. Pay-per-mile car insurance typically makes sense for infrequent drivers who don’t want to overpay through a more traditional insurance policy.
For example, if you use your car only a few times a month for short drives, you can save on coverage with this type of policy. Some pay-per-mile options for Michigan drivers include Nationwide and Allstate’s Milewise program.
If you don’t have your own car insurance policy when you rent a vehicle, most rental car companies give you the option of purchasing the necessary coverage at the counter. Although rental car insurance typically costs more than a standard car insurance policy, it gives you the coverage you need for a short period of time.
Pros and cons of temporary car insurance
Every insurance product has advantages and disadvantages. Learn more about the pros and cons of temporary car insurance below.
Temporary car insurance in Michigan FAQs
If you’re still looking for temporary car insurance in Michigan, the following information can help answer your remaining questions.
Can you get temporary insurance in Michigan?
Auto insurers typically issue policies in increments of six months or one year. But if you need a temporary car insurance policy, some options include getting coverage for a rental car through a rental agency, pay-as-you-go coverage, or canceling a longer-term policy early.
Can law enforcement pull you over for not having insurance in Michigan?
It’s illegal to drive without car insurance in Michigan. If a law enforcement officer pulls you over and discovers you don’t have insurance, you can face a fine of up to $500, one year in jail, or both.
Does Michigan have seven-day insurance?
No. Michigan banned the practice of seven-day car insurance policies in 2018.
What are the drawbacks of temporary car insurance?
Though you may find a few short-term coverage options, temporary car insurance policies aren’t widely available and may end up costing you more than a longer-term car insurance policy over the course of a year. Having a standard longer-term policy may help you avoid risks of coverage gaps. It’s critical to confirm the policy you choose includes enough protection for your needs.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Michigan?
The cheapest car insurance company in Michigan varies based on your unique situation, which means shopping around will help you find the lowest rates. USAA, Auto-Owners, and Chubb consistently offer the cheapest average rates to Michigan drivers, according to Insurify data.