Temporary Car Insurance in New York (2025)

A standard car insurance policy term lasts for six months or one year, and the average cost of car insurance in New York state is $187 per month. But plenty of drivers only need occasional coverage or want a shorter term.

Be wary of companies advertising one-day or weeklong policies. While these short-term plans are becoming more common, they’re still rare. Always research the company before choosing a policy.

In New York, you must have a valid insurance policy when behind the wheel, so it’s important to maintain coverage no matter how much you drive.1 Here’s what you should know about temporary car insurance in New York.

Best temporary car insurance in New York

To help drivers find the best temporary car insurance in New York, Insurify data scientists compared auto insurance companies that offer affordable rates and quality service. Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive are top picks, and comparing coverage from these three is a good place to start.

Travelers: Best for non-owner policies

Liberty Mutual: Best for same-day coverage

Progressive: Best for usage-based insurance

Cheapest short-term car insurance in New York 

While many different factors can influence the cost of car insurance premiums — such as driver age, vehicle type, and driving record — understanding what average costs look like can help you while shopping for short-term car insurance.2 On average, car insurance costs $187 per month in New York state.

The following table highlights the average monthly rate of some popular car insurance companies in New York.

Options for temporary car insurance

If you need temporary car insurance, you have to find the right policy for your unique situation. You have a few popular options to choose from if you need a short-term policy.

Pay-as-you-go car insurance: Best for telecommuters

Pay-as-you-go car insurance calculates premiums based on miles driven. These policies typically adjust per-mile rates according to the driver’s risk factors, like age, driving record, and location. This model offers benefits for low-mileage drivers, allowing them to save compared to traditional flat-rate policies. It also provides an incentive to drive less, which can lower accident risk and emissions.

But this auto insurance policy type has drawbacks, including limited availability in some regions and higher costs for people who drive frequently. Tracking mileage can also require telematics devices or apps, which make some consumers uncomfortable due to privacy concerns.

Pay-as-you-go insurance is becoming increasingly popular as large numbers of workers ditch their long commutes in favor of remote work.

Non-owner car insurance: Best for drivers with borrowed cars

Non-owner car insurance makes it possible to drive a car you don’t own but still maintain coverage. This type of policy covers bodily injury and property damage that the driver might cause, but it doesn’t typically include coverage for vehicle repairs or injuries to the policyholder. It’s especially useful for people who frequently rent cars, borrow friends’ or family members’ vehicles, or drive for work-related purposes.

This form of short-term insurance can be beneficial if the car owner’s policy has low liability coverage limits or if the driver’s use of the car falls outside the owner’s policy conditions. Liberty Mutual, Progressive, USAA, and Travelers all offer this type of coverage in New York.

Non-owner insurance policies are typically more affordable than a standard liability or full-coverage policy.

Pay-per-mile car insurance: Best for homebodies

A pay-per-mile car insurance policy adjusts your car insurance rate based on how many miles you drive. If you work from home or live in a walkable neighborhood, you may still want to have a car on hand but might not need to drive it very often.

These policies are similar to pay-as-you-go policies without driving behavior tracking, and they’re more difficult to find in New York. A pay-per-mile auto insurance policy may suit you well and allow you to save when you keep your mileage low.

But if you decide to drive your car more often, be prepared for an increased car insurance bill.

Rental car insurance: Best for travelers

If your preferred method of travel is to hit the open road, rental car insurance might be the right fit for your auto insurance needs. You have a few options available to you when it comes time to buy a rental car insurance policy. This policy type is available through rental car companies, car-sharing programs, and peer-to-peer car services.

Before you buy a rental car insurance policy, double-check with your current car insurance company or credit card issuer to see if you already have coverage.3

Pros and cons of temporary car insurance

When deciding whether or not a temporary car insurance policy is the right move, consider both the pros and cons of this policy type.