Let’s be honest, owning a car in the U.S. doesn’t always mean you need to insure it for an entire year. Life sometimes gets in the way of our plans. Perhaps you’ve been allowed to use a car for a family road trip, maybe you’re renting a car for business purposes, or you want to test drive a vehicle without committing to an auto policy yet. These are times when one-week car insurance, or temporary/short-term auto insurance, comes into play. It is flexible, cheap, and designed for the specific need of drivers in need of coverage temporarily.
In this blog, we will explain what one-week car insurance means, when you would need it, who issues it, the pitfalls, and how it works. It doesn’t matter if you live in California, Texas, New York, or anywhere in between; we’ve got you covered.
What is One-Week Car Insurance?
One-week car insurance is a type of temporary car insurance that provides coverage for exactly seven days. This is an excellent option for those who do not need year-round coverage but want to be legal and protected while driving.
It usually has the same coverage options as a standard policy, such as liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage, and a finite time.
When Would You Need One-Week Car Insurance?
You may be surprised how often one-week car insurance makes sense. There are many real-world examples when it makes sense to go with this option:
1. You’re Borrowing a Friend’s Car
If you are going to be driving someone else’s vehicle for a week or longer, their insurance policy may not cover you completely. Having short-term car insurance will add peace of mind and coverage for both people.
2. You’re Test Driving or Buying a Used Car
If you’re still shopping around for a vehicle and will be driving one for an extended time, you’ll want to have short-term car insurance during the interim time frame to drive legally and protect yourself.
3. College Students Home for Break
Students back home for a few days or weeks might not need full-time coverage. One-week insurance fills the gap.
4. Travelers Renting or Borrowing a Vehicle
Whether it’s for a vacation or business trip, getting separate short-term insurance can be cheaper than what rental companies charge.
5. Uber/Lyft Drivers Getting Started
If you’re testing out the gig economy, a temporary policy could help you stay insured during your first week on the road.
Difference Between Short-Term and Standard Policies
| Feature | Short-Term (One-Week Insurance) | Standard Insurance (6-12 Months) |
|---|
| Duration | 7 days | 6-12 months |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Cost | Higher per day | Lower per day |
| Ideal For | Temporary needs | Long-term coverage |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available |
Is One Week Car Insurance Legal in the U.S.?
Yes, one-week car insurance is legal in the U.S., but it’s rarely offered as a standalone policy. Most drivers achieve short-term coverage by purchasing a standard policy and canceling it early.
State Regulations
In the U.S., each state sets its auto insurance laws. While having insurance—even for just a week—is legal, most states don’t require insurers to offer one-week policies. Instead, drivers must meet the state’s minimum liability requirements, whether coverage lasts one day or one year.
Insurance Company Practices
Companies like GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm don’t list “7-day insurance” on their websites, but here’s how people still manage it:
- Buy a standard policy
- Cancel it after 7 days
- Pay only for the days you were covered (sometimes with a small cancellation fee)
It’s a workaround, but it’s legal and commonly used.
How to Get One Week Car Insurance – Step-by-Step Guide
Getting one-week car insurance in the U.S. usually means buying a standard policy and canceling it after 7 days to pay only for the time you need.
1. Choose a Provider with Flexible Cancellation
Pick a reputable insurer (like GEICO, Progressive, or Allstate) that allows easy cancellation and prorated refunds. Avoid unverified third-party sites promising instant short-term coverage.
2. Select Your State’s Minimum Required Coverage
Make sure your policy meets your state’s legal minimum liability limits to stay compliant while insured.
3. Buy a Standard Policy, Then Cancel After 7 Days
Purchase a regular policy and cancel within 7 days. Confirm the cancellation terms and refund eligibility to avoid fees.
4. Obtain Written Confirmation and Refund Details
Get written proof of coverage and cancellation, including refund terms, to avoid surprises.
Pro Tip: Buying a 30-day policy and canceling after 7 days is a common way to create short-term coverage with minimal cost.
Pros and Cons of Weekly Car Insurance
- Flexible for short-term needs
- Ideal for non-car owners
- Low commitment, no long contracts
- Great for emergency situations
- More expensive per day than annual policies
- Limited availability in the U.S.
- Possible cancellation fees
- May not cover all insurance benefits
Coverage Types to Look for in a Weekly Policy
Short-term car insurance should still provide solid protection. When choosing a weekly or short-term policy, ensure it covers the essentials below to keep you fully protected on the road.
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Liability Coverage | Bodily injury & property damage to others | Legally required in most states; protects you from lawsuits |
| Collision Coverage | Damage to your own vehicle after an accident | Covers repair or replacement costs for your car |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Theft, vandalism, weather-related damage | Protects against non-collision losses |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | Injuries or damages caused by drivers without adequate insurance | Shields you from uninsured drivers’ costs |
| Medical Payments/Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Medical expenses for you and passengers | Ensures you’re covered for injuries regardless of who caused the accident |
Which Companies Offer Flexible Short-Term Auto Insurance?
While the major players don’t explicitly market one-week policies, there are newer, digital-first insurers and alternative platforms that do. Here are a few options to consider:
Hugo
- Offers pay-as-you-go insurance that you can activate for as little as 3 days
- No upfront deposits
- Instant activation via app
Metromile
- Ideal for low-mileage drivers
- Pay per mile and cancel anytime
Veracity Insurance Solutions
- Offers specialty temporary coverage depending on the state
Rental Car Protection Providers
- Rental agencies offer one-week coverage, but it’s expensive. Compare it to separate short-term plans.
Real User Experiences with Short-Term Car Insurance in the U.S.
While one-week car insurance policies are uncommon in the U.S., users have shared their experiences with alternative solutions and providers offering flexible short-term coverage.
R/Insurance
Looking for short-term car insurance for a spare car
I recently got a new car and gave my old one to my dad to use as a family spare. We want to insure it only occasionally—like for a week or two when needed—with just the state minimum coverage. We’re in Indiana. What’s the best, legal, and affordable way to set this up?
Top 1% commentator replied:
“Cheap” and “insurance” rarely go together.
Your dad’s plan is like unofficial car renting—letting others drive without control.
Insurance must be active continuously once the car is registered; week-by-week coverage isn’t legal.
It’s high risk, rates will be high, and hiding usage is insurance fraud, risking denied claims and big financial loss.
R/personal finance
Is it possible to buy car insurance for just one week? (non-owner)
You could always get insurance, pay the monthly cost, and then cancel or switch the car,s the insurance should refund you for the unused days/ recalculate the insurance for the new vehicle.
Temporary Car Insurance: What Each State Offers
Here’s the State-Specific Notes section formatted as a table for you:
| States | Notes |
|---|
| Calfornia | Short-term policies aren’t common; pay-per-mile options like Metro mile work well here. |
| Texas | Allows policy cancellations with refunds; buying a 6-month policy and canceling after a week’s work. |
| Florida | High-risk state with higher premiums; flexible coverage available from smaller providers. |
| New York | Strict regulations; most large insurers allow pro-rated cancellations—check refund policies. |
| Illinois, Washington, Arizona | Progressive states where digital-first insurers like Hugo have gained traction. |
Final Thoughts: Is One-Week Car Insurance Worth It?
Absolutely, you need to drive legally and safely for just a short window of time. Whether you’re testing out a car, borrowing a vehicle, or just visiting another state, temporary car insurance is a smart financial decision.
Sure, it requires a bit more effort to secure, but it beats getting caught uninsured or worse, getting in an accident without coverage. And with new Insurtech platforms making short-term coverage more accessible than ever, it’s easier than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to insure a car for just one week?
Yes, short-term car insurance is typically offered in flexible durations, ranging from a few hours to days, weeks, or even months. When purchasing a policy, you can select the exact coverage period that suits your needs. Additionally, many providers allow you to extend the coverage beyond the initial term, usually for an additional cost.
What’s the shortest period to insure a car?
Temporary car insurance lets you buy coverage for just the time you need, starting from as little as one hour up to 28 days.
Does GEICO provide short-term auto insurance?
The truth is, most leading insurers, including GEICO and Progressive, typically do not offer temporary or short-term car insurance policies shorter than six months.
