Temporary Car Insurance

There are quite a few reasons why you would need temporary car insurance, and buying temporary car insurance is considerably easier than it used to be. If you have never had an agent, or any kind of vehicle insurance, you will probably start out by looking for quotes on the internet. Many sites are easy to use and have built in calculators. You put in your age, location and the details of the vehicle and the calculator will bring you back a quote for the length of time you require. It's certainly a lot easier than spending an afternoon on the phone!

Car insurance is required by law in all 50 states, and the penalties for being caught without insurance vary by state, but it is a serious offence. Even if you only need a car for a day, it is better to purchase temporary car insurance than risk a major financial disaster by tempting fate.

Many insurance companies will not offer temporary car insurance to a driver under 21 years of age - the risks are simply too high, given the high incidences of accidents - especially fatal accidents, for drivers under that age. It may be easier to find someone over 21 who already has their own car insurance, to drive you around.

If you are over 21, then you can get temporary auto insurance on any kind of vehicle, from an SUV to a motorcycle, for any period of time, whether it's 24 hours or three months. If it is for a very short period, the insurance company may ask you to pay in full, up front.

Short term car insurance acts in just the same way as any auto insurance policy. You will be covered for liability, which covers injuries, property damage, physical damage, uninsured motorists, and medical. Many insurance companies may try to sell you more insurance than you need, such as roadside assistance - it's up to you to decide if it may be beneficial if you have it.

If you are going abroad and want to rent a vehicle for a short length of time, be aware that any short term car insurance you purchase at a vehicle rental counter in an airport is going to be far more expensive that if you arrange insurance before you leave.Every country differs so check carefully. Even if you are not required to have car insurance in some countries, you could end up in a very nasty mess if you don't have it and get involved in an accident.

Your car insurance agent or company representative should be able to tell you all the requirements for the country you are visiting, and possibly arrange insurance for you, before you leave.

Shop around to get the best quotes for temporary car insurance; don't just go with the first company you find. Compare apples to apples, look for hidden fees such as a charge for early termination and the little up sells that they may try to sneak in. Of course, an experienced auto insurance agent will be able help you much better than a typical call center employee will.