One-Day and Short-Term Car Insurance

If you only need to drive for a day, a weekend or a few weeks, a one-day or weekly policy sounds like the obvious answer. In the U.S., though, standard insurers don't sell them: car insurance is normally written for six-month or one-year terms (Experian, updated January 7, 2025). The good news is that the situations people want short-term cover for are usually already handled another way.

If you're borrowing someone's car

In most cases the car owner's insurance covers you as a “permissive user,” even if you aren't named on their policy. The owner should check their policy first, because some policies limit or exclude permissive drivers, and any claim goes on the owner's record. If you borrow the same car regularly, you'll usually need to be added to the owner's policy.

If you're renting a car

Your own policy often extends to a rental car in the U.S. Check before you travel. If you don't have a policy, the rental company sells a collision or loss damage waiver for the car itself and supplemental liability cover for damage you cause to others. Some credit cards also include rental car damage cover when you pay with the card. Read the terms, as it is usually secondary to other insurance.

If you don't own a car but drive now and then

A non-owner policy gives you liability cover whenever you drive a borrowed or rented car. It's usually much cheaper than a standard policy, and it keeps your insurance history continuous, which lowers future premiums.

If you own a car you rarely drive

• Pay-per-mile or pay-as-you-drive insurance: a low base rate plus a charge per mile, available from a number of insurers in many states.
• Low-mileage discounts on a standard policy.
• Storage (comprehensive-only) coverage for a car that is laid up for months, which protects against theft and damage while it isn't being driven. Check your state's rules first, since some states require liability on every registered car.

If you need cover for a few weeks

You can buy a standard six-month policy and cancel it when you no longer need it. Most insurers refund the unused premium, though some charge a cancellation fee, so ask before you buy. A few newer companies sell policies in short blocks of days in some states. They're worth comparing, but check the limits, since some offer only the state minimum.

What to avoid

Don't drive without insurance “just for a day.” An uninsured accident leaves you personally liable for the damage, and being caught brings fines and possible license suspension. Be wary of websites offering U.S. “one-day policies”: check that the insurer is licensed in your state with your state's department of insurance before paying.

For a standard or non-owner policy, compare quotes here.

Reyess editorial team. Last updated September 2026. Options and availability vary by state and insurer.

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