MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2022
Individuals may be in a situation where they are looking for temporary auto insurance; however, most major insurance companies do not offer short-term coverage. Luckily, there are still ways to make sure you are properly insured while operating a vehicle, as discussed in the options below.
If you have questions about securing the right insurance for your needs, the agents at Gray Insurance Group in Bel Air, Maryland, are ready to help. Contact us today for more information.
Auto Insurance for Temporary Needs
States may require motorists to carry specific types and amounts of auto insurance in order to legally operate a motor vehicle. For example, laws may mandate drivers to have certain amounts of liability insurance, personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. Other coverages (e.g., comprehensive coverage or collision coverage) may also be available to provide financial assistance if your car is damaged or in an accident.
Yet, auto insurance needs vary, and some drivers may be looking to get auto insurance for a short period of time. For example, you may drive infrequently, be a visitor to the country, not own a car or be home from college after not having a vehicle while away. Such circumstances may require you to look for auto insurance for a temporary period (e.g., one week or one month). However, unless you are purchasing rental car insurance, policies for short time frames are generally unavailable, and the minimum length of coverage is usually six months.
Even though temporary policies might not be available, there are ways to help ensure you are carrying the coverage that meets your needs while being conscious of costs, such as:
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Purchase a usage-based policy. If you don’t drive frequently, usage-based policies may be available. These may use an electronic device or telematics to monitor your driving, basing your costs on how much you drive and how safe you are behind the wheel.
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Secure a standard policy, and cancel it when you no longer need it. Although major insurance companies’ policies usually have a six-month minimum, you may be able to cancel it before the term ends when your driving period is finished. Cancellation fees may apply, and having a lapse in coverage may increase your rates in the future. Additionally, you will want to be certain you won’t need to drive while you don’t have insurance, and you will want to review your policy’s refund policy. Car storage insurance may offer a way to reduce your premiums, keep your car covered while it is not being driven and allow you to maintain continuous coverage.
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Obtain non-owner car insurance. This coverage may be a cost-effective way to carry liability insurance if you don’t own a car but regularly drive borrowed or rented cars. It typically functions as secondary insurance, which provides coverage if a claim exceeds the owner’s limits.
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Be added as an insured driver. If you frequently drive another person’s car, you may be able to be added as an insured driver on their policy and subsequently be removed when you are finished. This may increase the premium for the policyholder, and the policyholder’s insurance may be impacted if you are in an accident.
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Get a low-mileage policy. This type of policy may be an option if you seldom drive. These are often cheaper than standard policies, but you will want to ensure you review the mileage limitations associated with this type of insurance.
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Explore discounts for distant college students. If a college student lives more than a set distance away (e.g., more than 100 miles) from their parents/guardians, and they only drive while at home on breaks, they may qualify for a discounted rate while remaining on their parents’/guardians’ policy.
Other strategies may make sense, given your unique circumstances. Speak with our agents to learn more about options, limits and exclusions.
Contact Us
The team at Gray Insurance Group can discuss your situation and help you get the insurance that best suits you. Contact us today for more information.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.
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