What to do if you need short-term car insurance

If you’re between drivers’ insurance policies or need car insurance for only a short period of time, you may have to turn to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other government organization to find temporary car insurance. What if you need short-term car insurance? Well, fear not! You can find out everything you need to know about this type of policy in our guide below.

Shop around

Before you decide on short-term car insurance, it’s a good idea to shop around for rates. Car insurance rates differ from company to company and can change depending on your driving history and location. If you get multiple quotes, compare policies and features such as deductibles, coverage amounts, and benefits such as roadside assistance or accident forgiveness. With so many companies out there selling car insurance these days, finding one that fits your budget shouldn’t be too hard.

Short term vs. long term car insurance

If you only need a short term of coverage, it’s important to know what type of policy best suits your needs. Short term car insurance is cheaper than long term policies, and many times can cover your vehicle for up to three months at a time. The main difference between short term and long term coverage is that short term policies only cover liability while longer policies may also include comprehensive and collision coverage.

A checklist for finding the right policy

Before you get short-term coverage, it’s important to shop around for an affordable policy. Ask your insurer about deductibles and coverage limits, which affect your overall cost. If money is an issue, comparison sites can help sort through prices from different providers. You may also be able to avoid a large deductible by paying your premium in one lump sum. Once you find a policy that meets your budget and needs, it’s time to sign up.

Short term car insurance coverage

Although not necessary, short term car insurance coverage can be helpful in a number of situations. Many people choose to purchase short term cover for special occasions or holidays when they won’t be using their vehicles for an extended period of time. For example, many people purchase short term auto insurance during winter holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This coverage can also come in handy when individuals are looking for temporary solutions until they find permanent ones.

Should I opt for third party or comprehensive cover?

Short term or temporary cover is usually cheaper than comprehensive cover, so in cases where your vehicle is off road for less than 3 months, it makes sense to opt for third party cover rather than comprehensive. However, if your vehicle will be off road for longer than three months, comprehensive cover may make more sense as it will provide protection against theft and vandalism in addition to third party damage. Third party only covers damage done by another driver. Comprehensive covers damage done by any cause including fire and flood.

Choose carefully between fully comprehensive and third party cover

Third party cover is cheaper, but fully comprehensive policies will provide far more protection. If you think your vehicle may be at risk of vandalism or theft, it might be worth investing in a fully comprehensive policy. Third party cover is likely to cover damage caused by a collision between vehicles and another object, such as a tree or a lamppost. Some insurers also offer third party fire and theft policies, which are cheaper than fully comprehensive but have lower levels of coverage.