Temporary Car Insurance In Georgia 2024

Have you ever had the need for car insurance but just for a brief period, like a weekend getaway in a borrowed car or a short trip back home from college? Year-long policies can be too much of a commitment and expense for these situations.

That’s where temporary auto insurance can be a lifesaver. While it’s not widely available from U.S. insurers, there are still avenues to explore. With my extensive background in the insurance sector, I’ll detail why temporary coverage, also known as short-term car insurance, might be essential and offer up tailored options for Georgia residents.

What Is Temporary Car Insurance?

Most insurers follow a standard of providing policies lasting from six to twelve months. Temporary car insurance, on the other hand, is for durations shorter than six months. This could be for an hour, a single day, a week, or up to a couple of months.

Since this isn’t widely available in the United States, drivers needing short-term coverage should look into other options, such as opting for a standard six-month policy and cancelling it once they no longer need it.

Alternatives To Temporary Car Insurance

For those seeking temporary car insurance, there are several options available depending on the circumstances prompting the need for coverage.

Georgia Pay-Per-Mile Insurance

If you’re not a frequent driver, you might find pay-per-mile car insurance more beneficial than temporary coverage. Unlike conventional insurers who charge a fixed rate regardless of usage, pay-per-mile policies adjust your payments based on your mileage. For example, you could pay $0.07 per mile, on top of a $32 per month premium.

This approach could lead to savings in the long term while still providing adequate insurance. This is a good option for remote workers who work from home and don’t commute in their car very often.

Non-Owner Car Insurance In Georgia

Non-owner car insurance is designed for those who use cars regularly but don’t own one. Examples include driving a family member’s car, or using car-sharing services like Zipcar and Getaround. It ensures you’re covered as a driver, whether you’re behind the wheel of your own car or someone else’s.

You can cancel a non-owners policy whenever you want, so you won’t have to waste money paying for months that you don’t need.

Rideshare Car Insurance

Georgia does have Uber & Lyft drivers. This highlights the importance of rideshare insurance for Georgia drivers, as regular auto insurance won’t cover accidents that occur while they’re actively working for a transportation network company.

Hence, it’s essential for Uber and Lyft drivers to acquire specialized insurance to ensure protection for themselves and their passengers. While some major insurers might offer partial coverage, it’s recommended to opt for insurance directly from the rideshare company.

Rental Car Insurance In Georgia

Many drivers think about getting temporary car insurance, particularly when they’re renting a car. But, you can actually buy insurance directly from the rental company, bypassing the need for your own policy. It’s smart to get some coverage from the rental company because most personal auto policies don’t cover the loss of use of the rental car, which can be expensive. Additionally, rental car insurance usually comes with a very low, or no, deductible.

Buy A Six-Month Car Insurance Policy And Cancel It Early

Nearly all auto insurance firms offer coverage for either six or twelve months, with shorter durations being uncommon. However, there’s typically no rule against purchasing a six-month policy and ending it prematurely.

Who Needs Temporary Car Insurance?

Some common situations which might lead a person to be interested in temporary car insurance include:

• Borrowing someone’s vehicle
• Buying a car that you are about to sell,
• Staying with family and borrowing their car
• College students who only drive during Summer break
• Visiting a location and you’d like to have access to a car
• Putting a car in storage
• Renting a car
• Moving
• Testing driving a car

Can You Get Hourly, Daily, Weekly, Or Monthly Car Insurance?

Most major auto insurance companies will not offer policies for less than 6 months. Other companies may offer you daily or weekly car insurance but you should exercise caution, as these claims can be misleading or dangerous.

You do have the option of looking for pay-per-mile insurance, or pay-as-you-go insurance, which allows drivers to only pay for the miles they have driven.

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Georgia – By Insurance Company

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ market share report, Nationwide has the biggest market share for private passenger auto insurance in Georgia, with 22%. Allied Insurance holds a 2.50% market share for the same category.

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Georgia – By Policy Length

Georgia’s Department of Insurance reveals that State Farm leads the auto insurance sector, commanding an 8.7% share. Our analysis suggests it’s also the most expensive for temporary vehicle insurance. In contrast, Farmers offers a more economical option, holding a 7.79% share.

Short-Term Auto Insurance Rates In Georgia – By City

Each year, Georgia experiences car accidents, with about large percent occurring in Augusta, where auto insurance rates are notably high. In contrast, Savannah contribution to the state’s accidents, aligns with the lowest insurance premiums identified in our study.

Altering Your Georgia Car Insurance Temporarily To Suit Your Needs

If you’re looking for temporary car insurance, you might have the flexibility to adjust your current policy to match your needs. Another possibility, if you don’t have insurance at the moment, is to purchase a six-month policy with specific coverage. Here are some instances where these choices might be useful.

Include Your Child In Your Policy

When your child gets their driver’s license, you might be reluctant to include them in your auto insurance due to the cost. But should you list them even if they won’t drive regularly? Yes, you should. Your insurer might have rules that demand you disclose all licensed drivers in your home.

Not doing so could lead to complications when making a claim or even cancellation of your policy. If they genuinely won’t be driving, you could potentially remove them from your coverage.

Add A Licensed Driver To Your Car Insurance

Every now and then, you might find yourself in a situation where someone else needs to drive your car. Depending on their usage frequency, you may need to officially include them in your insurance policy as a driver. If they’re not driving very often, they’re typically covered by the permissive use clause.

Most insurance companies provide coverage to authorized drivers under this clause, which comes in handy during emergencies or when you lend your car to someone. Make sure to inform your insurance company about any individuals who live with you or have regular access to your car, as they’ll likely need to be named on your policy, regardless of how often they drive.

Your Child Is Away At College

A significant portion—about 56%—of college undergraduates have a car while at school. For these students, dealing with car insurance is relatively straightforward. They can stick to their parents’ car insurance or opt for their own standard policy. But what about the remaining students who don’t own cars?

One might assume they don’t need insurance. However, it’s crucial to note that approximately 1,519 college-aged students succumb to alcohol-related injuries annually, including those from car accidents. If your child ever finds themselves in a situation where they need to prevent a friend from driving under the influence, you wouldn’t want insurance concerns to hinder their actions.

Though insurance typically follows the car, if an accident surpasses policy limits, the driver could face financial liability. In Georgia, the liability requirement stands at $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident for injuries and $5,000 for property damage. Even a minor incident could surpass these limits. Keeping your child on your regular policy or purchasing a non-owner policy for them can help mitigate risks in such scenarios.

You Don’t Drive Very Often

Individuals who rarely drive may not find it necessary to have their own insurance policy, depending on their driving frequency. Remember, insurance providers typically expect most licensed household residents to be included in car policies, no matter how infrequently they drive.

Nevertheless, many policies include a permissive use clause, permitting sporadic car usage with the owner’s approval. If you frequently drive cars owned by others, consider a non-owner policy to ensure coverage for yourself, regardless of the vehicle.

You Are An International Driver

International drivers have insurance choices based on how long they plan to stay in a country. Short-term visitors renting cars can opt for insurance from the rental company. For longer stays, it’s advisable to buy a standard auto policy or a non-owner policy. Note that some insurers might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a US driver’s license. Research ahead of your trip to make sure you have the correct documents for driving.

Cheapest Short-Term Car Insurance Companies In Georgia

Auto-Owners offer the cheapest 6 month car insurance policy in Georgia, at $61 per month

Average Cost Of  Short-Term Car Insurance For Young Drivers In Georgia

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Good Drivers In Georgia

Average Rates In Georgia For Drivers With A Prior Accident