Temporary Car Insurance In Iowa: Where To Get Short-Term Cover In 2024

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed car insurance for just a brief time, like for a weekend trip or a quick visit home? A yearly insurance plan can feel excessive and complicated for those moments. This is where temporary car insurance can help. While it’s not widely available from many U.S. insurers, there are still options out there.

With my knowledge in the insurance industry, I’ll explain why this type of coverage might be important and offer specific options for those in Iowa. If you’re worried about being uninsured or paying too much, keep reading.

What Is Temporary Car Insurance?

Temporary car insurance usually covers vehicles for periods shorter than the standard 6 or 12 months. However, these policies are not commonly found in the United States. If you need short-term coverage, consider buying a standard six-month policy and ending it before its term.

Alternatives To Temporary Car Insurance

A variety of substitutes for temporary car insurance are accessible, such as:

Buying A Six-Month Iowa Insurance Policy And Canceling It Early

Auto insurance providers commonly offer car insurance policies lasting either six months or a year. While shorter terms are less common, you can buy a six-month policy and terminate it whenever necessary.

Rental Car Insurance In Iowa

Many people look into short-term car insurance when they rent a car temporarily. However, rental companies often provide their own insurance, which means buying a personal policy might not be necessary. This is recommended because personal auto insurance usually doesn’t cover expenses like loss of use, which can be expensive.

Non-Owner Car Insurance In Iowa

Drivers who frequently use cars they don’t own should consider non-owner car insurance. This type of insurance covers liability for property damage or personal injury caused while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle. It also prevents coverage lapses during car transitions, potentially saving you from higher insurance premiums later.

Iowa Pay-Per-Mile Insurance

For vehicle owners who rarely use their cars, pay-per-mile insurance presents a practical option compared to temporary coverage. Traditional auto insurance premiums are influenced by several factors, with driving frequency typically not among them. Pay-per-mile policies calculate premiums based on mileage, helping low-mileage drivers cut costs.

Rideshare Car Insurance

Personal car insurance policies typically exclude coverage while driving for a ride-hailing service. Given the approximately 1.5 million Uber drivers in the US and more than 2.8 million daily trips from 2019 to 2020, rideshare insurance is essential. Uber and Lyft offer coverage during specific stages of rides, but personal insurance applies only to personal driving. To address this issue, drivers should consider adding rideshare insurance to their standard policies.

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Iowa- By Policy Length

My research indicates that MetLife charges the most for short-term car insurance in Iowa, whereas GEICO offers the least expensive rates.

Short-Term Auto Insurance Rates In Iowa- By City

Iowa saw numerous car accidents last year, particularly in Waterloo, leading to higher auto insurance premiums compared to the statewide average. Conversely, Cedar Rapids, with fewer accidents, boasts some of the lowest car insurance rates in Iowa.

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Iowa- By Insurance Company

Altering Iowa Car Insurance Temporarily Depending On Your Needs

Pondering what to do if the other alternatives for short-term car insurance mentioned earlier don’t suit your situation? Depending on why you need temporary vehicle coverage, you might modify your current plan to better fit your needs. If you’re not insured, you could look into purchasing a six-month policy and tailoring it to suit your exact requirements. Here are scenarios where adjusting your car insurance policy might be applicable.

You’re An Infrequent Driver

Whether you need your own car insurance depends on how often you drive. Car insurance companies typically require all licensed household members to be listed on the vehicle owner’s policy to ensure coverage when they drive. Most policies also include a permissive use clause, which covers occasional drivers not listed on the policy. However, if you frequently drive, consider a non-owner policy for liability protection when using borrowed or rented vehicles.

Your Car Is In Storage

If you store your vehicle for a long time—perhaps because you drive different cars in different seasons—you might consider canceling your insurance. But your car could still be exposed to risks like fire, theft, or vandalism. While there’s no such thing as storage insurance, you can get comprehensive-only coverage or suspend your liability and collision insurance. Don’t forget to reactivate full coverage before driving again. If your insurer doesn’t allow only comprehensive coverage, reducing it to state minimums could save money, but this may not be the best option for multi-car policies.

To Allow Someone Else Drive Your Car

From time to time, you might let a friend or relative borrow your car. The permissive use clause in most car insurance policies allows them to drive with your permission on a limited basis. However, if someone who lives with you or regularly drives your vehicle is licensed, they generally need to be included on your insurance policy, no matter how frequently they drive.

To Add Your Child To Your Policy

If your child has just earned their driver’s license, you may be hesitant to add them to your car insurance due to the high premiums for new drivers. But it’s best to include them, even if they won’t be driving often. Insurers usually require all licensed drivers in your household to be listed. If not, they could cancel your policy or deny claims. If your child won’t drive at all, you might be able to exclude them from the policy.

College Student Away At School

Many undergrad students have their cars with them at school. They need to either remain on their parent’s insurance or buy their own to drive legally. Even if your child isn’t taking a car to college, don’t rush to take them off your policy. If they borrow a friend’s car and don’t have insurance, they could be responsible for costs exceeding the friend’s coverage in the event of an accident. Iowa requires a minimum of 20/40/15 in liability insurance, but that can be exhausted quickly in a crash.

Additionally, an estimated 1,519 college students die each year from alcohol-related accidents, such as car crashes. Considering the active party scene in college, it’s important to ensure your child is insured to avoid hesitancy in driving a drunk friend home. Keeping them on your insurance policy provides coverage if they drive another person’s car at school, or you can opt for a non-owner policy.

You’re An International Driver

There are different car insurance options for international drivers in Iowa. Renting a car for a short period allows you to obtain coverage from the rental company. For longer stays, consider a standard auto policy or non-owner insurance. Cancel the policy when you return to your home country.

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Good Drivers

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Young Drivers

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Drivers With An Accident