Temporary Car Insurance In Missouri 2025

Have you ever needed car insurance for a short time, like a weekend trip in a borrowed car or a quick visit home from college? Year-long policies can be too much of a commitment and expense for these situations. This is where temporary auto insurance can be a lifesaver. While it’s not widely available from U.S. insurers, there are still options to explore.

One common approach is to purchase a standard six-month auto insurance policy and cancel it when coverage is no longer needed. Many insurers provide prorated refunds for the unused portion, making this a convenient and cost-effective solution for temporary insurance needs.

With my extensive background in the insurance sector as a licensed insurance agent, I’ll explain why temporary coverage might be essential and offer tailored options for Missouri residents.

What Is Temporary Car Insurance?

The standard practice among insurers is to provide policies that range from six to twelve months. However, temporary car insurance is specifically for periods shorter than six months. Since this type of coverage isn’t commonly available in the United States, drivers seeking short-term options should consider alternatives, like selecting a standard six-month policy and terminating it prematurely.

Alternatives To Temporary Car Insurance

When it comes to temporary car insurance, there are several options depending on your situation.

Missouri Pay-Per-Mile Insurance

Infrequent drivers could benefit more from pay-per-mile car insurance than temporary coverage. Unlike conventional insurers who charge a fixed rate regardless of mileage, pay-per-mile policies calculate your premiums based on how much you actually drive. This method could save you money in the long run while still offering adequate insurance.

Non-Owner Car Insurance In Missouri

Designed for regular drivers without their own cars in Missouri, non-owner car insurance covers you whether driving your own vehicle or someone else’s.

Rideshare Car Insurance

Uber drivers thrive in Missouri, underscoring the necessity of rideshare insurance. Regular auto insurance does not cover accidents occurring while drivers are actively engaged with transportation network companies. Therefore, it’s crucial for Uber and Lyft drivers to obtain specialized insurance to ensure comprehensive protection for themselves and their passengers.

While some major insurers may offer partial coverage, opting for insurance directly from rideshare companies is advised.

Rental Car Insurance In Missouri

Several drivers contemplate temporary car insurance, especially for rentals. Yet, you have the option to purchase insurance directly from the rental company, sidestepping the need for your own policy. It’s prudent to obtain coverage from the rental company as most personal auto policies typically exclude coverage for the rental car’s loss of use, which can be costly.

Consider Buying A Six-Month Missouri Insurance Policy

Nearly all auto insurance providers offer coverage for either six or twelve months, with shorter durations being uncommon. However, there’s generally no rule against buying a six-month policy and terminating it early.

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

Most major car insurance companies require a minimum policy term of six months. Although some providers promote daily or weekly car insurance, these options are often unreliable and may not deliver adequate coverage for drivers.

Thankfully, there are more practical alternatives. Pay-per-mile or pay-as-you-go insurance offers a flexible, cost-effective solution by allowing drivers to pay based on the number of miles they drive. This approach is ideal for individuals who need temporary or occasional coverage without the commitment of a long-term policy.

Who Needs Temporary Car Insurance?

Temporary car insurance is a practical and flexible option for a variety of short-term situations, including:

• Traveling: Provides coverage when renting or borrowing a car during trips.
• Test Driving: Offers temporary protection while evaluating a vehicle before purchase.
• Car Rentals: Fills coverage gaps when rental agreements lack sufficient insurance.
• Occasional Vehicle Use: Ideal for short-term use of a friend’s or family member’s car.
• Visiting Family: Convenient for using a relative’s car temporarily while staying with them.
• Relocating: Ensures your vehicle stays covered during a move to a new location.
• Buying and Reselling Vehicles: Provides insurance for cars purchased with plans for quick resale.
• College Students: Perfect for students who only need a car during holidays or school breaks.
• Vehicle Storage: Maintains necessary insurance for cars kept in storage.

This type of insurance is an affordable and reliable solution for a wide range of temporary driving needs.

Altering Your Missouri Car Insurance Temporarily To Suit Your Needs

Should you require temporary car insurance, adjusting your current policy to better suit your needs or purchasing a six-month policy with specified coverage, especially if you’re presently uninsured, are viable options. These scenarios highlight the usefulness of these choices.

Include Your Child In Your Policy

When your child gets their driver’s license, you might be hesitant to add them to your car insurance because of the cost. However, it’s important to include them, even if they won’t be driving much. Insurance companies typically require you to declare all licensed drivers in your household. Failing to do so could create problems when making claims or even lead to the cancellation of your policy. If they really won’t be driving, you could potentially take them off your coverage.

Add A Licensed Driver To Your Car Insurance

Occasionally, you may find yourself in a scenario where someone else must drive your vehicle. Depending on their usage patterns, you might need to officially add them to your insurance policy as a driver. If their use is sporadic, they are typically covered under the permissive use clause. This clause, offered by most insurers, is useful for emergencies or instances where you lend your car.

It’s crucial to notify your insurer about household members or individuals with regular access to your vehicle, as they may need to be included on your policy regardless of their driving frequency.

Your Child Is Away At College

About 56% of college undergrads have cars while in school, making car insurance relatively straightforward for them. They can either stay on their parents’ insurance or get their own policy. What about those who don’t own a car, though? It might seem they don’t need insurance, but this isn’t entirely true. Approximately 1,519 college students each year are injured in alcohol-related incidents, including car accidents. If your child needs to stop a friend from driving under the influence, you don’t want insurance issues to get in the way.

While insurance usually follows the car, an accident could exceed policy limits, leaving the driver with financial liability. In Missouri, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. Even minor accidents can exceed these limits. Keeping your child on your policy or getting a non-owner policy can help manage these potential risks.

You Don’t Drive Very Often

Individuals who drive infrequently might not find it essential to have their own insurance policy, depending on their driving habits. However, insurance providers typically require most licensed household residents to be covered under car policies, regardless of how rarely they drive. Nonetheless, many policies include a permissive use provision, allowing occasional car usage with the owner’s permission. If you frequently drive cars owned by others, consider purchasing a non-owner policy to ensure you’re covered, regardless of the vehicle.

You Are An International Driver

International drivers have insurance options based on their duration of stay in a foreign country. Short-term visitors renting cars can choose insurance from the rental company. For longer stays, it’s advisable to purchase a standard auto insurance policy or a non-owner policy. Keep in mind, some insurers may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a US driver’s license. Make sure to check the necessary driving documents before your trip.

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Missouri – By Insurance Company

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Missouri – By Policy Length

According to Missouri’s Department of Insurance, Progressive is the top player in auto insurance. Our investigation suggests it’s also the priciest for short-term vehicle insurance, whereas USAA offers a more cost-effective solution.

Short-Term Auto Insurance Rates In Missouri – By City

Missouri sees its fair share of car accidents annually. In St. Louis, where auto insurance costs are steep, accidents are more frequent. Meanwhile, Independence records a lower accident rate compared to the state average, reflecting relatively lower insurance premiums in our research.

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

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

Average Cost Of In Missouri For Drivers With A Prior Accident