You can choose short term car insurance if you have to use a car temporarily or for a short duration. The time frame for a short term car insurance policy can run anywhere from 1 day to 6 months, depending upon the need of the driver. The premium can either be paid in advance or be paid in installments on a monthly basis. Short term auto insurance may cover physical damages, bodily injuries, collision, uninsured motorists and medical expenses. These coverage options are same as found with long term car insurance. It is not advisable to choose cheap short term car insurance just to save on premiums.
Some reasons you may choose cheap short term car insurance:
- You are going out of town and need a rental car.
- Visit to the US from any other country.
- You want to drive somebody else’s car.
Convenience of short term car insurance
- Adding a name to your short term auto insurance is very easy and you can add as many drivers as you want in your insurance.
- This insurance is limited in time not in coverage.
Premium amount depends on two things: deductibles and coverage limit. If you choose a higher amount as your deductible, you will have to pay a lower premium. Deductible is an amount that policy owner is required to pay before the insurance company pays off any claims to the insured. You can also go for lower coverage limits which will help you drive down the insurance policy cost. Lower coverage limits may not cover full damage to your or another party’s automobile and hence they are not recommended.
Many car insurance policies are available in the market and depending on your budget and needs you can make your decision. Deductibles, duration and coverage limits decide the amount of premium for your car insurance.
In order to get an insurance quote you will need to visit your nearest insurance agent or go online to the insurance provider’s website. Now-a-days many websites and agents offer quotes from various insurance companies to help you compare the costs and choose the best policy for you. It’s best to do some research before opting for the cheapest quote offered online. Make a call or talk to a few insurance agents before you make a final decision.
Premium amounts depend upon the type of vehicle – whether it is a coupe, sedan or hatchback – and also on the make and engine type of the vehicle. The car you may be buying or renting will decide the amount of your insurance policy.
The cost of temporary auto insurance may also depend on where you live and your age. Some companies may offer discounts to senior citizens. The deductible options offered by various insurance companies vary from $500 to $2,000 in $500 increments. Most insurance companies offer default liability coverage of $50,000 or $100,000, which can be decreased or increased to suit your needs.
The premiums normally vary from $300 to $1200 for 6 months depending on the length of one’s driving history and the number of accidents or tickets received in the past. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional in most states and if waived, it will decrease the cost of your insurance policy.
There are many companies that provide the cheapest short term car insurance varying from small local agents to big national or international firms. Most of the companies offer discounts which depend on whom you are employed with, which school you attend or are alumni of, which organizations you are affiliated with, etc.
Driving without insurance is illegal in United States of America and in most countries around the world. If you drive without insurance, your license can be revoked or you may have to pay hefty fines for such an offense. Temporary car insurance may be for you if you do not have a perfect driving record.