Short Term Car Insurance 101: 3 Basic FAQs

Short term car insurance is not a policy that is used often in the United States. It is a policy that is only effective for a short period of time, not more than 6 months to a year. This policy is normally not asked for unless there is a specific need that has to be filled.

When Can I Use Short Term Car Insurance?

A short term car insurance policy is normally used when renting a car for a brief period of time. When renting a car, renters have the choice of insuring the car directly with the rental agency or calling their personal insurance company and adding a rental car to their coverage. Either way, those are short term car insurance policies. Allowing the rental car company to provide the insurance is the most inexpensive and hassle-free way to get short term car insurance in most cases.

Who is Eligible for Short Term Car Insurance?

A short term car insurance policy is normally available to drivers over 21. Some states do require that this coverage be available to some under 21 to get their drivers license. These policies normally include liability coverage, physical and under/uninsured motorist. In some policies, there is also an option to include medical coverage. Even with the good coverage these policies offer, the cost is still very inexpensive because they are considered short term coverage. The same coverage that is offered on a short term policy will be more expensive on a long term policy because the policy holder will be driving more often and the risk to the insurance company increases.

What are the Benefits of Short Term Car Insurance?

A great benefit to having short term car insurance is that additional drivers can be added and taken away very easily. If there is a need for short term car insurance to be put on a personal vehicle, the policy holder would have to contact their agent to set it up. If there is an accident involving the vehicle, the policy holder wouldn’t lose any claims filed, and it wouldn’t affect their long term policy premiums.

Conclusion

Although it is not a common policy in the U.S., getting a short term car insurance policy isn’t hard. Many people start their search online. There are many free search engines that will allow drivers to input information and receive an accurate quote. Alternatively, long term policy holders can call their agent to get a direct quote and start the coverage. As easy as it is to start the short term car insurance policy, it is just as easy to end it.