The purpose behind short term auto insurance policies is to cover an otherwise non insured person or vehicle for a short time. The name is pretty much self-explanatory.
A person needs temporary auto insurance for things like: a trip where the car they are driving is not covered under their regular policy, a child comes home from college and will be driving the family car – which they are not on the policy for during the school year, family members visiting from out of town who will be using your car to sight see, or even you borrowing a friend’s car while yours is in the shop. You get the idea.
Short term policies cover the person driving the car, when if you didn’t have a short term auto policy you/the person driving would otherwise be held liable for damages.
You can get these policies both from traditional insurance companies and from online companies that specialize in short term coverage. Both options have their advantages, and both their disadvantages, depending on the length of time you will need your policy, and how you feel about your current auto policy holder. In general online companies are fast – you can have a policy within an hour complete with cards. But traditional companies give you a person to work with, which may be necessary if you need more involved coverage, have questions etc.
Usually temporary auto insurance is liability only. It’s a cheap insurance to cover an unlikely eventuality, making liability coverage the most attractive option. However, comprehensive short term insurance is also available for those who need if for an extended period of time (although still less than 6 months) or if you have a really nice car you’re worried about your college age child driving.
Temporary auto insurance can give you peace of mind.
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