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How do I get short term car insurance?

Is it possible to get short term car insurance? I live overseas, and I’m coming home to Texas for a short time. I want to drive around and see all of my friends and family.

avatar
Lauren Smith · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Most of the time,
car insurance
has set term lengths of six or twelve months.
While a few online companies offer
temporary car insurance
, it can be difficult to determine the quality of the coverage and policy. One-day coverage is almost always a scam.
Here are your options:
  • Borrow someone’s car and get covered under
    permissive use
    .
  • Get added as an additional driver to a family member’s policy.
  • Rent a car
    for your visit and buy insurance through the rental company. 
It can be difficult to remove you from a policy once you’re added. The insurance company may require proof of other insurance or proof that you no longer have access to the vehicle—but if you live overseas, this might be easy.
Another option is to purchase your own local policy and then cancel it early, before the six-month policy term expires and when you head back overseas. It’s not preferred, but most insurance companies allow you to cancel your insurance anytime.
Try to avoid gaps in coverage, if you plan to drive again in the future.
Non-owner car insurance
could be a good option for affordable, long-term coverage if you don’t currently own your own vehicle.
View full answer 
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