Yes, you can get car insurance that lasts for just one day. This type of short-term coverage is often called 1-day car insurance or temporary car insurance. It's designed for specific, short-duration needs like test driving a car you're considering buying, borrowing a friend's vehicle for a trip, or providing coverage for a driver who is only visiting for a very brief period. It's a flexible alternative to adding someone to an existing policy for a full term.
However, availability is not universal. Major national insurers like State Farm or Allstate typically do not offer single-day policies. You'll need to look to specialized providers that focus on short-term coverage. The cost is generally higher than a prorated daily rate from a standard six-month policy. You can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 for a single day, depending on the driver's age, driving record, the vehicle being insured, and the level of coverage selected.
Purchasing it is usually straightforward and done entirely online. You'll need to provide standard information: your driver's license number, the vehicle's VIN, and the specific date you need coverage. The policy documents are typically emailed to you immediately.
It's crucial to understand the limitations. Most 1-day policies provide only the state-mandated minimum liability coverage, which might be insufficient in a serious accident. They also almost always exclude comprehensive and collision coverage, meaning damage to the car you're driving wouldn't be covered. Always read the policy details carefully to know exactly what you're buying. For frequent short-term needs, being added as an occasional driver on the car owner's policy is often a more cost-effective solution.
| Provider Examples | Typical Cost Range (1 Day) | Common Use Cases | Key Considerations |
|---|
| DailyDirect | $25 - $50 | Test drives, borrowing a car | Often requires a minimum 3-day purchase |
| GEICO (Short-Term) | $30 - $70 | Rental car gap coverage, visiting drivers | May not be available in all states |
| Progressive (Temporary) | $20 - $60 | Moving a vehicle, short trips | Coverage is liability-only in most cases |
| Local/Specialty Insurers | $40 - $100+ | High-risk driver situations | Crucial to verify coverage limits before buying |
