Yes, you can get temporary insurance on someone else's car, but the process and availability depend heavily on your relationship to the vehicle owner, your driving history, and the insurance company's specific policies. The most straightforward method is for the car's owner to add you as a "named driver" to their existing policy for a short period. This is common for family members or frequent users. For more occasional use, many standard auto policies include "permissive use," which automatically provides basic coverage for infrequent drivers you lend your car to, but this has significant limitations.
If you need to drive a friend's or relative's car regularly but don't own a car yourself, a non-owner car insurance policy is your best bet. This type of policy provides liability coverage for you when you drive vehicles you don't own. It doesn't cover damage to the car itself, but it satisfies state-mandated liability requirements. Some specialty insurers also offer short-term "temporary car insurance" policies that can last from one day to several months, which can be ideal for borrowing a car during a visit or for a specific trip.
It is crucial to confirm coverage with the vehicle owner's insurer before driving. Simply assuming you're covered under permissive use can be risky, especially for longer durations.
| Method | Typical Duration | Best For | Key Limitation |
|---|
| Named Driver Addition | 1 day - 6 months | Family members, long-term borrowing | Requires owner to contact insurer; may increase their premium. |
| Permissive Use | A few days per incident | Infrequent, casual borrowing (e.g., moving a friend's car) | Coverage is often secondary; may not be sufficient for regular use. |
| Non-Owner Policy | 6-month term | Frequent drivers who do not own a car | Only provides liability; does not cover physical damage to the borrowed car. |
| Short-Term Policy | 1 day - 28 days | Vacations, one-off trips, test drives | Can be more expensive per day than standard policies; not all insurers offer it. |
