Imagine this: you recently moved to a new country for the duration of a few months and need to rent a temporary car for as long as you’re living there. You couldn’t bring your permanent car with you as you’re now on a new continent, but you’re worried that your current car insurance policy won’t cover you for these next few months – what do you do?
Many people in this situation would begin to consider searching for temporary car insurance which is sometimes called short-term car insurance. Keeping yourself insured at all times is a necessity and often required by law based on which country you reside in. Finding temporary auto insurance that would cover you for the duration of your stay abroad could be rather difficult, so be prepared to search through many different insurance companies.
What Is Temporary Car Insurance?
This form of auto insurance is designed to keep you covered for a short-term amount of time. Most standard insurance policies go to a minimum length of 6-months or even a year. Your situation might demand that you have an insurance policy that only lasts for a month or two – keeping you covered while you’re in between cars or renting one in a different company.
Plenty of situations can lead to you needing a shorter insurance policy option, but where do you find these policies? What you’ll find on much of your search for these policies is that most insurance companies will refuse to write up a plan that runs for less than 6 months.
Temporary Insurance: Fact Or Myth?
The fact that most major insurance companies will refuse to write up a policy for you that last less than their standard amount of time lends to the idea that temporary car insurance might not be achievable. You might be able to find some smaller and more localized insurance companies that will offer you a short-term or temporary auto insurance policy, and if that’s the case, then you’re set!
However, most major names that provide quality coverage options and liability policies will not go below 6 months; some companies won’t even consider less than a year-long policy. Ultimately, a temporary car insurance policy is hard to find. Sure, some companies offer them, but not enough for them to become a dependable and widely trusted option.
This doesn’t mean you’re stranded in a different country without insurance, though! Despite the fact that a separate temporary insurance policy won’t be an option, other forms of insurance that are temporary do exist. Typically, when renting a car or when you’re in between cars, insurance companies offer forms of renters insurance policies. Some rental places might even require you have a renters policy.
Alternate Insurance Options
As mentioned, you’re not alone without coverage options. While temporary car insurance does not completely exist, certain rental options will keep you covered for almost any situation you find yourself in.
Rental car insurance
Typically, with your current car insurance policy, rental insurance is included. This will save you the hassle of worrying about temporary insurance as your home policy will keep you covered almost anywhere when renting. Be sure to know the language of your policy in and out before committing to a rental, though. Some policies can have confusing wording or clauses that remove certain situations from coverage. Typically, rental car insurance is what will keep you protected when renting across seas.
Non-owner car insurance
This might be the closest option you have to short-term car insurance. Non-owner car insurance is a liability coverage option that keeps you protected when you don’t have a car of your own or are driving someone else’s car. This is a great policy add-on to have if you ever plan on renting, driving a friend or a partner’s car, or want to maintain consistent coverage regardless of your driving situation.
Even though temporary car insurance isn’t widely available, other coverage options do exist that will keep you protected in almost any situation. Having ample coverage at all times is a good idea but determine if it’s necessary for you. You don’t want to purchase an expensive temporary or rental policy and never end up using it. Find the perfect balance for your situation between risk and rate.
Your Insurance Might Cover You Already
Most insurance policies come with a rental car policy already included. Check your policy or speak with your agent to find out for sure if you can rent cars without needing to purchase any add-ons or separate policies. The insurance policy you currently have should keep you covered even when renting in a different country.
As for non-owner car insurance, some policies might include it already and you’re set to drive whatever vehicle you rent or borrow. Other policies might consider this an add-on or even a separate policy that you’ll need to purchase. Speak with your agent today to get the process of adding non-owner car insurance started.