Weekend-only car insurance, also known as temporary or short-term car insurance, is an excellent option for drivers who only need coverage for a limited time, such as a weekend road trip or occasional use of a borrowed vehicle. While these policies are already cost-effective compared to long-term plans, many insurers offer additional discounts to make coverage even more affordable.
In this article, we’ll explore the top discounts available for weekend-only car insurance in the USA and how you can maximize your savings.
1. Safe Driver Discount
Many insurers reward safe drivers with discounts, even for short-term policies like weekend car insurance. If you have a clean driving record with no recent accidents, tickets, or claims, you’re likely to qualify for a safe driver discount.
How It Works:
- Insurers assess your driving history through your license and motor vehicle record.
- A spotless record can reduce your premium by 10% or more, even for temporary policies.
Tips to Qualify:
- Drive responsibly and avoid traffic violations.
- Check your driving record before applying to ensure it reflects your eligibility.
2. Low Mileage Discount
Weekend-only car insurance typically involves minimal driving, making it a great fit for low mileage discounts. Some insurers offer reduced rates for drivers who plan to use their vehicle sparingly during the coverage period.
How It Works:
- You may need to provide an estimate of the miles you plan to drive during the insured weekend.
- The fewer miles you expect to drive, the lower your premium may be.
Tips to Maximize Savings:
- Be accurate about your mileage estimate to avoid overpaying.
- Look for insurers that specialize in pay-per-mile or low-mileage policies.
3. Bundling Discounts
If you already have insurance with a provider for another product, such as home, renters, or life insurance, you may qualify for a bundling discount when purchasing weekend-only car insurance.
How It Works:
- Adding a short-term auto policy to an existing account can lower your total premium.
- Some providers offer discounts ranging from 5% to 20% for bundled policies.
Tips to Qualify:
- Check if your current insurer offers weekend-only car insurance.
- Ask your insurer about bundling options and discounts for short-term policies.
4. Membership Discounts
Certain organizations, clubs, or professional associations have partnerships with insurance companies that offer exclusive discounts for their members. This includes discounts for weekend-only car insurance.
Examples of Eligible Groups:
- AAA members
- Alumni associations
- Military organizations (e.g., USAA)
- Professional groups (e.g., educators, healthcare workers)
Tips to Maximize Savings:
- Provide your membership details when requesting a quote.
- Research partnerships your organization has with insurers to find the best deal.
5. Good Student Discount
If you’re a student planning to purchase weekend-only car insurance, you may be eligible for a good student discount. Insurers often offer reduced rates to students who maintain high grades, as they’re statistically less likely to engage in risky driving behavior.
How It Works:
- Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (or equivalent) can save up to 15% on their policy.
- You may need to provide proof of academic performance, such as a transcript.
Tips to Qualify:
- Prepare documentation, such as report cards or a letter from your school.
- Look for insurers that extend this discount to short-term policies.
6. Multi-Vehicle Discount
If you need weekend-only insurance for more than one vehicle, some providers offer discounts for insuring multiple cars under the same policy.
How It Works:
- Adding multiple vehicles to your temporary insurance policy can lower the per-vehicle premium.
- Discounts vary by insurer but can range from 10% to 25%.
Tips to Maximize Savings:
- Use a single policy to cover all vehicles for the same weekend.
- Compare rates from insurers that specialize in multi-vehicle short-term coverage.
7. Usage-Based Discounts
Some insurers offer telematics-based discounts for drivers who agree to use a mobile app or plug-in device to monitor their driving habits. Even for weekend-only car insurance, you can save money by demonstrating safe driving during the coverage period.
How It Works:
- Insurers track data such as speed, braking, and mileage to assess your driving behavior.
- Safe and low-risk driving during the insured weekend can qualify you for discounts.
Tips to Qualify:
- Choose insurers that offer telematics programs for temporary policies.
- Drive cautiously to maximize your savings.
8. Military Discount
Active-duty military members, veterans, and their families may qualify for special discounts on weekend-only car insurance through insurers like USAA or GEICO. These discounts recognize the unique needs and circumstances of military personnel.
How It Works:
- Military discounts often reduce premiums by 5% to 15%.
- Some providers also offer benefits like deployment hold options or discounts for bundling with other insurance products.
Tips to Qualify:
- Provide proof of military service or affiliation when applying.
- Explore insurance providers that specialize in serving military members.
9. Pay-in-Full Discount
If you can pay the full premium for your weekend-only policy upfront, you may qualify for a discount. Insurers often reward policyholders who avoid installment payments by offering reduced rates.
How It Works:
- Pay the entire cost of the policy in a single payment at the time of purchase.
- Discounts typically range from 5% to 10%.
Tips to Maximize Savings:
- Prepare to pay in full when purchasing the policy.
- Ask insurers if this discount applies to short-term coverage.
10. Driver Training Discount
Completing a defensive driving or driver education course can earn you a discount, even for short-term insurance policies. These courses demonstrate that you’re a safer driver, reducing your perceived risk to insurers.
How It Works:
- Provide a certificate of completion for an approved driving course.
- Discounts can range from 5% to 15%, depending on the insurer.
Tips to Qualify:
- Check if your state offers low-cost defensive driving courses.
- Confirm that your course is accepted by the insurer offering the discount.
How to Maximize Discounts for Weekend-Only Car Insurance
- Compare Providers: Use online tools like The Zebra, Insurify, or Compare.com to identify insurers offering the best rates and discounts for short-term coverage.
- Stack Discounts: Many insurers allow you to combine multiple discounts (e.g., safe driver + bundling), so ask about stacking options.
- Plan Ahead: Purchase your weekend insurance in advance to secure better rates and avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Provide Documentation: Ensure you have proof of eligibility for discounts, such as membership IDs, driving records, or student transcripts.
- Ask About State-Specific Discounts: Some states have unique programs or incentives that can further reduce your insurance costs.
Conclusion
Weekend-only car insurance is an affordable and flexible option for drivers who need short-term coverage. By taking advantage of available discounts—such as safe driver, low mileage, bundling, and military discounts—you can further reduce the cost of your temporary policy. Be proactive in comparing providers and asking about discount options to ensure you get the best deal for your weekend driving needs.
