What Is Weekly Car Insurance?
Weekly car insurance is a type of short-term auto insurance that provides coverage for a set period, typically ranging from one day to a month. Unlike traditional auto insurance policies, which are usually sold in 6-month or 12-month terms, this type of insurance is designed for temporary needs. It provides the same basic coverages, such as liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, but only for a short duration.
Weekly car insurance is not widely available in the U.S. yet, but it is gaining traction due to its flexibility and usefulness for drivers who only need coverage for a limited time. The coverage can range from meeting the state’s minimum liability requirements to more extensive plans depending on your needs.
How Does Weekly Car Insurance Work?
Weekly car insurance works similarly to a standard auto insurance policy but with a much shorter coverage period. The coverage typically includes:
- Liability: Covers damage to other people’s property and medical expenses if you’re found at fault in an accident.
- Collision: Covers damage to your car if you’re involved in an accident.
- Comprehensive: Protects against non-collision-related incidents like theft or weather damage.
However, not all insurance companies in the U.S. offer this type of coverage, and it’s often more expensive on a per-day basis compared to longer-term policies. Still, it provides flexibility for drivers who don’t need continuous coverage.
Who Should Consider Weekly Car Insurance?
Benefits of Weekly Car Insurance
- Flexibility: Unlike standard policies, which can lock you into a 6 or 12-month contract, weekly insurance allows you to get coverage just for the period you need.
- Cost-Effective: Since you’re only paying for the time you need coverage, one week car insurance can be cheaper than committing to a full policy when you only need short-term protection.
- Meets Legal Requirements: In almost every U.S. state, driving without insurance is illegal. Weekly car insurance ensures you comply with state laws, even if you only need it for a short time.
- Temporary Needs: Whether you’re borrowing a vehicle or renting one, temporary car insurance meets the need without altering your existing policy.
Drawbacks of Weekly Car Insurance
- Availability: 1 week car insurance is still relatively new in the U.S., and not all insurance companies offer it. This means you may need to search harder to find a provider that offers it.
- Upfront Payment: In most cases, you’ll need to pay for the entire week upfront rather than spreading the cost over several months, which is the norm for standard policies.
- Cost Per Day: Although weekly insurance may seem cheaper upfront, it’s usually more expensive on a per-day basis than a long-term policy. This could add up if you need coverage for longer than a week.
- Limited Coverage: Depending on the provider, weekly policies might only cover the basics—liability, property damage, and medical coverage—and may not include comprehensive or collision coverage unless you specifically add them.
How Much Does Weekly Car Insurance Cost?
The cost of weekly car insurance varies depending on several factors, including the level of coverage, your location, and your driving history. On average, expect to pay between $10 to $25 per day for weekly coverage. Here’s an overview of estimated costs:
Type of Insurance | Cost (per day) | Cost (per week) |
Basic Liability | $10 – $15 | $70 – $105 |
Comprehensive & Collision | $15 – $25 | $105 – $175 |
Pay-Per-Mile Insurance | Varies | Varies |
As seen, the total cost for car insurance for a week can range between $70 to $175 depending on the type of coverage you choose. For drivers who don’t use their car often, pay-per-mile insurance could be another option, though it usually caters to low-mileage drivers rather than those who need coverage for just a week.
When Should You Opt for Weekly Car Insurance?
Here are a few scenarios where weekly car insurance could be the best option:
- Rideshare Drivers: If you work for a rideshare company but only drive part-time, weekly insurance can provide short-term coverage while on the job.
- Temporary Vehicle Use: If you’re borrowing a friend’s car for a week while yours is being repaired, you can take out a policy to ensure you’re covered.
- International Visitors: Tourists renting or borrowing a vehicle for a week may find this coverage more affordable than full rental car insurance.
Alternatives to Weekly Car Insurance
If weekly insurance doesn’t suit your needs or isn’t available, there are other short-term options to consider:
- Non-Owner Insurance: If you frequently borrow cars but don’t own one, non-owner car insurance may be a better fit. This type of insurance covers liability when you’re driving a car that doesn’t belong to you.
- Pay-Per-Mile Insurance: If you drive infrequently, pay-per-mile insurance allows you to pay based on how much you actually drive. This could be cheaper than traditional car insurance.
- Rental Car Insurance: If you’re renting a car, most rental companies offer insurance, though it tends to be more expensive. Shopping around for short-term rental car insurance from third parties could save you money.
FAQs About Weekly Car Insurance
No, not all insurance providers offer weekly car insurance in the U.S. It’s essential to shop around and check with providers that specialize in temporary coverage.
Yes, weekly car insurance can be purchased even if you don’t own the vehicle, making it ideal for borrowing cars or renting them.
Many major insurers do not offer weekly insurance. You may need to contact specialized insurance providers or brokers who deal in short-term policies.
While the per-day cost can be higher than long-term policies, it is usually more affordable if you only need coverage for a few days.
Yes, weekly car insurance is legal in the U.S., but it’s not offered by all insurance companies. You’ll need to check with specific providers to see if they offer short-term policies.
Most providers allow you to renew or extend your weekly policy, although this may come with additional costs. It’s best to confirm with your insurer beforehand.
About The Author
Andy Walker is a freelance content writer who specializes in writing for insurance and finance related niches. He has years of experience in this field and has written extensively on a variety of topics. Andy’s work is always highly polished and well-researched, ensuring that his clients are always happy with the results.