How To Find Temporary Car Insurance in Georgia
The shortest car insurance policy you can buy in Georgia is for six months—but you may be able to cancel earlier with no penalties.
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
- The shortest car insurance policy period available in Georgia is six months
- If you see a car insurance policy for less than six months, it's likely a scam
- If you're planning on canceling your car insurance early, make sure you read your policy to make sure you aren't subject to cancelation fees
We’ll keep it real:
temporary car insurance
shorter than a six-month term doesn’t really exist outside of the world of scams. But if you need car insurance
for a shorter period, it’s fairly easy to purchase a six-month auto insurance policy and cancel it before it’s up for renewal. Here’s how to do that without incurring expensive fees. RECOMMENDED
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What is temporary car insurance?
When people look for “temporary car insurance,” they’re often thinking of a policy that could cover their vehicle for a day, a week, or maybe a month. But that kind of short-term car insurance doesn’t exist: the shortest period a legitimate auto insurance policy will cover is six months to a year.
Depending on your situation, you might not need car insurance for six whole months. So why buy a policy for longer than you need—isn’t that just throwing away money?
It doesn’t have to be. Many car insurance companies allow policyholders to cancel their coverage before the policy is up for renewal without any cancellation fees. Depending on the company and your state’s regulations, you may be able to get any unused premiums refunded.
Be careful, though—the terms of your car insurance cancellation depend on the provider’s rules stated in your contract. If you’re planning to buy a policy that’s longer than you need, read through the agreement carefully to see if you’re liable for any termination fees.
You should also check to see how your provider handles refunds. If you’re eligible for a pro rata refund, you’ll be able to get back all of your unused premium, minus any fees imposed by the state. A short rate refund, on the other hand, could get you as little as 10% of your unearned premium.
Best companies for temporary car insurance in Georgia
The average cost of a six-month full-coverage auto insurance policy in Georgia is $819, which breaks down to a monthly car insurance cost of $136.50. If you’re looking for short-term car insurance coverage, look for
cheap car insurance quotes
that keep your costs close to (or below!) that average. The best way to shop for temporary coverage is to get free quotes on six-month policies from at least three to five auto insurance companies. Be sure to review your coverage options and check for any early termination fees before you purchase a temporary car insurance policy from any provider.
The major insurers listed below have three things in common: (1) they offer six- or twelve-month policies, (2) they don’t typically charge termination fees, and (3) they have some of the lowest average auto insurance rates in Georgia. The estimates given are for a full-coverage policy.
Insurance Company | Average six-month policy cost | Average monthly insurance rate |
|---|---|---|
$697 | $116 | |
$900 | $150 | |
$686 | $114 | |
$868 | $145 | |
$772 | $129 |
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Look for auto insurance quotes that keep your monthly costs at or below these averages—but keep in mind that your driver profile will affect the car insurance rates you find. A spotty driving record, a poor credit score, or even being under age 25 could all raise your rates.
Alternatives to temporary auto insurance
Buying and canceling a policy isn’t the only way to get short-term coverage in Georgia. Depending on your situation, you may also be able to find the coverage you need by making temporary changes to an existing policy, buying
rental car insurance
, or exploring non-owner car insurance
. Changing an existing policy
The terms of your car insurance policy aren’t set in stone. If you need to temporarily add or remove coverage or drivers, speaking to an insurance agent is the easiest way to make these short-term modifications.
For instance, if you’re putting your vehicle in storage temporarily, some companies will allow you to drop your liability coverage and maintain a policy that only includes comprehensive insurance. Other providers, such as USAA, offer storage discounts that can help reduce the cost of coverage while you’re not using the car. Check with your insurance provider to see what your insurance options are.
MORE: Everything you need to know about Georgia towing laws
Rental car insurance
If you’re renting a car and want short-term coverage, buying rental car insurance is a much simpler option than trying to get a temporary auto insurance policy.
Yes, the collision damage waiver offered by most rental car companies is overpriced—but if you don’t have coverage of your own, it might be worth the money. But you have another option: many travel rewards credit cards include free rental car insurance. Check with your credit card company to see if the card you plan to use to rent the car includes rental insurance.
Non-owner car insurance
If you need to drive temporarily but don’t own a car, non-owner car insurance is a more affordable alternative to a traditional six-month policy. A non-owner insurance policy provides liability insurance that meets your state’s insurance requirements while you’re driving a friend’s car or a rental vehicle.
Keep in mind that a non-owner policy doesn’t include
collision coverage
or comprehensive insurance
—that coverage will be up to the owner of whatever vehicle you’re driving, whether it’s a rental company or a friend. Your non-owner insurance will act as excess liability coverage to protect you from out-of-pocket expenses. Insurance premiums for a non-owner policy are typically about 10% less than regular car insurance. That said—you don’t need a car insurance policy of your own unless you’re regularly borrowing someone else’s car. As long as you have a valid Georgia driver’s license and permission to drive the vehicle, you should be covered under the owner’s policy for the occasional trip.
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