Let’s say your cousin’s flying in from out of town and asks to borrow your car for a few days. Or maybe you just landed a weekend gig delivering groceries and need temporary coverage fast. You hop online and search for “one-week car insurance” — and before long, you’re knee-deep in confusing insurance lingo and shady-looking websites.

Trust me, you’re not alone.

As a licensed property and casualty insurance producer and someone who’s spent over five years diving deep into the insurance market, I’ve seen the same question pop up again and again: Can I really get a car insurance policy for just one week?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no — but by the end of this article, you’ll understand your options, the fine print, and how to protect yourself (and your wallet) if you only need coverage for a few days.

Why Would Someone Want One-Week Car Insurance?

Before we get into the technicalities, let’s look at the “why.” Most people looking for one-week auto insurance fall into one of these categories:

Test-driving or temporarily borrowing a car
Renting a car without full coverage
Driving for work temporarily (like DoorDash or Uber)
Students or military personnel home for a short visit
Trying out a new car before committing to a long-term policy

I once spoke with a reader — let’s call her Tanya — who was helping her daughter move across state lines. She needed to insure a rental pickup truck for just five days. Buying a full six-month policy didn’t make sense, but driving uninsured wasn’t an option either. That’s the sweet spot where short-term coverage becomes so important.

So… Does One-Week Car Insurance Exist?

Here’s the truth: Most major insurers in the U.S. do not offer official one-week policies. You won’t find a big-name provider like GEICO or State Farm selling a clean, one-week package. That’s not how traditional auto insurance works in the U.S.

However — and this is key — you can get coverage that lasts a week. You just have to know how to navigate the system.

Let’s break down your best options.

1. Buy a Standard Policy, Then Cancel It (Yes, Really)

One of the simplest workarounds? Buy a traditional auto insurance policy and cancel it after a week.

Most insurance companies offer six-month or one-year policies, but you’re not locked in forever. Thanks to cancellation laws in most states, you can:

Cancel anytime
Only pay for the days you were insured
Receive a prorated refund (minus any fees)

Just be honest with your insurer, and don’t let the policy lapse without notice. Pro tip: keep written confirmation of your cancellation for your records.

Real Talk: This route works best if you’re using your own car or have regular access to a vehicle. If you’re borrowing someone else’s ride, you might need a different solution (keep reading).

2. Consider Non-Owner Car Insurance

If you don’t own a car but need to drive one for a short period, non-owner car insurance can be a lifesaver.

This type of policy covers liability only — meaning if you cause an accident, it’ll help pay for damage or injuries to others. It won’t cover damage to the car you’re driving.

It’s ideal for:

Borrowing a friend’s or family member’s vehicle
Driving a rental without buying their insurance
Ride-share drivers between gigs

Companies like GEICO, State Farm, and Budget Insurance Agency offer this kind of coverage. Just note: not all providers allow you to purchase and cancel it within one week, so ask upfront about their cancellation terms.

3. Explore Pay-Per-Mile or Usage-Based Insurance

New tech has brought fresh options like Metromile, Mile Auto, and Root Insurance, which use your actual driving habits to price your policy.

Some of these providers offer flexible, short-term coverage that’s perfect for drivers who:

Only need insurance for a limited time
Drive infrequently
Want to avoid paying full rates

While they’re not marketed as “weekly insurance,” these policies can end up costing less than a traditional plan if you’re only driving for a few days.

Data to Know: According to a 2025 report by The Zebra, pay-per-mile insurance costs an average of $0.06–$0.09 per mile, and monthly base rates start as low as $29.

4. Car-Sharing & Rental Platforms Often Include Insurance

Driving a Turo, Zipcar, or Getaround? These platforms typically include built-in insurance for the duration of your rental.

It’s not technically “one-week insurance,” but it functions exactly the same if you’re only driving temporarily.

Zipcar includes liability, collision, and comprehensive by default.
Turo offers multiple tiers of protection (or you can use your own policy).

Just make sure to read the fine print — some deductibles can be steep.

5. Driveaway or Delivery Jobs Might Require Their Own Coverage

Starting a short-term gig with Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, or Instacart?

These platforms usually provide limited coverage, but it might only apply when you’re actively making a delivery. If you’re between gigs or off-shift, you might not be protected.

Check the platform’s policy first, then consider supplemental coverage from a provider like Budget Insurance Agency that offers flexible liability plans.

But What Does One Week of Car Insurance Actually Cost?

Let’s break it down.

Based on 2025 data from Bankrate and NAIC:

The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $1,706 per year.
That’s about $33 per week, or $4.70 per day.
Temporary or usage-based plans may cost $10–$60 per day, depending on the provider and coverage level.

So yes — short-term coverage exists, but it can be more expensive on a per-day basis than traditional plans. Think of it as paying for convenience.

What to Watch Out For: Avoiding Scams

If you Google “one-week car insurance,” you’ll likely see flashy offers promising instant coverage with no strings attached.

Red flag: Many of these aren’t licensed insurers.
Another red flag: Sites with no customer service number or physical address.

To protect yourself:

Verify providers through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Check reviews and the Better Business Bureau
Stick with reputable agencies (like us here at Budget Insurance Agency)

Final Thoughts: Short-Term Insurance Is Possible — With a Little Strategy

The idea of one-week car insurance might seem like a unicorn, but with the right knowledge, it’s totally possible to get covered just for the time you need — no more, no less.

Whether you:

Need a stopgap before your full policy kicks in
Are borrowing a car for a quick trip
Or just want peace of mind while test-driving

There’s a safe, legal option that fits.

Need Coverage for Just a Week? We’ve Got You.

At Budget Insurance Agency, we believe insurance should fit your life — not the other way around. That’s why we offer flexible, cancellation-friendly policies, non-owner coverage, and expert advice that helps you make informed decisions without overpaying.

If you’re unsure where to start, give us a call or start a quote online. We’re here to help — no guesswork, no gimmicks, just smart coverage.