Finding the Best Short Term Car Insurance in Texas

Short term car insurance provides temporary coverage for drivers in Texas who only need insurance for a limited time. Unlike standard policies that have 6-month or 12-month terms, short term plans offer coverage for as little as 1 week up to 6 months.

While not all insurers offer short term policies, they can be useful in certain situations like when you’re borrowing a car, renting a vehicle, or need a gap in coverage between policies.

This guide explains everything you need to know about getting short term car insurance in Texas.

What is Short Term Car Insurance in Texas?

Short term car insurance provides auto coverage for a limited duration, usually anywhere from 1 week to 6 months. It’s meant for drivers who only need temporary insurance.

Here are some common situations where short term car insurance is useful:

• You’re borrowing or test driving a car for a short time
• You’re going between vehicles and have a coverage gap
• You only drive seasonally
• You’re temporarily relocating or traveling
• You’re waiting on a new policy to start
• You need to prove coverage to reinstate your license

Short term plans only include basic liability and state minimum coverage. They do not come with extra protections like collision, comprehensive, or uninsured motorist coverage.

The exact policy lengths and available coverage will depend on your insurer. But most short term plans in Texas offer terms between 30 days and 180 days.

Average Cost of Short Term Car Insurance in Texas

The cost of short term car insurance in Texas can vary quite a bit depending on your driving record, age, vehicle, and other factors. However, on average you can expect to pay the following rates:

• 30 days coverage: $150 – $300
• 60 days coverage: $300 – $600
• 90 days coverage: $450 – $900
• 180 days coverage: $900 – $1,800

To put that in perspective, a standard 6-month policy in Texas costs around $1,000 on average. Short term rates are higher per day due to added fees and risk factors. But your total premium is lower due to the shorter duration.

The cheapest short term car insurance companies in Texas include USAA, Progressive, and National General. But make sure to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate.

Getting Short Term Car Insurance in Texas

Here are the steps to getting a short term insurance policy in Texas:

1. Determine the length of coverage you need – Think about how many days or months you need to be covered. This will determine what policy duration you shop for.

2. Compare quotes from providers – Get quotes from insurers like Progressive, National General, and GEICO that offer short term plans. Compare rates for the same coverage.

3. Complete the application – Fill out the application fully and provide details on your driver’s license, vehicle, and driving history. Approval is usually instant.

4. Pay your premium – Short term plans require upfront payment in full. You can pay by debit/credit card, bank transfer, or other options.

5. Receive proof of insurance – You’ll get an insurance card and policy documents as proof of coverage to comply with state requirements.

6. Notify the insurer when the policy ends – Make sure to inform your insurer if you need to cancel the short term policy early. Otherwise it will automatically expire at the end of the term.

Make sure to shop around because rates can vary widely between insurers. Always compare quotes for the same coverage and duration.

Why Choose Short Term Car Insurance?

Here are some of the main benefits of short term auto insurance policies:

• Cheaper premiums – You only pay for the days you need coverage, keeping costs lower than long-term policies.

• Flexible duration – Choose a policy length that fits your exact needs whether it’s a week, a month, or several months.

• Fast approval – Short term plans have streamlined approval with instant decisions. No waiting around.

• Immediate proof of insurance – Get proof of insurance right away to comply with Texas requirements.

• ** cancel anytime** – You can cancel a short term policy early if your plans change.

Just keep in mind short term car insurance only covers liability and state minimums. It does not include comprehensive or collision damage coverage.

Alternatives to Short Term Car Insurance

If a short term policy doesn’t fit your needs, consider these other temporary insurance options in Texas:

• Non-owner car insurance – Covers you when borrowing someone else’s car.

• Named-driver policy – Lower cost by only covering certain household drivers.

• Rental car insurance – Purchase additional coverage from rental agencies.

• Rideshare insurance – Get coverage for driving for Uber/Lyft.

• Mexico auto insurance – Required when driving across the border.

• Classic car insurance – Covers antique and specialty vehicles.

Always compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you get short term car insurance in Texas?

Most insurers offer short term coverage from 1 week up to 6 months in Texas. Typical policy durations include 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 180 days. Any term shorter than 6 months is considered short term insurance.

What is the cheapest short term car insurance?

The cheapest short term insurance companies in Texas include National General, Progressive, USAA, and Fred Loya. Make sure to compare quotes from at least 3-4 providers to find the lowest rate. Discount insurers like The General may also offer cheap short term coverage.

Can I renew my short term car insurance policy?

Unfortunately short term policies cannot be renewed or extended beyond the original end date. You would need to apply and purchase a new short term policy if you need additional temporary coverage. Make sure there are no gaps between policies to maintain continuous coverage.

What do you need for short term insurance?

To apply for short term car insurance, you typically need a valid driver’s license, Social Security Number, vehicle information (VIN, mileage, etc), and contact/payment details. You’ll also need to consent to license and credit checks to receive a quote.

Does a short term policy affect insurance history?

Yes, having a short term car insurance policy will still show up on your CLUE auto insurance report and claims history. It provides proof of continuous coverage which can help lower rates when applying for longer term policies.

Can I cancel my short term car insurance early?

Most insurers allow you to cancel a short term policy early and receive a prorated refund. Make sure to notify the provider if you need to cancel so they can officially terminate coverage on their end as well. The unused premium amount will be refunded to you.

Is Short Term Car Insurance Right for You?

Short term car insurance provides a flexible, affordable way to get temporary coverage in Texas. It can protect you when borrowing a car, during a coverage gap, or if you only drive occasionally throughout the year.

Just remember short term plans strictly cover state minimum liability and lack extra protections like collision or uninsured motorist coverage. Always compare quotes to find the cheapest rate. With a little comparison shopping, you can find affordable short term insurance from top providers like National General, Fred Loya, and The General.