Compare 24-Hour Car Insurance: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements [2023]
Looking for car insurance that only lasts a day? You must first compare 24-hour car insurance with various providers. Then once you purchase a standard car insurance policy, you can cancel it when you don't need it anymore. Some insurers charge up to $50 to cancel your 24-hour insurance coverage.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Oct 11, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 11, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Allstate, State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and USAA are the best 24-hour car insurance companies
- Not all car insurance companies offer one-day car insurance, and it can be expensive
- The standard insurance policy equates to about $3 a day compared to the $10 a day for 24-hour car insurance
Compare 24-hour car insurance rates to find the best price on a short-term policy. While it doesn’t necessarily have to be only 24 hours, temporary car insurance is designed specifically for occasional drivers or someone who only needs weekend car insurance.
Not all companies offer 24-hour car insurance policies, and it isn’t something that is commonly advertised. Most providers recommend buying monthly or six-month policies instead. The good news is you can get instant car insurance quotes online and use them to compare the prices of temporary policies near you.
Getting multiple 24-hour insurance quotes and buying car insurance online is the best way to find cheap car insurance that meets your needs. Use this guide to learn how to get 24-hour car insurance today. We compare 24-hour car insurance companies and coverage options so you can get the best deal on short-term car insurance near you.
Best 24-Hour Car Insurance Companies
Realize that the best 24-hour car insurance companies will not have a cancelation fee and will refund any of your unused premiums when you cancel coverage. These are the best car insurance companies for short-term coverage:
- Allstate 24-hour car insurance: Rates may be higher than some companies on this list, but the long list of Allstate car insurance discounts and free car insurance cancelation make it a competitive option for 24-hour car insurance.
- State Farm 24-hour car insurance: Monthly car insurance rates rival Geico, and with free car insurance cancelation, State Farm is one of the most affordable 24-hour auto insurance companies.
- Geico 24-hour car insurance: Geico car insurance rates are the lowest in most states, making it one of the most affordable options for 24-hour car insurance, and drivers can cancel Geico insurance at any time without a fee.
- Progressive 24-hour car insurance: Progressive does charge $50 for canceling car insurance within the first six months, but competitive monthly rates make it one of the better temporary car insurance companies.
- USAA 24-hour car insurance: USAA coverage is only available to veterans, active military, and their family members, but it offers the cheapest 24-hour car insurance rates on this list.
Don’t be discouraged if you find that most car insurance companies don’t sell 24-hour policies. The ideal customer for insurance companies is a regular driver who renews their policy every year, not someone who only needs coverage for a day, so they typically sell policies that last six or 12 months.
That being said, it is possible for you to buy weekly car insurance or a six-month policy at an affordable rate and cancel it after one day. This table compares monthly car insurance rates by company to give you an idea of how much car insurance costs:
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $61 | $160 |
| American Family | $44 | $117 |
| Farmers | $53 | $139 |
| Geico | $30 | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $68 | $174 |
| Nationwide | $44 | $115 |
| Progressive | $39 | $105 |
| State Farm | $33 | $86 |
| Travelers | $37 | $99 |
| USAA | $22 | $59 |
Get more company details with our car insurance comparison chart where we compare car insurance companies head-to-head based on policy options, financial ratings, monthly costs, and more.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Difference Between 24-Hour Car Insurance and Standard Coverage
A major difference between a standard policy and 24-hour insurance is cost. 24-hour car insurance is very cheap, as you are only paying for the cost of one day. A regular car insurance policy requires higher payments in terms of the monthly expense compared to a one-day expense.
Affordable 24-hour car insurance is only worthwhile if you don’t need it for a longer period of time.
Zach Fagiano Insurance & Finance Analyst
If you need to extend this coverage for several days — which is possible with many insurance companies — then you will find that it will eventually become too expensive to maintain. For example, if you pay $10 a day for your 24-hour auto insurance or $90 a month for your regular car insurance, then you can see that a regular insurance policy is much cheaper in the long run.
Because there are so few companies that offer it, finding several to do a 24-hour car insurance comparison of rates is a challenge. Furthermore, you might need to find 24-hour car insurance phone numbers rather than quoting online, as it’s not readily available.
Learn more: Car Insurance for Occasional Drivers
Benefits of 24-Hour Car Insurance
The major benefit of 24-hour car insurance is that it provides the necessary coverage you need to drive legally. Driving without car insurance is illegal in almost every state, and you could lose your driver’s license if you’re caught driving without proper coverage.
This table lists the state penalties for driving without car insurance:
State First Offense Second Offense
Alabama Fine: Up to $500; registration suspension with $200 reinstatement fee Fine: Up to $1,000 and/or six-month license suspension; $400 reinstatement fee with four-month registration suspension
Alaska License suspension for 90 days License suspension for one year
Arizona Fine: $500 (or more); license/registration/license plate suspension for three months Fine: $750 (or more within 36 months); license/registration/license plate suspension for six months
Arkansas Fine: $50 to $250; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee; the court may order impoundment Fine: $250 to $500 fine — minimum fine mandatory; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee. The court may order impoundment.
California Fine: $100-$200 plus penalty assessments. The court may order impoundment Fine: $200-$500 within three years plus penalty assessments. The court may order impoundment
Colorado Fine: $500 minimum fine; 4 points against your license; license suspension until you can show proof to the DMV that you are insured. Courts may add up to 40 hours community service $1,000 minimum fine and license suspension for 4 months; 4 points against your license. Courts may add up to 40 hours of community service
Connecticut Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for one month (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for six months (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee
Delaware Fine: $1500 minimum fine; license/privilege suspension for six months Fine: $3000 minimum fine within three years; license/privilege suspension for six months
Florida Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $150 fee for first reinstatement Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $250 fee for the second reinstatement
Georgia Suspended registration with a $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due Within five years: Suspended registration with $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due
Hawaii Fine: $500 fine or community service granted by the judge. Either license suspension for three months or a required nonrefundable insurance policy in force for six months Fine: $1500 minimum fine within five years; either license suspension for one year or a required non-refundable insurance policy in force for six months
Idaho Fine: $75; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. Fine: $1000 maximum fine within five years and/or no more than six months in jail; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee.
Illinois Fine: minimum of $500; License plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof Fine: minimum of $1,000; License plate suspension for four months; $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof
Indiana License/registration suspension for 90 days to one year Within three years: license/registration suspension for one year
Iowa Fine: $500 if in an accident; Otherwise, fine: $250; community service in lieu of fine. Possible citation/warning if pulled over plus removal of plates and registration possible when pulled over without insurance and reissued upon payment of fine or completed community service, proof of insurance, and $15 fee; possible impoundment when pulled over N/A
Kansas Fine: $300 to $1000 and/or confinement in jail up to six months; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $100 Fine: $800 to $2500 within three years; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $300 if revoked within previous year, otherwise $100
Kentucky Fine: $500 to $1000 fine and/or sentenced up to 90 days in jail; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown Within five years: 180 days in jail and/or $1000 to $2500; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown
Louisiana Fine: $500 to $1000; If in a car accident, fine plus registration revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days N/A
Maine Fine: $100 to $500; suspension of license and registration until proof of insurance N/A
Maryland Lose license plates and vehicle registration privileges; pay uninsured motorist penalty fees for each lapse of insurance — $150 for the first 30 days, $7 for each day thereafter; Pay a restoration fee of up to $25 for a vehicle's registration N/A
Massachusetts Fine: $500 to $5000 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less Within six years: License/driving privileges suspended for one year
Michigan Fine: $200 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less; license suspension for 30 days or until proof of insurance; $25 service fee to Secretary of State N/A
Minnesota Fine: $200 to $1000 (or community service) and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days; License and registration revoked for no more than 12 months N/A
Mississippi Fine: $1000; driving privileges suspended for one year or until proof of insurance N/A
Missouri Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended until proof of insurance with $20 reinstatement fee Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended for 90 days with $200 reinstatement fee
Montana Fine: $250 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days Fine: $350 and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days — within 5 years; license and registration revoked until proof of insurance and payment of reinstatement fees within 90 days
Nebraska License and registration suspension; reinstatement fee of $50 for each; proof of insurance to remain on file for three years N/A
Nevada Fine: $250 to $1,000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; reinstatement fee: $250 Fine: $500 to $1000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; Reinstatement fee: $500
New Hampshire Not a mandatory insurance state. Proof of insurance may be required as the result of a conviction, crash involvement, or administrative action. If you are required to file proof of insurance and vehicles are registered in your name, you will be required to file an Owner’s SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. N/A
New Jersey Fine: $300 to $1000; license suspension for one year; pay surcharges for three years in the amount of $250 per year Fine: up to $5000; two-year license suspension; 14-day, mandatory jail term, and an additional mandatory 30 days of community service
New Mexico Fine: up to $300 and/or imprisoned for 90 days; license suspension N/A
New York Fine: up to $1500 if involved in accident plus $750 civil penalty; license and registration suspension – revoked for one year; suspension of the license if without
insurance for 90 days; suspension lasts as long as registration suspension; Suspension of registration: equal to time without insurance or pays $8/day up to thirty days for which financial security was not in effect, $10/day from the thirty-first to the sixtieth day $12/day from the sixtieth to the ninetieth day and proof of security is provided. Or for the same time as the vehicle was operated without insurance. N/A
North Carolina Fine: $50; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee Fine: $100 within three years; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee
North Dakota Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; Proof of insurance must be provided for one year; license with a
notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50, and the fee to remove
this notation is $50.Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; license plates impounded until proof of insurance (provided for one year) plus $20 reinstatement fee; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50 and the fee to remove this notation is $50.
Ohio License/plates/registration suspension until requirements are met and $100 reinstatement fee is paid; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three to five years; If involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two-plus years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) License/plates/registration suspension for one year; $300 reinstatement fee; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three or five years; if involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two-plus years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied)
Oklahoma Fine: $250; jail time up to 30 days; license suspension with $275 reinstatement fee. Police can seize license plates and assign temporary plates and liability insurance — in effect for 10 days and can also impound the vehicle. The cost of the temporary coverage is added to the administrative fee and any fines paid for plates to be returned. If the car impounded, the owner must also pay towing and storage fees. N/A
Oregon Fine: $130-$1000 ($260 is the presumptive fine); If involved in an accident — at least a one-year license suspension; proof of financial responsibility required for three years N/A
Pennsylvania Registration suspended for three months (unless lapse was for less than 31 days and the vehicle not operated during that time); $88 restoration fee plus proof of insurance required to get it back; $500 civil penalty fee is optional in lieu of registration suspension plus $88 restoration fee — can only use this option once within a 12-month period N/A
Rhode Island Fine: $100 to $500; license and registration suspension up to three months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 Fine: $500; license and registration suspension up to six months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50
South Carolina Fine: $100-$200 or 30-day imprisonment; failure to surrender registration and plates when insurance lapses; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee Fine: $200 and/or 30-day imprisonment — within 10 years; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee
South Dakota Fine: $100 and/or 30 days imprisonment; license suspension for 30 days to one year; filing proof of insurance (SR-22) with the state for three years from the date of conviction. Failure to file proof will result in the suspension of vehicle registration, license plates, and driver license. N/A
Tennessee Pay $25 coverage failure fee within 30 days of notice; if not paid, then an additional $100 coverage failure fee with suspension or revocation of registration plus reinstatement fee of no more than $25 N/A
Texas Fine: $175 to $350 fine; plus, pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements) Fine: $350 to $1000; pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements); suspend the driver's license and vehicle registrations of the person unless the person files and maintains evidence of financial responsibility with the department until the second anniversary of the date of the subsequent conviction; Impoundment: for 180 days and
cannot apply for the release of the car without evidence of financial responsibility and an impoundment fee of $15/day.
Utah Fine: $400; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee Fine: $1000 — with three years; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee
Vermont Fine: up to $500; license suspended until proof of insurance N/A
Virginia Fine: may pay $500 Uninsured Motorists Vehicle fee to drive without insurance at your own risk. If this fee is not paid in lieu of insurance, all driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended until a $500 statutory fee is paid, proof of insurance is filed for three years, and a reinstatement fee (if applicable) is paid N/A
Washington Fine: Up to $250 or more N/A
West Virginia Fine: $200 to $5000; license suspended for 30 days with reinstatement fees, unless there's proof of insurance and $200 penalty fee Fine: $200-$5000 fine and/or 15 days to one year in jail — within five years; license suspended for 90 days and registration revoked until proof of insurance
Wisconsin Fine: up to $500 N/A
Wyoming Fine: up to $750 fine and up to six months in jail N/A
Getting short-term car insurance can help you avoid these legal repercussions.
Determining Whether You Need to Get 24-Hour Car Insurance
There is a wide range of reasons you might need to use a car for just one day, ranging from a fun road trip to a sudden emergency out of town. One-day insurance can give you the coverage you need so you’re not driving illegally.
Some common reasons for needing temporary car insurance for 24 hours include:
- Renting a car: Temporary coverage is ideal for individuals who are renting a car and is often available directly at the rental counter. Compare rental car insurance rates before you buy.
- Borrowing a car: Buy 24-hour car insurance if you’re borrowing someone else’s vehicle for a day and their insurance doesn’t include you as a driver. These situations tend to come up suddenly. Fortunately, most insurance companies that offer 24-hour insurance can provide you with same-day car insurance.
- Buying a new car: Another instance in which you might choose 24-hour vehicle insurance is if you purchase a vehicle but aren’t sure what insurance company you want to use to cover your vehicle. A 24-hour insurance policy will provide you with the necessary coverage while you take the time to do a proper search.
In these scenarios, not only do you need to find 24-hour car insurance companies, but you also may need one that offers instant car insurance with no deposit. Instant policies will get you on the road quickly when renting, borrowing, or buying a car but may be difficult to find.
If you are having a hard time finding affordable 24-hour car insurance, consider asking a friend or a family member to list you as a driver on their policy. This permissive use clause will extend coverage to all listed drivers whenever they use the insured vehicle.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Coverage Options With 24-Hour Car Insurance
In terms of the type of car insurance coverage that you receive with 24-hour car insurance, there is no real difference between it and standard coverage. Just like with regular car insurance, you can purchase liability-only or full coverage. Just remember to compare car insurance by coverage type to get the best possible rates.
The most common types of 24-hour car insurance coverage are:
- Liability car insurance: Covers damages and bodily injury of the other person if you are at fault in an accident.
- Collision car insurance: Handles damages and bodily injury to your vehicle and anyone in your car.
- Comprehensive car insurance: Pays for damage not resulting in an accident, like theft, vandalism, or flooding.
Full coverage auto insurance includes all three types of the above coverage, but add-on coverages like roadside assistance and gap insurance are typically not available.
If you can’t find affordable 24-hour car insurance coverage, other alternatives are pay-as-you-go and non-owner car insurance. These options will cost you a little more but will last longer than one day and still cost less than standard auto insurance.
- Pay-as-you-go car insurance is based on how much you drive. Less time on the road equals less money out of your pocket.
- Non-owner car insurance is liability insurance on a car that you drive but don’t own. This would be the route to take if you borrow a car often from someone else.
No matter what happens, you must ensure that you have the proper insurance coverage.
How to Cancel a 24-Hour Car Insurance Policy
If you’re wondering how to cancel your car insurance after one day, just call your insurance company and request a cancelation. Drivers can cancel car insurance at any time, and you can end your policy after 24 hours if necessary.
However, some car insurance companies will charge a cancellation fee if you end coverage before the renewal period. Find your provider in the table below to see how much it costs to cancel 24-hour car insurance:
| Insurance Company | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Allstate | None |
| American Family | None |
| Dairyland | 10% of the remaining policy |
| Erie | None |
| Farmers | None |
| Geico | None |
| Liberty Mutual | Yes, in some states |
| Mercury | 10% of the remaining policy |
| Nationwide | None |
| Progressive | $50 only during first term |
| State Farm | None |
| The General | 10% of the remaining policy in some states |
| The Hartford | None |
| Travelers | $20 to $50 in some states |
| USAA | None |
Fortunately, most companies don’t charge a fee to cancel car insurance, and you may also be eligible for a refund if you pay all of your annual premiums upfront.
Compare 24-Hour Car Insurance Quotes to Save
You should always make sure that you have adequate auto insurance before getting into a vehicle. If you don’t want to spend too much money on car insurance, then you might want to look at short-term plans. When shopping for car insurance, remember that each state requires its residents to carry certain minimum amounts of insurance.
If you’re wondering where you can get car insurance for one day, it’s always best to compare 24-hour car insurance quotes to see which plan has the lowest rate. Start now with our comparison tool below and get free quotes for car insurance 24 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 24-hour car insurance exist?
Not really. You can buy 24-hour car insurance for one day from a rental car company, but most insurance companies sell at least six-month policies that you can cancel after 24 hours.
What is 24-hour car insurance?
24-hour car insurance is short-term car insurance designed to cover your vehicle for a day or a brief period. Short-term car insurance is only meant for a very short period of time and not to be used long term.
What is a temporary car insurance policy?
Temporary policies last for a short time, specifically listed in the policy agreement, as opposed to standard car insurance, which typically lasts six to 12 months.
How is it different from regular car insurance?
Coverage options are the same, but it’s meant for temporary use.
Who can get 24-hour car insurance?
Many companies won’t sell 24-hour policies to drivers under the age of 25. If you are under 21, you will not be able to buy 24-hour car insurance.
As an older driver, you still need to have an excellent driving record in order to purchase one of these policies.
Who needs 24-hour car insurance?
People who are renting a car, borrowing a vehicle, or buying a new car likely need 24-hour car insurance.
How can I find 24-hour car insurance?
It’s not widely advertised, so you may need to search for monthly car insurance instead to find 24-hour insurance companies near you.
Is temporary car insurance legit?
Since 24-hour car insurance isn’t a typical policy, only compare car insurance quotes from companies you recognize to ensure you’re getting legitimate policy information.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance for 24 hours?
Most states require that you have some form of liability car insurance. Without it, you can face fines and be financially responsible for damages in an accident.
What are the benefits of 24-hour insurance?
It’s cheaper if you only need coverage for a short time.
Can you get one month of car insurance?
If you need insurance for more than one day but not a long-term policy, shop around for one- or six-month options. Different insurance providers offer different increments of coverage.
What is the shortest term for car insurance?
Most car insurance policies last for six months, with drivers paying monthly premiums for coverage.
Will I pay a cancellation fee if I end my 24-hour car insurance policy early?
That depends on your insurance company, but most providers do not charge a cancellation fee.
Can I add more than one driver to my 24-hour car insurance policy?
Yes, but this will raise your 24-hour car insurance rates.
Does every U.S. state have 24-hour car insurance?
No, state insurance laws vary, meaning that company availability and coverage options will vary by state.
What coverages can I get with 24-hour car insurance?
24-hour car insurance coverage includes the standard types of coverage: liability, collision, and comprehensive, although some companies may only offer liability on short-term policies.
What companies offer 24-hour car insurance policies?
The best 24-hour car insurance companies are Allstate, Geico, and State Farm.
What factors affect my 24-hour car insurance rates?
Your age, gender, and driving record will have the biggest impact on 24-hour auto insurance rates.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.