Compare Car Insurance for Road Trips: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements [2023]
There is no specific car insurance for road trips, but you can buy temporary coverage. Comprehensive car insurance has average rates of $11.57/mo in the US.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Jun 16, 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: Jun 16, 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
- Because you will most likely be traveling out-of-state on your road trip, it’s a good idea to purchase additional coverage
- You can speak to your current insurance agent to decide exactly how much coverage is right for the trip you’re planning
- Purchasing short-term coverage is always an option, but that coverage normally covers only the person whose name is on the policy
Although insurance providers do not technically sell insurance policies for road trips, you can purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy for any vehicle. This coverage includes:
- car rentals
- vehicles that you own
- cars that you will just be driving during a road trip
Temporary comprehensive car insurance coverage is also known as short-term insurance.
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Comprehensive car insurance is defined by the Arkansas Insurance Department as an auto policy that protects vehicle owners from any damages that they, another driver, or an outside force cause to their vehicles.
Full auto coverage also protects policyholders from having to pay for any damages that they have been deemed responsible for.
If you currently have a liability only insurance policy on your vehicle and you want to take a road trip, buying temporary comprehensive insurance will give you further protection.
Many drivers get into accidents when they drive along roads with which they are not familiar.
Since your road trip will likely take you far away from your state of residence, having a temporary car insurance policy can save you money as well as unnecessary hassles.
What kinds of accidents does temporary car insurance cover?
Major insurers generally do not offer temporary car insurance. You can purchase an insurance policy for a six-month period, or in one year increment. Drivers with short-term policies should modify the coverage on their existing policy or consider options such as rental car insurance or non-owner car insurance.
Full auto coverage generally covers the same types of accidents, but the caps on the amount of coverage that you receive will differ.
For example, a comprehensive auto insurance policy may give you a maximum of $50,000 in bodily harm coverage and a lesser amount for personal property protection.
In most instances, your car insurance agent will want to know what states in which you will be traveling so that an adequate amount of coverage can be provided.
The state of Delaware Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s states drivers precise information on the minimum amount of car insurance you need.
Going on a road trip does not require you to purchase comprehensive car insurance, but it will allow you to keep your personal property, vehicle, and passengers much safer.
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When will my temporary car insurance policy expire?
If you know the exact date of your road trip, you can buy a temporary comprehensive car insurance policy for the period of time you will be traveling.
However, most companies offer a policy term of at least six-month, or even a year. Even though you may find some insurers advertising short-term coverage, they may not offer the best coverage suited to your needs.
Some road trips are completely unplanned, but you will still be able to buy temporary insurance at any point.
Unlike traditional car coverage that is purchased in advance for a specific period of time, your temporary auto insurance can last for as long as you want it to.
If you want to buy a car insurance policy for less than six months, you may need to cancel your standard auto insurance policy mid-term. However, there are still options to get temporary insurance coverage outside the typical six or 12-month policy period.
When renting a vehicle, comprehensive coverage is nearly always needed.
You can choose to purchase a temporary comprehensive insurance policy directly via your car rental agency or you can buy separate full coverage through an independent car insurance company.
The Insurance Information Institute states that consumers who rent cars don’t always need to buy additional coverage.
However, drivers who have liability only car insurance policies are usually not able to rent cars with their existing insurance policies.
Car rental companies need to be certain that their customers will not cause them to incur a financial loss in case they get into accidents.
Will temporary car insurance cover any vehicle?
Traditional car insurance often can be used by drivers that are not listed on the policy.
When insured motorists drive a vehicle that they do not own, their auto insurance companies will often extend coverage to that vehicle as well.
However, temporary car insurance usually only provides protection for the policyholder and the vehicles listed at the time of purchase.
If you decide to drive a different car while on your road trip, you can buy a new temporary insurance policy or even add it to your current insurance plan.
Temporary policies also cover different types of vehicles, such as those designed for recreational use.
Since most states require people to have insurance on jet skis, mopeds, and even golf carts, rate comparisons for temporary insurance policies are readily available on and off the internet.
You will need to submit a car insurance quote application to see how much money it will cost you to cover the vehicle you will be taking on your road trip.
While some companies may advertise low short-term car insurance rates, you will undoubtedly pay more if you want full coverage on your vehicle.
As soon as you know when and where your road trip will take place, start comparing temporary comprehensive car insurance rates.
Short-term coverage options do not always offer the best protection against accidents, so you might end up paying for damages out of pocket.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special car insurance for road trips?
Generally, your existing car insurance policy should cover you for road trips. However, it’s important to review your policy and ensure that it provides adequate coverage for the duration and distance of your road trip. If you have any concerns or specific requirements, it’s best to contact your insurance provider to discuss your options.
What factors should I consider when comparing car insurance for road trips?
When comparing car insurance for road trips, consider the following factors:
- Coverage limits: Ensure that your policy provides sufficient coverage for liability, property damage, and medical expenses.
- Roadside assistance: Check if your policy includes roadside assistance coverage, which can be valuable during a road trip.
- Rental car coverage: If you plan to rent a car for your road trip, confirm whether your insurance policy extends coverage to rental vehicles.
- Deductibles: Review the deductibles associated with your policy and determine if they are affordable in the event of an accident or damage during your road trip.
- Coverage territory: Verify that your policy covers the areas you plan to visit during your road trip, especially if you are traveling internationally.
Can I add temporary coverage for my road trip?
In some cases, you may be able to add temporary coverage for your road trip. This can be done through a policy endorsement or by purchasing a separate short-term car insurance policy. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about options for temporary coverage and any associated costs.
Are there any specific discounts for road trips?
Insurance providers may offer specific discounts or incentives for road trips, such as low-mileage discounts or usage-based insurance programs. Additionally, if you bundle your car insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, you may be eligible for multi-policy discounts. It’s advisable to inquire with your insurance provider about any available discounts that can help reduce your premium for road trips.
What should I do in case of an accident during my road trip?
If you are involved in an accident during your road trip, follow these steps:
- Ensure everyone’s safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if necessary.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved in the accident.
- Document the incident: Take photos of the scene, damage to vehicles, and any relevant details.
- Contact your insurance provider: Notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible and provide them with all the necessary information.
- Follow instructions: Follow any instructions provided by your insurance company regarding repairs, claims, or filing a police report.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
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.