Cheap One-Day Auto Insurance in 2026 (Compare the Top 10 Companies)

Discover cheap one-day auto insurance from our top insurers, Allstate, USAA, and Erie and this article will guide you. One-day auto insurance can be a smart choice for drivers who need temporary coverage, whether for a road test, a weekend trip, or borrowing a friend’s car.

There is actually a range of reasons why you might need insurance on your vehicle for just one day or just a few days. Most of the best auto insurance companies offer one-day insurance coverage, and it’s fairly easy to obtain.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap One-Day Auto Insurance

Check out this guide to learn what one-day auto insurance is, why you might need it, and how to get it. Or, enter your ZIP code to start comparing one-day auto insurance rates today, for free.

#1 – Allstate: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Modifiable Policy Options: Allstate allows you to tailor your cheap one-day auto insurance to meet specific needs, offering add-ons like roadside assistance.
• Drivewise Program: Provides safe driving discounts via their Drivewise program, reducing rates for cheap one-day auto insurance. Read our Allstate vs USAA auto insurance review.
• Established Reputation: Allstate has a long-standing reputation for reliability and customer service, providing peace of mind when opting for short-term coverage.

Cons

• Higher Premium for Non-Safe Drivers: Drivers who do not qualify for safe driving discounts might find Allstate’s cheap one-day auto insurance relatively expensive.
• Limited Availability of Discounts: Some discounts and benefits might not apply to short-term or one-day policies, reducing overall affordability.

#2 – USAA: Best for Military Discounts

Pros

• Special Military Discounts: USAA offers exclusive discounts, making its cheap one-day auto insurance highly affordable for military members and their families.
• Quick Claims Process: USAA has a streamlined claims process, which is beneficial when dealing with cheap one-day auto insurance claims. View our USAA auto insurance review.
• Adaptable Payment Solutions: Offers flexible payment options, even for cheap one-day auto insurance, which can be convenient for customers who need temporary coverage.

Cons

• Limited Eligibility: Only available to military members and their families, limiting access to cheap one-day auto insurance for the general public.
• Mobile App Limitations: Some users report limitations in the functionality of the USAA mobile app for handling claims or policy changes for short-term coverage.

#3 – Erie: Best for Competitive Rates

Pros

• Affordable Rates for Short-Term Policies: Offers low rates for cheap one-day auto insurance, starting at $140 per month.
• Great for Young Drivers: Offers affordable one-day coverage for new drivers or learners, providing protection at a lower cost, explore our detailed of Erie auto insurance review.
• Highly Rated Customer Service: Erie offers friendly, efficient customer service, simplifying claims and inquiries for cheap one-day auto insurance, boosting overall value.

Cons

• Limited Coverage Area: Erie’s coverage isn’t nationwide, limiting access to cheap one-day auto insurance in some regions.
• Fewer Online Resources: Limited online resources and tools make managing cheap one-day auto insurance less convenient, especially for quick quotes or policy management.

#4 – Geico: Best for Reliable Service

Pros

• Consistent Customer Support: Geico is known for its reliable customer service, providing 24/7 access for policyholders, including those with cheap one-day auto insurance.
• Simple Online Quoting Tool: Geico’s easy-to-use online platform allows for quick quotes and policy purchasing, ideal for those needing immediate cheap one-day auto insurance.
• Usage-Based Insurance Options: Offers telematics discounts for cheap one-day auto insurance. Find out about Geico auto insurance in our review.

Cons

• Limited Discount Availability for Short-Term Policies: Some of the usual discounts may not apply to cheap one-day auto insurance, which could impact affordability.
• Basic Coverage Limitations: Geico’s one-day insurance may not include optional coverage benefits that are more readily available in longer-term policies.

#5 – Progressive: Best for Flexible Options

Pros

• Snapshot Program: Progressive’s Snapshot program offers discounts for safe driving through real-time data. Read our Progressive auto insurance review.
• Variety of Coverage Options: Offers extensive add-on options like rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance, even for cheap one-day auto insurance.
• User-Friendly Mobile App: The Progressive app provides easy access to manage policies, file claims, and get real-time support for cheap one-day auto insurance customers.

Cons

• High Rates for High-Risk Drivers: Progressive tends to charge higher premiums for drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations, even for cheap one-day auto insurance.
• Frequent Rate Fluctuations: Customers report that Progressive rates fluctuate more often than other companies, which could impact pricing for cheap one-day auto insurance.

#6 – State Farm: Best for Broad Coverages

Pros

• Comprehensive Add-Ons: Offers a variety of add-on coverages for cheap one-day auto insurance. Check out our State Farm auto insurance review.
• 24/7 Claims Assistance: Provides round-the-clock support for claims, ensuring peace of mind for those with cheap one-day auto insurance.
• Highly Rated Agent Network: Has a vast network of local agents who can provide personalized advice for your one-day insurance needs.

Cons

• Higher Premiums for New Drivers: New drivers may face higher premiums with State Farm’s cheap one-day auto insurance compared to other providers.
• Limited Online Management: Some users find online tools less intuitive for managing cheap one-day auto insurance, making it harder to handle short-term policies.

#7 – American Family: Best for Diverse Discounts

Pros

• Unique Discounts for Safe Drivers: Provides various discount programs for safe drivers, even for cheap one-day auto insurance. Check our analysis of American Family auto insurance.
• Easy Policy Management: The MyAmFam app allows for quick policy adjustments, payments, and claims, which is convenient for managing cheap one-day auto insurance.
• Great Customer Service Ratings: Consistently high customer service ratings provide reliable support for policyholders, enhancing the value of cheap one-day auto insurance.

Cons

• Availability Limitations: American Family’s coverage is not available in all states, which might limit access for those needing cheap one-day auto insurance.
• Less Competitive Pricing for Certain Groups: Pricing may not be as competitive for drivers with previous claims or traffic violations.

#8 – Travelers: Best for Strong Reputation

Pros

• Extensive Coverage Options: Offers optional add-ons like gap coverage and accident forgiveness for cheap one-day auto insurance. Consult our Travelers auto insurance review.
• User-Friendly Digital Experience: The Travelers app and website make it easy to get quotes, purchase policies, and manage coverage.
• Accident Forgiveness Available: For one-day policyholders, accident forgiveness can prevent future premium increases after a minor accident.

Cons

• Higher Minimum Coverage Costs: Travelers may have a higher base rate for minimum coverage, leading to a higher initial cost for cheap one-day auto insurance compared to other insurers.
• Limited Digital Features: Some users report that the digital platform lacks advanced features for managing cheap one-day auto insurance.

#9 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customizable Policies

Pros

• Highly Customizable Policies: Liberty Mutual allows for extensive customization of cheap one-day auto insurance policies, ensuring that coverage fits specific needs.
• Discounts for Low Mileage Drivers: Offers special discounts for low mileage drivers, applicable for cheap one-day auto insurance. Find more from our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
• Quick Online Quotes: Liberty Mutual’s online quote process is fast and straightforward, ideal for drivers looking for immediate cheap one-day auto insurance.

Cons

• Higher Premiums for Young Drivers: Younger drivers may face higher premiums with Liberty Mutual’s cheap one-day auto insurance compared to other providers.
• Limited Availability of Discounts: Some discounts may not apply to cheap one-day auto insurance, reducing potential savings.

#10 – Farmers: Best for Robust Coverage

Pros

• Extensive Coverage Options: Farmers offers collision, comprehensive, and rental reimbursement coverage, ensuring protection for cheap one-day auto insurance.
• Local Agents Availability: A wide network of local agents ensures personalized service for cheap one-day auto insurance policyholders.
• Accident-Free Discount: Offers discounts for drivers with a clean driving record, applicable even to cheap one-day auto insurance. Check out more on our Farmers auto insurance review.

Cons

• Higher Rates for High-Risk Drivers: Drivers with traffic violations or accidents may face higher premiums for cheap one-day auto insurance.
• Limited Online Capabilities: Some users report that the Farmers website and mobile app are not as user-friendly for managing cheap one-day auto insurance.

Reasons to Consider One-Day Auto Insurance

One of the most common reasons to purchase one-day insurance is if you don’t drive a lot. If you only drive your car once a month down to Costco and back, it will be much cheaper to pay for just those days individually, rather than getting full coverage.

You might also buy same day auto insurance coverage if, for example, you use a rental car on vacation or are using a truck you don’t normally drive to move your stuff from one place to another.

One-Day Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level

One-day auto insurance is useful in various scenarios, such as when you need car insurance with a learner’s permit or for new drivers, including 16-year-olds needing car insurance while learning to drive.

It also provides coverage for test-driving vehicles or borrowing a friend’s car if you lack insurance. For classic car owners with a considered clean driving record who drive their vehicles infrequently, this type of insurance avoids the cost of full-time coverage.

Additionally, usage-based insurance is ideal for those who drive rarely, and it can also serve as temporary coverage during a vehicle title transfer.

Understanding the Cost of One-Day Auto Insurance

The coverage required for one day is essentially the same as that for a full year, so we can use annual rates to estimate daily costs.

On average, affordable liability auto insurance coverage costs about $10.43 per day with a standard policy, while one-day auto insurance typically averages $15 per day. For those interested in reducing these costs, understanding how to get points removed from your license can also be beneficial.

This suggests that if you need insurance for more than a few days, opting for a standard policy could be more economical.

It’s important to note that auto insurance rates vary significantly by state, with some states offering more affordable options than others; for instance, Michigan is notably among the most expensive.

The Necessity of One-Day Auto Insurance

It might seem excessive to get insurance for just one day, but the penalties for driving without coverage can far exceed the cost of a one-day policy.

Auto Insurance Discounts From the Top Providers for One-Day Auto Insurance

According to the Insurance Information Institute, one in eight drivers are uninsured, and the consequences for driving without insurance can include fines, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time.

If you’re wondering, “How many points can you get on your license before it’s suspended?” knowing the answer can help you avoid suspension and additional penalties. Therefore, securing temporary insurance can be a cost-effective way to avoid these serious repercussions.

Having an Existing Auto Insurance Policy

Typically, individuals who purchase one-day car insurance policies are those who do not currently have auto insurance. If you own a vehicle and already have insurance, you are likely covered.

In fact, your auto insurance often extends to other vehicles you drive, provided the car you’re using is insured by its owner. This means your personal insurance could serve as secondary coverage, offering additional protection.

However, for those seeking broader protection, opting for affordable full coverage auto insurance can ensure comprehensive coverage beyond basic liability, safeguarding against accidents, theft, and damages.

It’s advisable to check with your insurance company to confirm your current coverage. If you find you’re not covered or do not have auto insurance at all, a one-day policy might be a suitable solution for specific circumstances.

Getting One-Day Auto Insurance

Applying for one-day auto insurance is a straightforward process. Start by gathering essential information such as your vehicle’s year, model, and mileage, as well as your driving history, license number, and personal details.

To understand what are the different types of auto insurance coverage, compare quotes online from major insurance companies, many of which offer one-day policies.

It’s also a good idea to contact local insurance agents, as they might provide better rates than nationwide providers. Once you’ve selected a policy, pay for it online with a credit or debit card, though some companies accept checks or cash.

Additionally, consider exploring short-term policies for extended coverage needs, such as weekly or monthly options, which can also be found under temporary insurance sections on insurance provider websites.

That’s it. If you’d like to check out affordable one-day car insurance rates today, you can enter your ZIP code and compare one-day auto insurance quotes for free. You’ll be able to easily select the date on which you want your temporary car insurance.