Temporary car insurance in New York
A standard car insurance policy lasts six or 12 months, depending on the insurer. But you might only need auto insurance for a brief period, like when renting, borrowing or storing a vehicle. A short-term policy can cover you for a day, week, month or longer. We dive deep into temporary car insurance in New York (the pros, cons, costs and who it might be best for) to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Short-term car insurance in New York
Temporary car insurance in NY offers a shorter coverage period than the standard six- or 12-month policy. While you can usually cancel a car insurance policy at any time, opting for a shorter policy term may appeal to you if you’re moving, renting a vehicle, carsharing or simply do not need coverage for longer than six months. Not every insurer will offer a policy shorter than six months, so you may need to purchase a six-month policy and just cancel it when you no longer need it.
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Is New York temporary car insurance right for me?
Temporary car insurance policies in New York may be a good option for some drivers. Here are some of the reasons why someone might choose to buy short-term car insurance in NY:
- The cost of car insurance is expensive: Car insurance premiums can be pricey depending on your insurer, age, credit-based insurance score and driving record. The average cost of car insurance in New York as of March 2025 for a 12-month policy is $4,093 for full coverage, so if you only need coverage for a short time you might save money with a temporary policy.
- You are renting a vehicle for personal use: If you do not own a car and are renting a vehicle for personal use — whether for a few days, several weeks or months — a short-term insurance policy might be beneficial.
- You borrow someone else’s car: If you often borrow someone else’s car, you will likely need to be added as a driver on their policy. However, if you borrow it occasionally, you may benefit from a non-owner policy. These car insurance policies are usually sold in six-month terms and provide just liability coverage.
- You’re traveling: You’re finally taking that road trip you always wanted to go on, but you don’t want to purchase an RV for one trip. You can usually get a temporary policy to cover the length of your trip.
- Putting a vehicle in store: If you don’t plan to drive your car for a while, you may qualify for a temporary car insurance policy.
Pros and cons of temporary car insurance
Short-term car insurance in NY may help tide you over for a brief time, but it also comes with potential downsides. Here are some of the key perks and drawbacks we identified with short-term policies.
Pros
- Less commitment than a six- or 12-month policy
- Brief policy term may save you money if you only need coverage for a short period
- May be easier to qualify for a paid-in-full discount, if available
Cons
- May not be renewable
- Might be cost-prohibitive to renew
- May be more expensive on a per-month basis than a longer policy
If you only need car insurance coverage for a short time, a temporary car insurance policy may be the most affordable option.
Temporary car insurance options in New York
If you are thinking about buying temporary car insurance, there may be several options available depending on your needs, some of which are available from New York car insurance companies:
- Non-owner policy: A non-owner car insurance policy may be ideal for drivers who occasionally borrow vehicles, but do not have their own registered car. This policy is generally inexpensive, but it only provides liability insurance. You get your own proof of insurance when you take out a non-owner policy.
- Car insurance for out-of-country travel: You might need temporary auto insurance if you plan to travel to another country and rent a vehicle. In this case, you can probably get travel car insurance from the rental car provider. Most U.S. car insurance policies are valid in Canada for trips less than 30 days, but you will likely need a separate temporary policy if you want coverage in Mexico.
- Rental car coverage through a rental agency: Many car rental agencies include temporary insurance in their rental packages to protect against accidents and damage. While some standard auto insurance policies cover rentals, check your policy for specific details as it varies by insurer.
- Credit card rental car coverage: Some credit cards include short-term rental car insurance if you pay for the entire rental agreement with the card.
- Comprehensive-only coverage: For cars stored in New York for over 30 days without being driven, some insurance companies provide comprehensive coverage for animal damage, theft, vandalism, fire and weather. However, this policy doesn’t meet New York’s minimum insurance requirements. To avoid penalties, return your tags before canceling your standard auto policy. Then re-register and re-insure your vehicle before driving it. Alternatively, your insurer may be able to adjust your existing policy to comprehensive only and then back again when needed.
How much is temporary car insurance in New York?
Using data from Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team determined the average monthly rates for full coverage car insurance policies offered by some of New York’s most popular insurance companies. The average monthly cost for a full coverage policy in New York is $341. Keep in mind, however, that your rate is likely to vary based on factors including your age and gender, where you live and the make and model of your car.
Temporary car insurance providers may also have other factors to consider, such as the type of vehicle you’re insuring, how long you need coverage and how many miles you’re driving. To find the lowest rate for your needs, you may want to ask for quotes from a range of insurers and make sure your quotes take any available discounts into account.
In the table below, we have included average monthly car insurance premiums from some of the best car insurance companies in the state:
| Insurance company | Avg. monthly full coverage premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $326 |
| Geico | $276 |
| Progressive | $230 |
| State Farm | $373 |
| USAA | $370 |
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze March 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2023 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
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