Drivers in Arizona looking for insurance coverage for less than six months may be seeking temporary or short-term car insurance. Most policies are typically offered on a six or twelve-month basis. Although major insurers don’t provide per-day car insurance, there are alternative options for temporary coverage in Arizona.

There are several types of temporary auto insurance available if you’re not looking for a full year of coverage. Typically, the shortest policy duration offered by reputable Arizona auto insurers is six months, with the option to renew at the end of the term.

Here are situations where short-term car insurance might be suitable:

  • Coverage for less than a year: If you prefer not to commit to a full year, a six-month policy might be ideal. This could be beneficial if you’re uncertain about your carrier meeting your needs, plan to sell your vehicle soon, or anticipate securing a lower rate soon.
  • Renting a car: If you already have an auto insurance policy, it might extend to rental cars. Some credit cards also offer limited coverage if used to book rentals. Without an existing policy, short-term coverage can typically be purchased from the rental agency.
  • Occasional car borrowing: If you don’t own a car but occasionally borrow one, non-owner coverage can provide insurance while driving. This type of policy also applies if you frequently rent vehicles or are between cars without wanting a lapse in coverage.
  • International travel: For short-term international trips, you may need to temporarily extend your policy for coverage outside the U.S. Some insurers offer easy options to extend coverage to Mexico and Canada.
  • Vehicle storage: Even if your car is in storage, maintaining minimum coverage may be required by your state. This ensures protection in case of damage from covered perils while your vehicle is stored. Options for storage insurance include purchasing liability coverage-only policies.

These options provide flexibility for temporary auto insurance needs without committing to a full annual policy.

Whether short-term car insurance is suitable for you depends on your specific circumstances and coverage needs. If you’re trying out a new insurer, you might be reluctant to commit to a 12-month policy. However, most car insurance companies allow you to cancel at any time without a fee. It’s a good idea to consult with a licensed insurance agent before purchasing a short-term policy to explore any alternative coverage options that might better fit your needs.

If you’re considering a six-month policy, here are the key pros and cons to keep in mind:

Pros of Short-Term Coverage

  • Less Commitment: A shorter policy term means less long-term commitment.
  • Ideal for Selling: Great for drivers planning to sell their vehicles soon.
  • Trial Period: Allows you to test a carrier for a shorter duration.
  • Potential Discounts: You might qualify for a paid-in-full premium discount without needing to pay for a full year of coverage.

Cons of Short-Term Coverage

  • Limited Availability: Not all insurers offer short-term policies, making it harder to find coverage.
  • Higher Costs: Short-term coverage can sometimes be more expensive than a 12-month policy.
  • Frequent Renewals: Your policy will need renewal in just six months, which could lead to rate increases sooner.

Based on average premium data from Quadrant Information Services, the national average cost of car insurance is $2,311 per year for full coverage, with six-month policies averaging $1,156. For minimum coverage, the national average is $640 per year or $320 for six months.

In Arizona, the average annual cost for full coverage is $2,557, while six months of coverage averages $1,279. State-mandated minimum coverage costs about $770 per year, or $385 for six months. Keep in mind that your car insurance rates in Arizona can vary based on factors such as age, ZIP code, credit history, and claim history. Here are some average six-month premiums from top insurers in Arizona.

If you’re looking for temporary car insurance in Arizona, be cautious of any company offering policies for less than six months. Six-month policies are the shortest available, and many claims for per-day or monthly coverage can be scams aimed at gathering personal information or selling you a standard policy with high cancellation fees. It’s a good idea to verify the reputation of the company by checking with Arizona’s Insurance Commissioner’s office.

Here are some alternative options that might provide the coverage you need for a short period, depending on your circumstances. Availability, coverage, and duration of these policies can vary by provider.

Most car insurance companies offer six-month policies for drivers who prefer not to commit to a full year of coverage. When purchasing a car insurance policy, you’ll typically have the option to choose between a six-month or 12-month term before finalizing your purchase. During the quoting process, you can also ask about any short-term insurance options available with a specific carrier. Before finalizing the policy, be sure to understand the company’s cancellation procedure, including any potential timelines and fees associated with canceling.

Non-owner insurance is a type of short-term car insurance in Arizona designed for drivers who don’t own a car but occasionally borrow one from friends or family. This coverage typically includes only liability insurance, meaning it won’t cover the vehicle itself. Non-owner policies are usually sold in six-month terms and are often much more affordable than minimum coverage policies.

Rental car insurance in Arizona is often available when you rent a vehicle. This coverage starts as soon as you drive off the lot and ends when you return the keys. While most standard car insurance policies cover rental cars, you can also buy temporary insurance directly from the rental agency. Additionally, some credit card companies provide rental car coverage as part of their travel rewards or points programs, which can help you save on your rental costs.

Adding a teen driver to your car insurance policy can be costly, so check if your insurance company offers a “student away” option when your child is attending college—typically if they’re living more than 100 miles from home. This may come with a discount or special driver designation on your policy, often leading to significantly reduced premiums while they’re away at school until they return for the summer. Choosing a six-month policy allows for more frequent updates to your coverage. For parents whose teens live at home, a good student discount can provide substantial savings if your child maintains a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This discount is generally available from the time they get their license and can continue as long as they are a full-time student under the age of 25.