Single Day car Insurance
With No Deposit/No Down Payment.
What Is Single Day Car Insurance?
Single day car insurance, also called one-day car insurance or temporary car insurance, provides full legal auto coverage for a 24-hour period. It’s a type of short-term policy that offers liability, and in many cases, collision and comprehensive coverage for a single day.
There are times when you need car insurance for just a single day, whether you’re borrowing a friend’s car, test-driving a used vehicle, or making a one-time trip. In these cases, single day car insurance can be the perfect solution. It offers short-term protection without the cost and commitment of a traditional policy.
Who Needs Single Day Car Insurance?
This type of insurance is useful for:
- Borrowing someone else’s vehicle for a short trip
- Test-driving a car from a private seller
- Taking a long one-day road trip
- Driving a rental vehicle without coverage from the agency
- Picking up a newly purchased car
- Temporary drivers or visitors needing legal coverage
When Single Day Car Insurance Is Useful
Some specific scenarios where 24-hour car insurance comes in handy:
- Buying a Car: You’ve just bought a used car and need to drive it home.
- Visiting Family: You’re borrowing a family member’s car for a one-day trip.
- Test Drives: Trying out a car from a private seller or dealership.
- Emergencies: Unexpected situations where you need to drive a car not insured under your name.
How Much Does One Day Car Insurance Cost?
The cost of single day car insurance typically ranges from $15 to $35, depending on factors like driver age, location, and type of vehicle.
Sample Cost Table:
| Driver Profile | Average One-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Young Driver (18–25) | $25–$35 |
| Experienced Driver | $15–$25 |
| Luxury or Sports Car | $30–$50 |
Rates sourced from industry platforms offering temporary coverage such as Hugo, Bonzah, and DayInsure.
What’s Included in Single Day Car Insurance?
Coverage options are similar to a standard auto policy:
- Liability Coverage – Required by law for injury and damage to others.
- Collision Coverage – Optional; covers damage to the car from accidents.
- Comprehensive Coverage – Covers theft, fire, weather, and vandalism.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – Optional protection against uninsured drivers.
Note: The availability of coverage types may vary by provider and state.
Top Providers Offering Single Day Car Insurance
- Hugo – Flexible pay-as-you-go and daily auto coverage.
- Bonzah – Offers insurance for rental and borrowed vehicles.
- Insure Daily (UK-based) – Used by travelers and temporary drivers in the U.S.
- Allianz Travel – Offers rental car protection for single-day coverage.
Check with each provider or your state’s insurance department for availability in your area.
Benefits of Single Day Car Insurance
- Legal Protection – Meets state requirements for liability coverage.
- Affordability – Much cheaper than buying a monthly or annual plan for one-day needs.
- Convenience – Get insured instantly through mobile apps or online portals.
- No Long-Term Commitment – Pay only for what you need.
- Peace of Mind – Drive legally and with confidence, even for a few hours.
Limitations and Considerations
- Not Available in All States – Some regions may not permit one-day coverage.
- Age Restrictions – Some providers don’t insure drivers under 21.
- Vehicle Type – Exotic or high-risk vehicles may be excluded.
- Limited Availability – Fewer providers offer this kind of policy.
How to Get Single Day Car Insurance
- Choose a Provider: Look for companies offering temporary auto insurance.
- Enter Your Info: Provide license details, vehicle info, and coverage start date.
- Select Coverage: Choose liability-only or full coverage.
- Pay Online: Secure payment with instant proof of coverage.
- Drive Legally: You’re covered for the next 24 hours!
Alternatives to Single Day Car Insurance
If single-day insurance isn’t available in your state, consider:
- Non-Owner Car Insurance: Great for drivers who don’t own a car but drive occasionally.
- Rental Car Insurance: Offered by rental agencies or third-party insurers.
- Adding a Driver to an Existing Policy: A temporary solution if you’re borrowing a car.
- Ride-Sharing or Taxi Services: A legal and safe alternative if insurance isn’t an option.
Real-Life Example
Scenario: Amber is picking up a car she bought from a private seller 120 miles away. Instead of adding the vehicle to her full insurance policy right away, she purchases 24-hour car insurance for $22. This gives her legal and financial protection for the trip home without overpaying for long-term coverage.
Legal Requirements and State Rules
Car insurance is mandatory in most U.S. states, and driving without valid coverage—even for one day—can result in fines, license suspension, or vehicle impoundment. That’s why single day car insurance is a valuable and legal way to stay protected while driving temporarily.
Each state has its own minimum coverage requirements. For example:
- California: Requires liability coverage of at least 15/30/5
- Texas: Minimum 30/60/25 liability
- Florida: Requires PIP and property damage liability
Always confirm your state’s requirements before driving—even for a single day.
Tips for Choosing the Right One-Day Insurance
- Compare Providers: Use online tools to check pricing and coverage options.
- Check for Age Limits: Some insurers won’t cover drivers under 21 or over 75.
- Understand Coverage: Make sure your policy includes liability and other protections you might need.
- Ask About Refunds: In case your plans change and you don’t use the policy.
- Use Trusted Providers: Look for licensed insurers with positive customer reviews.
Here Is A List Of Important FAQS
Yes, it is legal in many states. However, availability may vary by provider and region.
Yes. Most platforms offer instant online or mobile app sign-up and policy activation.
Typically, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration or VIN.
Some providers offer multi-day policies or let you renew your daily policy as needed.
Yes, if you only need coverage for one day. It’s more cost-effective than monthly or annual plans.
Some providers may report it to your state’s database, but not always.
Sources & References:
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) – For state-level insurance regulations and consumer protection.
- Insurance Information Institute (III) – Educational resources and industry insights about car insurance.
- USA.gov – Car Insurance – Official U.S. government portal with links to state-specific insurance rules.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Information on financial products, including insurance-related advice.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Data on safe driving, vehicle standards, and insurance relevance.
About the Author
Alex Huber is a content writer for Atoz Insurances and he is a very experienced and well-rounded freelance content writer who specializes in the insurance and finance niches. His writing is engaging and informative, and he has a strong understanding of the industries he writes about.