Temporary Car Insurance in California (2024)

It can be difficult to find temporary car insurance in California. Learn about some ways to obtain a short-term policy.

Melanie Lockert
Written byMelanie Lockert
Melanie Lockert
Melanie Lockert
  • 10+ years writing on personal finance topics

  • Host of the Mental Health and Wealth podcast

Melanie is a blogger, author, and speaker specializing in personal finance and debt management. She’s also the author of the blog and book “Dear Debt.”

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Chris Schafer
Edited byChris Schafer
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Shawn Powers
Reviewed byShawn Powers
Headshot of licensed insurance agent Shawn Powers.
Shawn PowersVP of Insurance Sales at Insurify
  • Licensed insurance agent for 25+ years

  • 15 years as VP of Sales and Operations at Answer Financial

Licensed in more than 40 states, Shawn leverages his deep industry expertise to support the accuracy and trustworthiness of Insurify’s content.

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Updated December 19, 2024

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Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in California

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $38/mo for liability only and $66/mo for full coverage in California.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Whether you’re borrowing a friend’s car, renting a vehicle, or you’re a college student or a military member looking to store your car, you might wonder if temporary car insurance in California is available. The majority of car insurance companies offer policies of six or 12 months, with the average cost of liability insurance at $139 per month in California.

Though you might not find many options for a shorter term, you can typically cancel your car insurance coverage at any time, and you have other options to look into.

Quick Facts
  • Temporary car insurance in California may be challenging to get from major insurers.

  • California drivers can look into rental car insurance, pay-per-mile coverage, and non-owner insurance as possible temporary car insurance solutions.

  • While you can cancel your policy early, be aware of risks due to lapses in coverage and potential cancellation fees.

Best temporary car insurance in California

Temporary car insurance in California can be difficult to find from major insurance companies, but you have different options to look into that can fit your needs.

Here, you’ll find three of the best temporary car insurance companies in California based on cost, Insurify Quality Score, J.D. Power ratings, and coverage options.

State Farm: Best for non-owner car insurance

User Reviews
4.2
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.3 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$188/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$379/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 9,243 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm

Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm

Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (5,080)

Al

December 19, 2024

Verified Review

My Opinion

Way too high premium.

Agnes

December 19, 2024

Verified Review

Best Insurance Company

I have been with them for a long time. Claims are handled quickly. I never had a problem, even when I had three teenagers driving.

Gabriel

December 18, 2024

Verified Review

My Experience with State Farm

Beware, some companies are more interested in making money than meeting the customers' needs. My wife had a medical issue while driving, and they covered it. A year later, there was a fender bender involving two moving vehicles. To me, it was no fault, but they considered it a second incident. We also had hail damage to our roof. They said there wasn't enough damage, yet my next-door neighbors received a new one. Now, they're canceling me for too much.
See all State Farm reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
817
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

While State Farm doesn’t have the cheapest rates for temporary car insurance in California, the company stands out in a number of ways. State Farm was highly rated in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study in California, which looks at overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, State Farm offers non-owner car insurance exclusively to California drivers.

Pros
  • Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

  • Bundling discounts available

  • Nation’s leading insurer, based on number of policies written

Cons
  • Only available through State Farm insurance agents

  • Not the most affordable option

  • Doesn’t offer gap insurance

USAA: Best for military storage

User Reviews
4.9
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.4 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$123/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$247/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 1,646 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA

Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA

Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (940)

Arlington

December 18, 2024

Verified Review

Mediocre

It's too hard to get past all the checks and balances to verify you're a member. There are too many questions and memory items to get past their firewall. Lastly, everyone is working remotely, and you can hear the family activities in the background.

Peter

December 18, 2024

Verified Review

Not Happy with USAA

They increase premium rates without notifying you well in advance. They even raise the premium for a minor fender bender, like pulling out of a driveway into an illegally parked vehicle.

Donna

December 17, 2024

Verified Review

I was in an accident which was not my fault, and my insurance increased to $118 a month. I don't drive my car much, less than 50 miles a day. Additionally, I have home insurance with USAA and my payment increased by $100. As a veteran, I find this totally wrong.

I was in an accident which was not my fault, and my insurance increased to $118 a month. I don't drive my car much, less than 50 miles a day. Additionally, I have home insurance with USAA and my payment increased by $100. As a veteran, I find this totally wrong.
See all USAA reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
876
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

USAA offers competitive rates and a variety of insurance and financial products for military members, veterans, and their family members. 

If you’re a military member, you might be looking for temporary car insurance in California to lower costs while storing your car. USAA is the best option, as the insurer offers a storage discount and a military on-base discount of up to 15%.

Pros
  • Competitive rates

  • Military-specific discounts

  • Industry-leading J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating

Cons
  • Pay-as-you-drive option, Noblr, isn’t available in California

  • Must call to cancel car insurance

  • Only available to military members and their families

Mercury: Best for pay-per-mile insurance

User Reviews
3.7
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.0 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$106/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$192/mo
3.7
A solid optionBased on 483 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mercury

Drivers appreciate the exceptional service, fair prices, and attentive support, but some find the premiums can increase unexpectedly.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
How drivers feel about Mercury

Drivers appreciate the exceptional service, fair prices, and attentive support, but some find the premiums can increase unexpectedly.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Reviews (265)

Harry

December 19, 2024

Verified Review

Excellent

They are very attentive and helpful. It's easy to get customer service.

Jack

December 16, 2024

Verified Review

Average

Too expensive.

Alex

December 11, 2024

Verified Review

Excellent

I have had no issues with them. Good service.
See all Mercury reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
827
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.48
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
Why we picked this company

California drivers can lower their costs by up to 20% through Mercury RealDrive. This program looks at your odometer and mileage to determine your rate and is available to Californians. Mercury also offers some of the cheapest rates in the state.

Pros
  • Very low rates

  • Multiple discounts available

  • Rideshare insurance available

Cons
  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

  • Poor Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating

  • Basic coverage options

  • To choose the top companies for temporary car insurance in California, we looked at multiple factors as part of our ranking. These include average costs of car insurance, ratings, discount options, customer service, and Insurify Quality Scores.

Cheapest short-term car insurance in California

Drivers in the Golden State have many options for car insurance coverage. To get temporary car insurance in California, you typically need to get a six-month policy and cancel your coverage when you no longer need it. 

If you’re looking for a short-term car insurance policy, here’s a list of the cheapest options, starting at $72 per month. Your specific insurance rates depend on your age, whether you’ve had an accident, your claims history, type of vehicle, ZIP code, and the level and duration of coverage.

Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Sun Coast$72
Mercury$93
Anchor$100
USAA$113
National General$131
GEICO$151
Direct Auto$154
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in California

Liability rates start as low as $60 per month

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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
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Options for temporary car insurance

Though temporary car insurance in California isn’t widely available, some solid alternatives can help you pay less for insurance coverage. The best option for you will depend on your situation and overall needs.

Here, you can review the different options available to you in California.

Pay-as-you-go car insurance: Best for remote workers

As more people work from home, pay-as-you-go car insurance has become a popular choice. Pay-as-you-go car insurance is different from traditional insurance, as your premiums vary each month. For example, usage-based insurance offers a base rate and a fluctuating rate that depends on how much you drive and other factors.

On one hand, this is a temporary auto insurance option to consider to save on costs. On the other hand, some insurers require you to download an app or use a device that tracks your vehicle, which isn’t ideal for people who value privacy.

Non-owner car insurance: Best for borrowing cars

A non-owner policy is a type of car insurance that provides liability coverage for you if you’re driving a vehicle that you don’t own. While the primary owner’s car insurance typically covers other drivers, non-owner car insurance can make sure you have enough liability coverage. Having insufficient coverage can put you at risk.

If you borrow cars frequently from friends and family, getting a non-owner car insurance policy can make sense and be a good option. Allstate and State Farm offer non-owner car insurance in California.

This specific insurance policy is generally more affordable than standard auto insurance.

Pay-per-mile car insurance: Best for low-mileage drivers

A pay-per-mile policy allows you to get an insurance premium with a base rate and per-mile rate. So, instead of a flat rate, your car insurance rates can fluctuate based on how much you drive. This type of car insurance works best for low-mileage drivers who don’t rack up a ton of miles each year, typically fewer than 7,000–10,000 miles annually.[1]

Pay-per-mile car insurance from an insurer like Metromile can be a good choice to reduce your overall costs. If you drive less, you can lower your monthly car insurance costs. But your base rate will vary by your personal driving history, and this coverage isn’t the best option if you end up needing to drive more than normal.

Rental car insurance: Best for renting vehicles

If you don’t own a vehicle and you want to rent one for a road trip or excursion, you’ll need to get insurance from the rental car company. This can protect you if you’re involved in an incident and there’s a loss, such as property damage.[2] If you have a car, your auto insurance policy will typically extend to the rental. You can also check your credit card benefits, as some offer rental car insurance as a perk.

Compare California Car Insurance Quotes

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Pros and cons of temporary car insurance

Getting short-term car insurance can feel like a good idea if you need auto insurance for only a specific time. But the best way to find the right insurance for you is to review the pros and cons of temporary car insurance beforehand.

Pros
  • Not widely available

  • Fits your needs

  • Able to customize your coverage

Cons
  • Risk of lapsed coverage

  • Potential for scams

  • Limited coverage and protection

Temporary car insurance in California FAQs

If you’re looking for temporary car insurance in California, this additional information can help.

  • Can you get temporary insurance in California?

    Temporary car insurance in California isn’t typically available from major auto insurance companies. The standard length for a car insurance policy is six months, though terms can vary from one month to one year.[3] You can cancel a six-month policy early or get non-owner insurance.

  • What is the shortest term for car insurance?

    For most major insurers, the shortest term for car insurance is six months. Pay-as-you-go and pay-per-mile insurance are other alternatives to look into as well.

  • Can you drive a car without insurance in California if you just bought it?

    If you just purchased a vehicle in California, it’s illegal for you to drive without car insurance. You must carry coverage that meets at least the state’s minimum requirements. Additionally, car dealerships also require proof of insurance.

  • What types of coverage does temporary car insurance include in California?

    To get temporary car insurance in California, you can purchase a six-month policy and cancel it before the term ends. You can also look into a pay-per-mile car insurance policy, rental car insurance, and non-owner car insurance.

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

  • Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
  • No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
  • Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

Sources

  1. Kelley Blue Book. "What Do Insurance Companies Consider Low Mileage?."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "Rental car insurance."
  3. California Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance Text Version."
Melanie Lockert
Melanie Lockert

Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, "Dear Debt." Through her blog, she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt. Her work has appeared on Allure, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Fortune, and more. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat and host of the Mental Health and Wealth show podcast. She lives in Los Angeles and enjoys jazz music, traveling, coffee, and spending time with her two cats and partner.

Melanie has been a contributor at Insurify since November 2022.

Chris Schafer
Edited byChris SchaferSenior Editor
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

Featured in

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Shawn Powers
Reviewed byShawn PowersVP of Insurance Sales at Insurify
Headshot of licensed insurance agent Shawn Powers.
Shawn PowersVP of Insurance Sales at Insurify
  • Licensed insurance agent for 25+ years

  • 15 years as VP of Sales and Operations at Answer Financial

Licensed in more than 40 states, Shawn leverages his deep industry expertise to support the accuracy and trustworthiness of Insurify’s content.

Featured in

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