Temporary Car Insurance in Pennsylvania (2025)
For temporary coverage in Pennsylvania, consider options like pay-per-mile insurance, non-owner insurance, or early cancellation.
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Written byTaylor Milam-Samuel
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8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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Table of contents
Traditional car insurance policies are active for six or 12 months, and the average cost in Pennsylvania is $143 per month. You typically can’t get a short-term car insurance policy for fewer than six months.
The good news is that you still have options. Depending on the type of coverage you need, you might be able to cancel early, utilize pay-per-mile coverage, or opt for pay as you go.
Here’s how temporary car insurance works in Pennsylvania.
Quick Facts
Pinpointing why you need a short-term policy — business travel, driving other peoples’ cars, or infrequent trips, for example — can make it easier to find a solution.
Pennsylvania drivers who need temporary car insurance will need to consider other options, like pay-per-mile coverage, since it’s nearly impossible to get a policy for fewer than six months.
You can cancel an auto insurance policy early, but you might have to pay a cancellation fee.
Best temporary car insurance in Pennsylvania
To find the best temporary car insurance in Pennsylvania, start by considering why you need coverage. For example, you might want to consider pay-per-mile insurance if you only drive a few times per month. Or a non-owner policy might make sense if you don’t own a car but regularly drive someone else’s vehicle.
The following insurers offer the best temporary car insurance options in Pennsylvania.
Nationwide: Best for pay-per-mile coverage
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.7 /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. | $101/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. | $213/mo |
4.4
Best choiceBased on 811 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (457)
James
February 17, 2025
Verified Review
Considering Changing Companies
I like Nationwide, but the auto premiums are too high for me to afford. We have four cars and our home insured with Nationwide, and the cost continues to increase. Other than that, I would highly recommend Nationwide to a friend.
Keith
February 16, 2025
Verified Review
Not Happy with Nationwide Prices!
It's a good company with good coverage, but the prices are incredibly high. I have no claims, a perfect record, and I'm 58 years old. There are no excuses for such high premiums.
Thomas
February 15, 2025
Verified Review
Good Insurance
So far, so good.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
829NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.64A.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
Nationwide offers pay-per-mile coverage that can help you save if you drive less than the average driver. You pay a base rate of $60, plus a per-mile rate of around $0.07. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for temporary insurance because you don’t drive much. You’re only responsible for the base rate during the months you don’t drive.
Pros
Low base rate with SmartMiles
No early cancellation fees
Cons
Pay-per-mile coverage has same length as a standard policy
Low customer satisfaction score in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study
State Farm: Best for cheap rates
| 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. | $51/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. | $110/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 9,550 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
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
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (5,258)
Cheryl
February 19, 2025
Verified Review
Average
Way too expensive.
Lisa
February 18, 2025
Verified Review
My premium increased by $20 monthly without any explanation. I have been a customer for more than 20 years and still have difficulty getting my questions answered.
My premium increased by $20 monthly without any explanation. I have been a customer for more than 20 years and still have difficulty getting my questions answered.
Mikla
February 18, 2025
Verified Review
Mikla & Sam's Quote
I really liked them. The customer service was great, and the price started off well, but it has now increased exponentially.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
851NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78A.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
State Farm offers low average rates compared to the state average. You can’t get a temporary policy from State Farm, but you won’t have to pay a cancellation fee if you set up a policy and cancel early.
The company’s customer satisfaction is higher than average, and its claims process is straightforward. State Farm also stands out by earning an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score.
Pros
No early cancellation fees
Rates are much cheaper than the state average
Cons
Gap insurance not available
Must cancel at the correct time to avoid paying an extra month
Hugo: Best for pay-as-you-go coverage
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 7.0 /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. | $183/mo |
4.1
Best choiceBased on 132 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Hugo
Drivers appreciate the pay-as-you-go option and affordability but dislike the lack of full coverage and poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Micropayments
No down payments
Fast coverage
How drivers feel about Hugo
Drivers appreciate the pay-as-you-go option and affordability but dislike the lack of full coverage and poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Micropayments
No down payments
Fast coverage
Reviews (51)
Sara
February 15, 2025
Verified Review
Hugo: Immediate, Hassle-Free Insurance
Just make sure you're covered if you're driving; that's all you have to do.
Lachica
December 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
Hugo is the Best and Most Affordable Insurance I've Ever Had
I never had a problem with Hugo. It's just challenging to maintain it with a single income.
Natalie
December 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Great! Affordable Insurance!
Excellent! It fits perfectly into my budget. It gives me peace of mind every time I head out.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NRA.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).
NRWhy we picked this company
Hugo’s pay-as-you-go insurance is the most similar to short-term coverage. The company offers coverage for three days, weeks, or months. You’re responsible for “micropayments” that cover the length of time you select.
It’s a helpful option if you don’t want to pay for insurance on days you’re not driving. But if you own a car and have a lapse in coverage, you could face license suspension and increased rates. Because of that, it’s not the right option for everyone.
Pros
Coverage options range from three days to six months
Micropayments offer more flexibility
Cons
Turning coverage “on” and “off” can increase rates and lead to license suspension
Hugo cancels coverage after 10-day warning period
We reviewed the average cost of car insurance for over 20 insurers in Pennsylvania. After analyzing the data, we also considered IQ ratings, customer satisfaction, and financial strength. Finally, we analyzed unique insurance options that can help drivers who need temporary car insurance, including pay-per-mile policies and early cancellation fees.
Cheapest short-term car insurance in Pennsylvania
The cost of short-term car insurance in Pennsylvania depends on the type of coverage you want. For example, pay-per-mile insurance is usually cheaper than other types of coverage. But you might spend more for a non-owner policy.
Drivers in Pennsylvania pay an average of $143 per month on car insurance. But you could spend more or less depending on your age, duration of coverage, vehicle type, location, and driving record.[1]
The following insurers offer the cheapest rates in Pennsylvania.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, February 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $51 |
| Travelers | $77 |
| GEICO | $79 |
| Progressive | $80 |
| Allstate | $90 |
| The General | $92 |
| Nationwide | $101 |
| USAA | $104 |
| Liberty Mutual | $179 |
| Hugo | $183 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Options for temporary car insurance
Most reputable insurance companies offer policies that are active for six or 12 months. When searching for temporary car insurance, you might need to get creative and consider other options to fulfill your requirements.
Here are the most common solutions for drivers who need short-term coverage.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance: Best for budget-conscious drivers
Pay-as-you-go car insurance allows you to pay for short amounts of coverage — between three days and six months — using “micropayments.” Instead of a monthly premium, you pay as you use the policy. It’s a helpful solution if you’re on a tight budget or can’t afford a large recurring payment. It’s also the option that’s most similar to a temporary policy.
But you have to be careful about an accidental lapse in coverage with pay-as-you-go insurance. A lapse can lead to license suspension and cause car insurance rates to increase. For example, Hugo, one of the most popular pay-as-you-go insurers, reports lapses in coverage to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation immediately. The risk of using a pay-as-you-go plan is that it costs more because you turn “off” the coverage throughout the month.
Non-owner car insurance: Best for drivers without a car
Non-owner car insurance is the same as standard liability-only insurance policies. The only difference is that you don’t own a car. The coverage meets the minimum legal requirements for Pennsylvania, which means it covers the cost of vehicle repairs and medical bills for the other driver if you cause an accident. But it doesn’t pay for any of your expenses.
Major insurance companies, like Progressive, State Farm, and Travelers, offer non-owner car insurance. It can be a good option for people who regularly drive other people’s cars. It’s usually cheaper than standard car insurance policies, but coverage is limited to property damage and bodily injury liability, which might be a non-starter for some drivers.
Pay-per-mile car insurance: Best for low-mileage drivers
Pay-per-mile insurance is similar to standard car insurance. You can customize the coverage and select higher limits, but you only pay for the number of miles you drive. Most insurers charge a base rate that you pay every month — usually around $60. After that, you pay a per-mile rate that’s often less than $0.10.
It’s a unique insurance option that can help low-mileage drivers save a significant amount of money every month. It’s especially helpful if you drive less than 10,000 miles per year. Nationwide and USAA are popular pay-per-mile insurers in Pennsylvania.
Rental car insurance: Best for travelers
Rental car insurance is coverage through a rental car company. When you rent a car, you can choose to add insurance coverage for an additional fee. Most standard insurance policies include coverage for rental cars, so it doesn’t make sense for those drivers to add the coverage. But if you don’t own a car and regularly rent vehicles, it’s an effective and straightforward way to set up temporary coverage.[2]
Rental car insurance might be more expensive than standard car insurance policies, but it can be worth the cost since it’s a one-time fee. It’s also quick and easy to set up when you pick up the rental car.
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Pros and cons of temporary car insurance
It can be challenging to find temporary car insurance policies that are shorter than six months. But depending on why you need coverage, you can find a solution. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of temporary car insurance.
Pros
Usually cheaper than a standard policy
More flexibility
Ability to choose the option — pay-per-mile, a non-owner policy, and more — that works for you
Cons
Most reputable companies don’t offer policies for less than six months
Must get creative to find a solution
Takes additional time and research to set up
Temporary car insurance in Pennsylvania FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about temporary car insurance in Pennsylvania, including how to set up coverage.
Can you get temporary insurance in Pennsylvania?
Most car insurance policies in Pennsylvania last for six or 12 months. If you need coverage for fewer than six months, you can consider setting up a policy and then canceling it early. The only catch is that you might have to pay a cancellation fee.[3] You could also use pay-per-mile or pay-as-you-go insurance.
Can you drive a car without insurance in Pennsylvania if you just bought it?
No. You must have auto insurance coverage when you drive a car in Pennsylvania. If you have an existing policy, you might be able to take advantage of your insurer’s grace period, which is usually one to four weeks. During that time, the existing policy covers your new car.
What is an example of temporary insurance?
Pay-per-mile, pay-as-you-go, non-owner policies, and rental car insurance are examples of temporary car insurance. Because you can’t get a policy that lasts for less than six months, it’s important to consider other solutions.
What is the shortest term for car insurance?
Six months is the shortest term for standard car insurance. If you need a policy for a shorter time than that, you might want to consider pay-as-go coverage from a company like Hugo or rental car insurance for a rental car.
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
- 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.
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Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
Taylor has been a contributor at Insurify since February 2023.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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