Temporary Car Insurance in Texas (2024)
State Farm and GEICO have some of the lowest six-month policy rates in Texas, while Hugo sells minimum-coverage policies for as little as three days.
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Written byMelanie Lockert
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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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Edited byChris Schafer
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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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Reviewed byNicholas Hatherley
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A licensed insurance agent with Insurify since May 2022, Nicholas has five years experience in the insurance industry. He previously held agent positions with Progressive, Root, and Assurance. Nicholas studied architecture at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Outside of helping others with insurance, he builds motorcycles and enjoys camping and the outdoors with his wife and two children.
Updated November 20, 2024
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Table of contents
Texas drivers must get liability insurance with minimum-coverage amounts to comply with state laws.[1] But if you’re looking for a short-term car insurance policy, you may wonder if you can get temporary car insurance in Texas to fill the gap.
Unfortunately, temporary car insurance isn’t exactly an option, and the shortest term available is typically a six-month policy.
Here’s what you need to know about such policies in Texas.
Quick Facts
The average monthly cost of liability insurance in Texas is $119 per month with a six-month policy.
Car insurance policies generally last six to 12 months, but some insurers offer shorter policies.
You can cancel your coverage if you need a temporary car insurance policy, but you could face consequences for a lapse in coverage.
Best temporary car insurance in Texas
Major auto insurance companies don’t sell temporary car insurance in Texas. Instead, you can get a six-month insurance policy and cancel it before the term ends. If you do, you’ll get a refund for the remaining months of the policy term.[2]
To avoid a lapse in coverage, make sure you have another policy in place before canceling; otherwise, your premiums will increase.
Here are some of the best car insurance companies in Texas to get coverage from.
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Best Car Insurance Companies in Texas (November 2024)
State Farm: Best for low 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. | $37/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. | $69/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 9036 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 (4,969)
Ronald
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
They are forcing me to replace my house roof or they will cancel my policy.
David
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Too expensive
It's too expensive. They raise rates every six months, even though I've never filed a claim.
Ronald
November 18, 2024
Verified Review
Very Expensive Auto and Home
Extremely harsh local service.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842NAIC 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 has some of the lowest rates for liability coverage and full-coverage car insurance in Texas. State Farm also ranked fourth in overall customer satisfaction, receiving 695 out of 1,000 points in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study.[3] You can also save up to 30% by using the company’s Drive Safe & Save app.
Pros
Nation’s largest insurance company, based on policies written
Bundling and other discounts available
Rideshare driver coverage available
Cons
AM Best financial strength rating of B (Fair)
1.6 stars on Trustpilot
Gap insurance not available
GEICO: Best for discounts
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.0 /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. | $40/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. | $75/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 10271 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (5,647)
James
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Steer clear. They increase your rate at every renewal.
Edward
November 18, 2024
Verified Review
Experience with Geico
Reliable.
Chris
November 18, 2024
Verified Review
Poor
The customer service is below average and terrible.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.74A.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
If you want temporary car insurance in Texas, you can find affordable coverage with a six-month policy from GEICO. The insurer also has more discounts than other insurance companies.
For example, current military members can get up to 15% off, and Texas is home to many military members who may be eligible. GEICO also has an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) and received 656 out of 1,000 points in customer satisfaction on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study.
Pros
Cheap rates
Highly rated mobile app
Non-owner car insurance available
Cons
Low customer review rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website
“Bad” rating on Trustpilot
Gap insurance not available
Mile Auto: Best for pay-per-mile 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. | 7.5 /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. | $57/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. | $116/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 53 verified guest reviews and ratings
Reviews (29)
Cookie
October 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Low mileage rate.
Tasha
October 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Not pleased
Don't opt for this insurance if you're on a budget. I was unaware that this was a cost-per-mile insurance. I was never informed about it, and now I'm paying an extra $20 for roadside assistance that I thought was included. I had mentioned to the representative that I couldn't afford expensive insurance, yet the cost has increased.
Thomas
October 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
Mixed Review
Mixed. One representative was confusing and couldn't guide me regarding a text I received which stated my payment, which I had been informed had been processed, had actually gone through. To ensure I was covered, I made the payment. The previous representative had been professional and direct. So, I have a mixed reaction.
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
While you can’t get temporary car insurance in Texas, you can pay less for auto insurance if you don’t drive very often. Mile Auto offers pay-per-mile car insurance, which comes with a base rate and a pay-per-mile rate.
This coverage is a good idea for low-mileage drivers and could score you serious savings compared to a standard car insurance policy.
Pros
Good for low-mileage drivers like college students
Could save up to 30%–40%
Underwriting company has an Excellent AM Best rating
Cons
“Poor” rating on Trustpilot
Not rated on the BBB website
Doesn’t offer conventional discounts
To choose the best options for temporary car insurance in Texas, we looked at several factors. These include the average rate, AM Best ratings, coverage options, discounts, and customer satisfaction. Considering the specific needs of Texas drivers who are looking for auto insurance for a short period, these insurance providers can be a good option.
Cheapest short-term car insurance in Texas
Short-term car insurance in Texas can be as low as $37 per month for a six-month liability insurance policy, according to Insurify data. Meanwhile, monthly rates can reach as high as $457 per month for full coverage. Your premium will vary depending on your age, vehicle type, coverage type, ZIP code, driving record, and more.
The table below breaks down the cheapest short-term car insurance in Texas with liability-only average monthly quotes for a six-month policy. Note that Hugo is the only insurer that sells policies with terms shorter than six months.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| USAA | $45 |
| GEICO | $54 |
| State Farm | $54 |
| Mile Auto | $56 |
| Allstate | $61 |
| Mercury | $82 |
| Safeco | $82 |
| Nationwide | $83 |
| Progressive | $98 |
| Hugo | $227 |
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.
Options for temporary car insurance
If you’re looking for temporary car insurance in Texas, consider the coverage types listed below.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance: Best for flexibility
Pay-as-go-car insurance is ideal if you’re looking for temporary car insurance in Texas and you value flexibility. Hugo is a car insurance company that allows you to pay for days, weeks, or months of car insurance coverage. This is far different than a standard auto insurance policy. With Hugo, you pay as you go and make insurance payments as you drive.
Hugo sells policies for three days, seven days, 14 days, one month, or six months. But the company only sells state-minimum coverage liability policies, so if you need higher liability limits, or full coverage — which typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage — you won’t be able to use Hugo.
You can save money with pay-as-you-go insurance, but you’ll need to stay on top of your insurance coverage. Be aware that taking a break from such coverage options could cause the DMV to get a notification about your lapse in car insurance coverage, which could create additional consequences.
Non-owner car insurance: Best for Texas drivers without a car
If you don’t have your own vehicle but regularly drive other people’s cars — whether friends’, family members’, rental cars, or car-sharing — you could consider non-owner car insurance. Non-owner car insurance provides basic liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage. This ensures you’re protected if you cause damage or injury to another driver. But it doesn’t offer any benefits if you’re injured or have property damage.
Non-owner car insurance is generally cheaper than a standard auto insurance policy, but it has limited benefits and doesn’t include comprehensive or collision coverage.
Some companies that offer non-owner car insurance policies include:
GEICO
Nationwide
State Farm
Pay-per-mile car insurance: Best for remote workers
Pay-per-mile insurance calculates your insurance premiums using a base rate and per-mile rate. So how many miles you drive will affect your premium, which can change each month. Generally, this type of car insurance is best for consumers who drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year.
If you’re a remote worker in Texas and don’t have a commute, this could be a good option for you. You may cut down your rates significantly. But if your mileage increases, so can your costs, and it may no longer be a good fit. Mile Auto offers pay-per-mile insurance in Texas. Metromile and Milewise, by Allstate, are also pay-per-mile insurers but aren’t currently available in Texas.
Rideshare insurance: Best for rideshare drivers
If you drive or do deliveries with a rideshare company, getting rideshare insurance can be a type of temporary insurance to get while you do this work. Rideshare companies typically provide protection while you’re working. But if something happens, like an accident while you’re between rides or waiting for the next request, you can be vulnerable. Rideshare insurance can protect you in these instances.
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Pros and cons of temporary car insurance
Getting temporary car insurance in Texas can seem like a good idea. But consider the pros and cons before making any major changes.
Pros
Customized coverage: If you get pay-as-you-go or pay-per-mile auto insurance, your premiums reflect your actual driving.
Flexibility: A short-term policy offers more flexibility and less commitment.
Get what you need: You can get car insurance for the time frame you want, and your premiums may be more affordable.
Cons
Lapse in coverage: If you’re not careful and don’t renew your car insurance or get a new policy with another insurance company, you could break the law and have higher rates in the future. Consider the legal consequences and how it might affect your financial situation.
Availability: You may not be able to get the kind of temporary auto insurance you’re looking for or secure coverage from the insurance company you want.
More work: A long-term policy can mean you forget about coverage for a while. A short-term policy can mean more renewals, more work, and a longer process. In addition, your premiums could be higher at the time of renewal.
Temporary car insurance in Texas FAQs
If you’re looking for temporary car insurance in the Lone Star State, you may find this additional information helpful. You can also check out Insurify’s guides on one-day car insurance and pausing a policy for more information.
Can you get temporary insurance in Texas?
Yes. Most car insurance companies in Texas won’t sell temporary car insurance, but you can often find six-month policies. If you need car insurance for a shorter period, look into coverage from an insurer like Hugo, which is available in Texas.
Is temporary car insurance legit?
Yes. Temporary car insurance in Texas is legitimate if you buy a policy from a reputable agency and the term is at least six months long. Several major insurance companies — including Travelers, Progressive, and Nationwide — offer this type of policy.
Can you drive a car without insurance if you just bought it in Texas?
When you buy a new car in Texas, contact your insurance company as soon as possible and add the car to your policy. This can help you avoid a lapse in coverage. Your insurance policy will automatically cover the new car for 20 days. Your exact amount of coverage will depend on whether the new car is an additional or replacement car.
If you’re buying a new car and getting rid of the old one, coverage on the new car will match the coverage on your old car during the 20-day grace period. But if you’re buying an additional car, coverage on the new car will match the highest coverage on your policy.
How long can you be without car insurance in Texas?
All drivers in Texas must carry car insurance or show another type of financial responsibility. If an officer pulls you over and you can’t show proof of coverage, the police officer can give you a ticket and you could face fines up to $350. If you violate the law again, you may have to pay a fine of up to $1,000, and your license may be suspended.
Related articles
More cities in Texas
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance. "Shopping for auto insurance: What to know before you buy a policy."
- Texas Department of Insurance. "Auto Insurance Guide."
- J.D. Power. "Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds."
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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.
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
A licensed insurance agent with Insurify since May 2022, Nicholas has five years experience in the insurance industry. He previously held agent positions with Progressive, Root, and Assurance. Nicholas studied architecture at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Outside of helping others with insurance, he builds motorcycles and enjoys camping and the outdoors with his wife and two children.
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