While many policies are renewed annually, if you’re looking for temporary car insurance in New York, you might be interested in coverage that’s only for six months. Short-term policies are offered by many major insurance companies and may fit your needs in some cases. For example, if you plan on moving out of state within the year and only need your existing coverage for the time being. To help you learn everything you need to know about temporary car insurance in New York, Bankrate’s team of insurance editors has compiled this guide. It will help you make the best decision for your situation.
Short-term car insurance in New York
When buying car insurance in New York, drivers can usually choose between a 12-month or 6-month policy. Temporary car insurance policies are usually for a period of 6 months. Although car insurance policies can usually be cancelled at any time, if you are buying insurance for the first time from a new insurer or don’t need a policy for longer than 6 months, you may be better off choosing a shorter policy term.
Is temporary car insurance in New York right for me?
Temporary car insurance in New York may be a good option for some drivers. Here are some reasons why you might choose to purchase short-term car insurance:
- Auto insurance is expensive. Car insurance premiums can be expensive depending on the insurance company, your age, your credit score, and your driving record. The average cost of car insurance in New York is $3,751 for full coverage on a 12-month policy, so if you only need coverage for a short period of time or you might find a more affordable rate after six months, a shorter-term policy might fit your budget better.
- Unhappy with your current insurance company: Choosing short-term car insurance may give you more opportunity to switch insurance companies. You can use the time a short-term policy gives you to shop around for an insurance company with coverage options that suit you at a more affordable rate.
- If you are renting a vehicle for personal use: If you don’t own a car and you rent one for personal use (for a few days, weeks or months), short-term insurance is useful. You can also usually get auto insurance through the rental company you hire the car from.
- I’m trying to sell my car: If your insurance is coming up for renewal but you know you will soon no longer own your car, taking out temporary insurance until you get rid of your car will help you comply with your policy. You can cancel your car insurance at any time, not just during renewal periods, but if you’re not happy with your coverage, it’s wise to forgo renewal and take out temporary insurance.
- If you are borrowing someone else’s car: If you frequently borrow someone else’s car, you’ll likely need to be added as a driver on their policy. But if you only borrow occasionally, you can benefit from non-owner insurance. These car policies are usually sold for a six-month term and only provide liability coverage.
The Pros and Cons of Temporary Car Insurance
Short-term car insurance in New York may help you get by in the short term, but it does have potential drawbacks. Here are some of the main benefits and drawbacks that Bankrate’s insurance editorial team has identified for short-term insurance.
| Less of a commitment than a 12-month policy If you only need coverage for a short period of time, you may be able to save money by choosing a shorter policy term. If a full payment discount is offered, you may be more likely to qualify. | The more frequently you update, the more likely your rates will increase. Monthly premiums may be higher than with long-term insurance. |
If you think your circumstances might change in the near future – for example, you’re moving to a city with good public transport and selling your car – rather than buying a full year of cover, buying a short-term policy could be an affordable way to fill the gap.
Temporary Car Insurance Options in New York
If you’re considering purchasing temporary car insurance, you may have several options available to you depending on your needs. Here are the main types of temporary car insurance offered by New York auto insurance companies:
- 6 Months Car Insurance Policy: The most common type of temporary car insurance is the six-month policy. Monthly premiums are similar to standard 12-month car insurance, but it may be a good option for drivers who want to pay for six months in one lump sum. If you’re willing to pay your premium in one lump sum (many insurance companies offer discounts), a six-month policy may be a cheaper insurance option than paying for a 12-month policy in one lump sum.
- Non-owner policy: Non-owner auto insurance is ideal for drivers who occasionally rent cars but don’t own a registered vehicle. This insurance is generally less expensive, but it only provides liability insurance. When you purchase non-owner insurance, you will be issued with your own certificate of insurance.
- Car insurance when traveling abroad: You may need temporary car insurance if you plan to travel to another country and rent a car. In this case, you may be able to get travel car insurance from the rental car company. Most U.S. car insurance policies are valid in Canada, but you may need additional approval if you want to insure in Mexico.
How much is temporary car insurance in New York?
Using data from Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team calculated the average rates for six months of insurance from the most popular insurance companies in New York. The average price for six months of full coverage insurance in New York is $1,876, but keep in mind that rates can vary depending on factors such as your age, gender, where you live, and the make and model of your car. To find the lowest price that fits your needs, request quotes from various insurance companies and make sure the quote takes into account any available discounts.
The table below lists the average six-month car insurance rates from the best auto insurance companies in the state.
| Allstate | $1,863 | $310 |
| Geico | $1,760 | $293 |
| progressive | $1,077 | $180 |
| State Farm | $1,885 | $314 |
| America | $2,043 | $341 |
FAQ
Methodology
Bankrate uses Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2024 rates for every zip code and insurer in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on population density in each area. Estimated rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with an accident-free record, good credit, and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- Bodily injury liability of $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability of $50,000 per accident
- $100,000 per person in bodily injury claims caused by uninsured motorists
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury compensation of $300,000 per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine the minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used the minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements: Our base profile driver owns a 2022 Toyota Camry, commutes to work five days a week, and drives 12,000 miles per year.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparison purposes only.
