If you are seeking some auto insurance flexibility, you could be interested in a short-term auto insurance policy. In truth, short-term car insurance is hard to come by for a few reasons.
Most large insurance underwriters do not offer contract terms for periods shorter than six months. Since car insurance is legally required in every state but one, changing policies by the month can be a risky proposition. You also risk having gaps in your insurance record by changing policies frequently, leading to more expensive rates in the long run.
Thankfully, auto insurance contracts typically run just six months. This short policy period allows car insurance companies to re-rate — or recalculate — your bill with your updated driving record and personal info.
It is also a perfect opportunity for you to reset your insurance situation and shop with other auto insurers. Getting policies via The Zebra costs nothing, and there’s no penalty for trading insurers when a policy expires — or even mid-term, assuming you never let your insurance lapse.
The flexible nature of car insurance makes it relatively simple to find with almost no notice. If you're required to get a policy before you can drive a new car away, shopping for insurance for a long-term car rental, or seeking coverage for a vehicle you don't own but regularly drive, consider purchasing a standard policy and cutting the term short as needed.
Compare quotes to find the most affordable auto insurance in Pennsylvania.
Short-term auto insurance in Pennsylvania
See below average auto insurance prices in Pennsylvania, ordered by top car insurance companies and cities. If you’re paying substantially more than what you see below, consider shopping around.
TEMPORARY CAR INSURANCE RATES IN PENNSYLVANIA — BY INSURANCE COMPANY
| Insurance Company | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State Average — All Companies | $737 | $123 |
| Erie | $485 | $81 |
| USAA | $497 | $83 |
| General Casualty | $558 | $93 |
| Atlantic States Insurance | $586 | $98 |
| State Farm | $587 | $98 |
The cheapest option for single-month auto insurance in Pennsylvania is Erie, which can save you $2 per month, compared to the next cheapest option, USAA. In Pennsylvania, the average monthly cost of auto insurance is $123, or $737 over a six-month term.
Where you live has as great an effect on your auto insurance rates as your choice of insurance company. Auto insurance companies take into account the number of local insurance claims when assigning prices by ZIP. Check out insurance rates in the biggest cities in Pennsylvania and compare against what you’re paying.
TEMPORARY CAR INSURANCE RATES IN PENNSYLVANIA — BY CITY
| Location | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $1,324 | $221 |
| Pittsburgh | $743 | $124 |
| Allentown | $781 | $130 |
| Erie | $725 | $98 |
| Reading | $766 | $128 |
Because so many factors are involved in setting insurance rates, your quotes may not match those displayed above. If your current costs don’t align with the above, consider taking a moment to compare quotes. The short-term nature of a car insurance policy adds to the importance of remaining informed and ready to shop.
Find out more about temporary auto insurance or use The Zebra to compare policies for free online.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.