If you're seeking flexibility, you could be considering a short-term car insurance policy. However, temporary auto insurance is rare for a few reasons.
Most major insurance companies don't tend to offer policies shorter than six months. Because car insurance is compulsory in most places in the US, it can be risky to hop between policies. Additionally, you risk creating gaps in your car insurance history if you swap policies often, leading to more expensive rates in the future.
There's some good news: auto insurance contracts typically last for just six months. This quick turnaround allows insurance companies to “re-rate” — or re-price — your policy with your recent driving history and demographics.
The end of a policy period also provides the perfect opportunity for you to evaluate your insurance and considering other auto insurers. Finding quotes via The Zebra costs nothing, and there isn't necessarily a penalty for trading insurance companies at the completion of your policy period — or even mid-term, as long as your insurance doesn't lapse.
The short-term nature of auto insurance makes it relatively simple to find with almost no notice. If you need an insurance policy to take a new vehicle away, attempting to get insurance for a relatively long-term auto rental or seeking coverage on a vehicle you don't own but drive more than occasionally, consider purchasing a half-year policy and removing coverage as needed.
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Temporary car insurance in Texas
See below average auto insurance rates in Texas, organized by major insurers and major cities. If your premiums exceed the rates listed below, think about shopping around.
SHORT-TERM CAR INSURANCE RATES IN TEXAS — BY INSURER
| Insurance Company | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Average — All Companies | $708 | $118 |
| USAA | $731 | $122 |
| Esurance | $739 | $123 |
| State Farm | $787 | $131 |
| GEICO | $793 | $132 |
| Texas Farm Bureau | $840 | $140 |
The cheapest option for single-month auto insurance in Texas is USAA, through which you can save $1 per month, compared to the second-cheapest company, Esurance. In Texas, the average monthly cost of car insurance is $118, or $708 over a biannual period.
Where you reside has just as large an impact on your car insurance rates as your choice of insurance company. Auto insurers take into account the density and likelihood of a claim being filed when assigning prices by ZIP. View insurance rates in Texas's most populous cities and compare them to the amount you pay.
TEMPORARY AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN TEXAS — BY CITY
| Location | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $835 | $139 |
| San Antonio | $751 | $125 |
| Dallas | $840 | $140 |
| Austin | $712 | $132 |
| Fort Worth | $723 | $121 |
Because of the myriad factors involved in setting insurance rates, your quotes may not match the totals displayed above. If your current rates don’t align with those listed above, take some time to weigh your options. The short-term nature of a car insurance policy enhances 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.