How do you get temporary car insurance for college students?

To get temporary car insurance for a college student, you can purchase a 6-month policy and then cancel your policy when you no longer need coverage. No legitimate car insurance companies offer policies shorter than six months, but college students can buy a policy and potentially get a partial refund if they cancel early.

If you’re a college student who does not own a vehicle but wants short-term coverage to be protected while using car sharing services or driving your friends’ cars, you can look into purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy. Non-owner policies are typically cheaper than regular policies and satisfy your state’s minimum coverage requirements. Or, if you do have a car, one alternative to traditional car insurance is purchasing pay-per-mile insurance. With a pay-per-mile policy, you will pay a base rate for coverage plus a small fee for every mile you drive.

How to Get Temporary Car Insurance as a College Student

1. Compare quotes to find an affordable policy. Car insurance for college students can be expensive because of their lack of driving experience, so the best companies for college students tend to be the ones that offer the most affordable rates. According to WalletHub’s analysis, the best car insurance for university students is from AAA, Geico, and Travelers.
2. Look for discounts. Most major insurance companies offer car insurance discounts specifically for students. For instance, most insurers offer a good-student discount for students who maintain a B average or better.
3. Purchase a short-term policy. Although no car insurance company offers “temporary” car insurance, you can purchase a 6-month policy. Most major insurers actually prefer 6-month policies in order to review and adjust your rates more often.
4. Cancel your policy when necessary. No matter who your insurer is, you can cancel your coverage at any time, and most insurers will refund you for the unused portion of your policy. However, some insurers charge a cancellation fee for canceling mid-policy.

Typically, the easiest way to cancel your policy is to call your insurer and speak to a customer service representative. They will walk you through the steps to cancel your policy and will inform you of any potential refund or cancellation fees.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to temporary car insurance and picks for the best car insurance companies for college students.