Weekend Auto Insurance: Is It Possible?

Can You Get Auto Insurance on the Weekend?

It can be frustrating to pay for full-time car insurance if you only drive your car on weekends. While weekend-only car insurance doesn't exist, there are still options for temporary coverage. Most insurance companies have a customer service phone line, and many have walk-in offices that are open on Saturdays. Some even offer 24/7 customer service and online policy options.

Temporary car insurance options

Temporary car insurance, also known as short-term car insurance, is not a specific type of policy, but there are several ways to get short-term coverage.

Buying a Policy and Cancelling Early

One option is to buy a standard policy and cancel it early. However, you may have to pay a cancellation fee, and your provider may apply penalty fees.

Rental Car Insurance

If you don't own a car, rental car insurance is a good option for temporary coverage. You can purchase it from a car rental agent or your insurance provider. Many credit card companies also offer rental car insurance if you pay for your rental through the card.

Non-Owner Car Insurance

Non-owner car insurance is ideal if you regularly borrow or rent a vehicle and want proof of insurance. It is also a good option if an insurance company won't cover the vehicle you're driving.

Pay-Per-Mile or Usage-Based Insurance

Pay-per-mile insurance is when insurers charge policyholders by the mile, in addition to a monthly fee. Usage-based insurance is similar, as how often you drive determines your rates.

On-Demand Insurance

On-demand insurance is when you can turn your coverage on and off as needed. This is a good option for people who don't drive often or work remotely. Hugo Insurance is a reputable company that offers on-demand insurance.

Adding a Driver to an Existing Policy

If someone else's policy covers the car you're driving, you can ask to be added as a named driver. However, this could be expensive, especially if you're a young driver, and it may affect their no-claims bonus if you have an accident.

Courtesy Car Cover

If your car is in the garage, your insurance provider or the garage may lend you a courtesy car for the day, in which case you may already be covered by your insurance policy.

Temporary Insurance

Temporary insurance is a fast, flexible option that covers you for driving someone else's car for anything from one hour to 28 days. It typically offers fully comprehensive cover and won't affect your no-claims bonus. However, it won't count towards a no-claims bonus, and you'll have to pay for your policy in full before driving off.

How to get auto insurance on the weekend

While most in-person insurance agencies are closed on weekends, you can still get auto insurance on a Saturday or Sunday. Here are some options for how to do so:

Check with your current auto insurer

If you already have an auto insurance policy, check with your provider to see if they offer coverage for newly purchased vehicles. Some insurance companies provide a grace period of up to 30 days, automatically extending your existing coverage to a newly acquired vehicle. In that case, you can call the company on the next business day and ask them to remove your old car and add the new one, backdating the coverage to the date of purchase.

Add it during the week before

If you know which car you'll be buying ahead of time, you can arrange coverage in advance. Contact your auto insurer with the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car you plan to purchase, and ask about arranging coverage ahead of time. That way, you can drive the vehicle on the weekend with your insurance coverage in place.

Purchase coverage online or over the phone

Many large insurance companies offer weekend customer service hours, toll-free hotlines, or online access that allows customers to purchase coverage on weekends. Some companies that offer these services include Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, Nationwide, and Liberty Mutual.

Buy insurance online or over the phone

Most major car insurance companies have a toll-free number available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and their online systems are often self-serve, meaning you can establish a new policy with just a few clicks.

Check your insurance policy before buying a new car

Before visiting a car dealership, check the terms of your current policy. Some policies automatically cover newly purchased vehicles for a certain number of days. Contact your insurance agent to see if your policy includes such a clause, and ask for documentation such as a temporary policy card that you can show the dealer. However, keep in mind that some dealers may still require verification of insurance before allowing you to drive the car off the lot, especially if they helped you secure financing.

Add car insurance before buying the car

If you know exactly which vehicle you're buying, you can add it to your insurance policy before signing the papers. Call your insurance agent and provide all the necessary details, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), purchase price, and other relevant information. Set the policy's effective date for the date you buy the car, and you're ready to go. Keep in mind that this option requires you to be certain about the vehicle you're purchasing before finalising the deal.

Companies that sell insurance on the weekend

Most car insurance companies are open on weekends, with many offering 24/7 customer service. However, their weekend availability depends on your area and needs. While some local offices may be closed or have limited weekend hours, you can usually reach sales agents by phone or online. Many larger insurance companies provide 24/7 phone assistance, and you can often purchase a policy and access policy documents and proof of insurance coverage online.

• Progressive: Progressive offers 24/7 customer service. You can apply online or call a customer service agent to get a quote or start coverage.
• GEICO: GEICO offers customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can receive a quote through their website or mobile app at any time.
• Allstate: Local Allstate agents may offer after-hours and weekend appointments. You can also receive an online quote at any time.
• Nationwide: Nationwide allows you to purchase car insurance online and print a proof of insurance card.
• Liberty Mutual: Liberty Mutual offers same-day car insurance quotes. They also have a mobile app where you can access ID cards and pay your bill.
• State Farm: State Farm has local agents in many areas who offer limited office hours on Saturdays. You can manage your policy, file a claim, or get a quote during these office hours.

Pros and cons of weekend-only car insurance

While weekend-only car insurance is not available, there are still options for those who need temporary car insurance coverage. Here are some pros and cons of weekend-only car insurance to help you understand your options:

Pros:

• Flexibility: Weekend-only car insurance would offer flexibility for those who only need coverage on a part-time basis. This could include those who only drive on weekends, or those who rent or borrow a car for a short period.
• Cost-effective: For those who only drive on weekends or occasionally, having the option of weekend-only insurance could be a more cost-effective solution than paying for a full-time policy.
• Convenience: For those who only need a car for a short period, such as a weekend trip or errand, weekend-only insurance could provide a convenient solution without the long-term commitment.

Cons:

• Limited availability: Weekend-only car insurance is not a standard policy offered by insurance providers. Most car insurance is sold as six or 12-month policies, and short-term policies are rarely available.
• Risk of scams: Advertisements for weekend-only car insurance often turn out to be scams or offer insufficient coverage. It is difficult to find legitimate weekend-only insurance options, and those that exist may not provide adequate protection.
• Gaps in coverage: With weekend-only insurance, your car would be uninsured during the weekdays, leaving it unprotected. This could result in higher rates when purchasing another policy, as there would be a gap in your insurance history.
• Violation of state laws: In most states, it is mandatory to maintain car insurance for as long as you own a vehicle. Weekend-only insurance could put you at risk of violating state insurance requirements and having your vehicle registration suspended.
• Liability concerns: Even if your car is parked, it could still be involved in an accident or cause damage or injuries. Without comprehensive coverage, you would be responsible for any damages or liabilities that occur during the weekdays when your insurance is inactive.

While weekend-only car insurance is not a viable option, there are alternative solutions for those seeking temporary coverage, such as rental car insurance, non-owner car insurance, or pay-per-mile coverage. These options can provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for those who need temporary or infrequent coverage.

How to add insurance if you buy a car over the weekend

If you're buying a car over the weekend, you'll need to arrange insurance for it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do that:

Check Your Current Insurance Policy:

Before visiting a dealership, review the terms of your current insurance policy. Some policies automatically cover newly purchased vehicles for a certain period (typically between one week and 30 days). Contact your insurance agent to confirm if your policy includes this clause and, if so, request documentation such as a temporary policy card. This will allow you to drive your new car off the lot, but be sure to call your agent on the next business day to finalise the necessary changes.

Add the Car to Your Policy Before Purchase:

If you know exactly which vehicle you're buying, you can add it to your insurance policy before signing the papers. Call your insurance agent with the vehicle's details, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), purchase price, and other relevant information. Set the policy's effective date to the date of purchase, so you're covered from the moment you drive off the lot.

Buy Insurance Online or Over the Phone:

Most major car insurance companies offer 24/7 customer service hotlines and online portals that allow you to purchase or modify insurance policies over the weekend. You can use these services to add a new vehicle to your existing policy or buy a new policy altogether. Keep in mind that you'll need certain documents, such as your driver's license, vehicle information, and payment details, to complete the process.

Understand the Legal Requirements:

In most states, it is legally required to have auto insurance coverage before driving your new car off the dealership lot. Only New Hampshire does not mandate auto insurance coverage. Driving without insurance can result in fines, license suspension, and other penalties. Additionally, dealerships may not allow you to drive away your new car without proof of insurance, especially if they have helped you secure financing.

Explore Short-Term Options:

If you only need insurance for the weekend or a few days, consider short-term options like temporary or on-demand insurance. Hugo Insurance offers short-term policies in 13 states, while companies like Progressive and GEICO provide 24/7 customer service for quote and coverage requests. Keep in mind that most reputable insurers don't offer policies shorter than six months, so be cautious of advertisements for very short-term policies as they may be scams.

Frequently asked questions