If you drive occasionally or only hit the road on weekends, weekend-only car insurance could be an ideal solution for you. This short-term car insurance is designed for people who only want coverage for a few days.
In this blog, we’ll learn what weekend-only insurance is, how to get it, its advantages and disadvantages, and other options like pep-per-mile insurance and policies from car-share companies. If you want to make your insurance needs affordable and practical, this article is for you.
What Is Weekend-Only Car Insurance?
Weekend-only car insurance, also called short-term car insurance, is a special type of policy designed for people who only need coverage for a few days, such as on the weekend. This is different from traditional annual insurance, as it allows drivers to insure their vehicle only for the days of use.
This insurance is ideal for people who use public transportation during the week and only drive on the weekends, such as for road trips, family events or special occasions. With low premiums and customization options, weekend-only insurance offers affordable and convenient protection for a limited period of time.
Definition and Purpose of Short-Term Car Insurance
Weekend-only car insurance, also called short-term car insurance, is a special type of insurance for people who use their car for only a few days. This insurance policy is primarily designed keeping in mind those drivers who do not require long term coverage.
For example, if you use public transportation the rest of the week but plan a road trip on the weekend, this option may be economical and convenient for you.
What is its purpose?
- Providing Flexibility: Short-term insurance lets you take coverage only for the required days, allowing you to save premiums in the long run.
- Economical Solution: An ideal choice for drivers who only drive on special occasions.
- Limited Need: This policy is for drivers who have limited use of the car, such as during vacations, family trips, or weekend road trips.
How to Get Car Insurance for the Weekend Only
Getting weekend-only car insurance is very easy and convenient. First, evaluate your needs and decide when and for how long you need coverage.
Then look for insurance companies that offer short-term car insurance, like The Zebra or Consumer Coverage. Have documents, such as driving license and vehicle details ready.
Buy your policy through the online application process and activate the coverage immediately after payment. This insurance option provides an affordable and timely solution for weekend trips.
Pros and Cons of Weekend-Only Car Insurance
Pros
- Cost-Effective Solution – Pay only for days of use.
- Flexibility – Choose the coverage as per your need.
- Instant Coverage – Insurance activated immediately.
- Legal Compliance – Meets minimum legal requirements.
Cons
- Expensive in the Long Run – The cost can add up if you take out coverage repeatedly.
- Limited Coverage – may be limited to liability only.
- Low Flexibility – Not suitable for sudden requirements.
- Reliance on Driving Records – costly for those with bad records.
Alternative Options to Weekend-Only Car Insurance
Apart from weekend-only car insurance, there are many options available that can provide a better solution to your needs and budget. Pay-per-mile car insurance is an affordable option for drivers who drive limited distances. Companies like Metromile and Nationwide SmartMiles set insurance premiums based on the miles you drive.
Car-share companies like Zipcar and Turo, on the other hand, save on car ownership costs while also providing basic insurance coverage. Zipcar offers liability coverage, while Turo offers the option of up to $1 million in coverage.
Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance Companies
Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance is a great option for those who use their vehicle for limited distances. In this insurance model, your premium depends on how many miles you drive. For those who drive less daily, this may prove to be cost-effective compared to traditional insurance.
Major pay-per-mile insurance companies and their programs:
- Nationwide SmartMiles: A fixed rate and base premium for each mile.
- Allstate Milewise: Ideal for regular short-haul drivers.
- Metromile: Completely mile based insurance.
- Progressive SnapShot: Tracks driving habits via telematics.
- State Farm Drive Safe & Save: Better driving earns discounts.
- Liberty Mutual RightTrack: Offers discounts on safe driving.
Car-Share Companies and Their Insurance Policies
Car-share companies like Zipcar and Turo are a great option for people who want to save on car ownership costs but still want to drive from time to time. These companies not only provide the vehicle but also provide insurance coverage, so that the user does not need to take separate insurance.
Major car-share companies and their insurance options:
Zipcar:
- Provides primary liability insurance.
- For additional security you can purchase Damage Protection.
Tours:
- Liability coverage up to $1 million.
- Selection of insurance plan as per the need of the user.
How Car-Share and Zipcar Insurance Coverages Work
Services like car-share and Zipcar are an ideal option for people who don’t own a car but want to drive from time to time. These services also include insurance coverage with the use of the vehicle, so users do not need to take out separate insurance.
Car-share services typically offer basic liability coverage, while Zipcar gives its members more comprehensive insurance options. These services aim to make driving simple and affordable, especially for those driving for short periods of time.
Insurance Coverage for Car-Share
Car-share companies like Turo and Getaround provide users with basic insurance coverage along with driving. Typically this coverage focuses on liability insurance, providing legal and financial protection to users in the event of an accident or damage.
- Turo’s Coverage:
- Liability insurance up to $1 million.
- Different levels of protection plans that can be chosen as per the user’s needs.
- Getaround’s Coverage:
- Coverage for property damage and bodily injury.
- Plan as per driver profile and vehicle usage.
Insurance Coverage for Zipcar
Zipcar offers a comprehensive insurance coverage to its members, which makes it different from other car-share services. Zipcar’s Basic Plan caps a damage fee of up to $1,000, but members can reduce this by selecting various damage protection plans.
- Zipcar’s coverage:
- Coverage up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Coverage up to $300,000 for bodily injury (up to $100,000 per person).
- Users who follow the subscription agreement get coverage.
Conclusion
Weekend-only car insurance may be the right choice for you if you use the car for a limited amount of time and want to reduce your insurance costs.
In this article we discussed its definition, advantages and disadvantages, and the process to achieve it. Also gave information about alternative options like pay-per-mile insurance and car-share companies. It is always better to choose the right option based on your need and budget.