Temporary Car Insurance in Texas: Options, Costs, and Alternatives in 2025
Hugo, Mile Auto, and Allstate are our top picks for flexible car insurance in Texas.
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Written byDanny Smith
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Danny Smith is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent who has written for Compare.com since 2024. A former insurance editor, he specializes in auto, home, and pet insurance. He works to translate his insurance expertise into digestible, easy-to-understand content for drivers, homeowners, and pet owners alike.
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Edited byMatthew Gross
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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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In This Article
Unfortunately, true temporary car insurance doesn’t exist, neither in Texas nor the rest of the country. Most insurance companies offer standard policies in only six- or 12-month increments, and anything shorter than that opens them up to additional risk.
That said, you can still find ways to get short-term coverage, including canceling a six-month policy early, using innovative insurers like Hugo, or buying usage-based insurance.
Here’s what you need to know about temporary car insurance in Texas, popular alternatives for short-term coverage, and a few of the best insurance companies in the Lone Star State.
Key Takeaways
No car insurance company sells true temporary car insurance. Beware of companies that advertise this.
Hugo is an excellent alternative that offers six-month policies with flexible payment options.
Non-owner car insurance is an option if you regularly borrow a car from a friend or family member.
Compare Temporary Car Insurance Options in Texas
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $0/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $107/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $91/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $138/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $133/mo* |
Overall Rating 4.4 | Overall Rating 3.5 | Overall Rating 0.0 | Overall Rating 3.1 | Overall Rating 3.8 |
Value 3.6/5 | Value 3.7/5 | Value 0.0/5 | Value 3.0/5 | Value 4.4/5 |
Customer Service 2.7/5 | Customer Service 4.1/5 | Customer Service 0.0/5 | Customer Service 3.1/5 | Customer Service 2.4/5 |
Claims Handling 3.7/5 | Claims Handling 3.5/5 | Claims Handling 0.0/5 | Claims Handling 3.0/5 | Claims Handling 3.1/5 |
Special Highlight True short-term coverageAI-generated from 1 user reviews | Special Highlight Best usage-based insuranceAI-generated from 165 user reviews | Special Highlight Best pay-per-mileAI-generated from 0 user reviews | Special Highlight Multiple usage-based programsAI-generated from 7 user reviews | Special Highlight Low base ratesAI-generated from 1 user reviews |
We sourced the data in this table from Compare.com users who indicated they're existing customers of the insurers you see here.
Can You Get Temporary Car Insurance in Texas?
If you’re borrowing a car, doing a test-drive, or even if you’re short on cash, you might need temporary car insurance coverage to meet your state’s minimum-coverage limits. But unfortunately, major insurance companies don’t actually offer true temporary insurance. Instead, traditional car insurance policies come in common six- or 12-month terms.
Like nearly every state, Texas requires all drivers to have car insurance, so if you’re borrowing a car or even just driving it once, you’ll need to have some sort of auto coverage.[1] But even if you don’t want to sign up for six months of insurance, you still have options for securing short-term coverage.
We’ll cover all the best options in the sections below.
Watch out for scams
Be wary of any companies advertising temporary car insurance. Some insurers may claim to offer daily or weekly coverage, but this is typically a scam. Companies looking to take advantage of you will often offer dramatically cheap rates and make it easy for you to get a policy.
In general, follow the old rule of thumb: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Cheapest Options for Short-Term Car Insurance in Texas
Car insurance rates can vary widely from one insurer to the next since each company weighs various factors differently. For example, if you have a couple of speeding tickets on your driving record, you may find that one insurer is more forgiving than another when it comes to how much those infractions drive up your premiums. The key to getting the best rate for you is to compare several companies head-to-head.
With that in mind, the table below highlights the average liability rates in Texas for several insurers offering forms of short-term car insurance coverage, according to our data.
Company  | Type of Coverage | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | Usage-based | $83 |
| Hugo | Flexible payment plans | $287 |
| Mile Auto | Pay-per-mile | $83 |
| Nationwide | Usage-based | $132 |
| Noblr (by USAA) | Pay-per-mile | $105 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
The Best Texas Insurers for Short-Term Coverage
No single insurance company is the best option for every Texas driver. Everyone has unique driving histories and budgets, so the right insurer will vary from person to person.
Still, we chose the following insurers as some of Texas’ best for temporary coverage, based on factors like coverage flexibility, payment options, customer reviews, average premiums, and more.
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | NR |
4.4
Best choiceBased on 7 verified guest reviews and ratings
Reviews (1)
Alesa
Verified Review
Easy Breezy!
Reviewed in Indiana on May 2025
Hugo was a great way to stay legal; however, my rate wouldn't go down. Other companies were willing to lower my rate to where I only paid $25 down and $50 a month. That's why I switched to save money. Hugo is fast and easy to get insurance quickly, which I needed when I purchased a used car. Then I had time to explore other rates and found they were cheaper! I'd recommend Hugo to stay legal until you have time to find a cheaper monthly rate. Thanks!
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
-1AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NRWhy we picked this company
Hugo is the best car insurance company for drivers looking for flexibility in their short-term coverage. This relatively new insurer allows you to turn coverage on and off as you please, making it extremely convenient for drivers who want complete control of their insurance.
It also has low down payments — sometimes as little as $0 down, according to its website — and Hugo charges any fees spread over time to make it easier to budget.
Pros
Offers coverage for as little as three days
Low down payments
Very high Trustpilot rating
Cons
No current AM Best financial strength rating
Available in only 14 states
No full-coverage plans
| AM Best AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | NR |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.4 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $74/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $149/mo |
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
2.18AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NRWhy we picked this company
Mile Auto is one of the best options for Texas drivers looking for pay-per-mile insurance. With Mile Auto, you pay only for the miles you drive, plus a base rate based on your driving history, location, age, and other factors. If you don’t drive often, a policy from Mile Auto can save you some serious cash.
And you don’t need to install a device or download an app to track your mileage, either. Just take a picture of your odometer each month and send it to Mile Auto.
Pros
Offers roadside assistance
No required telematics device
Decent ratings on Trustpilot
Cons
Not many discounts available
Available in only seven states
No AM Best financial strength rating
| User Reviews | 3.5 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $83/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $141/mo |
3.5
A solid optionBased on 373 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Allstate
Customers appreciate the insurer's efficient service and knowledgeable agents but find the consistently rising rates and lack of communication to be major drawbacks.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
How drivers feel about Allstate
Customers appreciate the insurer's efficient service and knowledgeable agents but find the consistently rising rates and lack of communication to be major drawbacks.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Reviews (165)
Wendy
Verified Review
Good Customer Service
Reviewed in California on November 2025
They are a good, reliable company, but the price is too high.
John
Verified Review
Nice
Reviewed in Alabama on November 2025
Easy best price.
Herb
Verified Review
Allstate Rip-off
Reviewed in Florida on November 2025
They lowered my coverage and raised my rate without informing me.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
646NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.02AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-Why we picked this company
One of the largest car insurance companies in the country, Allstate offers a wide array of coverages and discounts to all types of drivers. It also has multiple ways to save through its usage-based programs, Milewise and Drivewise. Milewise is Allstate’s pay-per-mile car insurance program that charges drivers a daily base rate plus a per-mile rate. It’s a great option for drivers with short commutes and retirees.
Drivewise, on the other hand, is Allstate’s telematics car program that uses an app to track your driving behaviors and adjust your premiums accordingly. You can get a 10% discount just for signing up for Drivewise. And if you’re a safe driver, your behind-the-wheel behavior can earn you lower rates. That said, if you drive recklessly or get into an accident, your rates could go up.
Pros
Many discounts available
Available in all 50 states
AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)
Cons
Low Trustpilot rating
Above-average number of customer complaints
Potentially frustrating claims process
Find the Best Insurer for You
Rates in Texas start as low as $59 per month.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
How to Get Temporary Car Insurance Coverage in Texas
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Fortunately, you have several options for securing short-term coverage in Texas. One of the most common ways drivers secure temporary car insurance is with a pay-as-you-go policy, which charges you for only the mileage you’ve driven.
This option offers a lot of flexibility in terms of policy duration but typically only basic liability coverage. If you need full coverage — which also includes collision and comprehensive insurance — you’ll likely have to go with a major insurer.
Some other good options for temporary car insurance include non-owner insurance and pay-per-mile policies. But these are just a few alternatives. We’ll dive into all the possibilities below.
Find the Right Coverage for Your Needs
Compare personalized quotes from America’s top insurance companies.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Cancel a six-month policy early
One option for short-term car insurance in Texas is to simply buy a six-month policy and cancel it early. For example, if you need insurance for only three months, you can enjoy the benefits of standard car insurance, and then cancel it halfway through.
If you decide to go this route, it’s important to find a company that doesn’t charge cancellation fees. Most insurers don’t, but some high-risk companies — like Mercury and The General — may charge a fee for canceling your policy early.
Consider flexible coverage from companies like Hugo
Hugo is a new-age auto insurance company that specializes in flexible car insurance. It offers pay-as-you-go policies for relatively affordable rates. The insurer offers policy periods as short as three days, allowing you to turn coverage off and on as needed.
But Hugo only offers liability coverage as of this writing, so it may not be a great option if you drive a newer vehicle — especially if your lender requires full coverage.
Have someone else add you to their policy
One way to secure temporary coverage is to have a family member or friend add you to their policy for a short period. For example, if you’re visiting a family member and want to drive their car, they can typically add you to their policy for a set period of time. But keep in mind that every insurer and policy is different, so check with your company or insurance agent.
Usage-based insurance
Usage-based car insurance is a relatively broad term for two newer types of insurance: telematics programs and pay-per-mile policies.[2]
Telematics insurance tracks your driving behavior either through a device or app and adjusts your rate based on how you drive.
Mileage-based coverage — also known as pay-per-mile insurance — charges you a base rate plus a per-mile rate for the number of miles you drive each month. These options are great for safe drivers and people who don’t drive often.
Non-owner insurance
Non-owner car insurance, as the name suggests, is a good option for people who regularly drive a vehicle they don’t own. But like most forms of temporary or short-term coverage, non-owner insurance typically provides only liability coverage.3
Rental car insurance
If you’re renting a car, you’ll likely need some form of rental car insurance. While you technically don’t need to have rental car insurance, it’s a good idea to get it if you don’t have a personal auto insurance policy. But if you do, it’ll likely overlap with most of what the rental coverage would provide.[3]
Stored vehicle insurance
If you’re putting your car into storage, you might want to invest in stored vehicle coverage. This isn’t an actual type of policy but rather a reference to having only comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive insurance protects against non-collision events, such as severe weather, theft, or vandalism. And if you want to keep your registration current and active, you’ll need to maintain your state’s minimum liability coverage limits, too.
Rideshare insurance
As the name suggests, rideshare insurance is meant for rideshare drivers, such as people who drive for Uber and Lyft. Your personal coverage won’t protect you once you pick up a passenger, so you’ll need to purchase additional rideshare coverage.
Uber and Lyft both provide their own car insurance, but in some cases, you may want to purchase additional coverage to ensure you have enough protection if you cause an accident.
FAQs About Temporary Car Insurance in Texas
If you’re looking for short-term coverage, take a look at these answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about temporary car insurance in Texas.
Can you buy temporary car insurance in Texas?
Yes. You can buy temporary car insurance in Texas, but not in the form of a standard car insurance policy. You can secure temporary coverage in a number of ways, including by canceling a traditional policy early, buying pay-per-mile or pay-as-you-go insurance, or having someone add you to their policy.
Is temporary car insurance legit?
No. True temporary car insurance isn’t legit. Major insurers don’t offer standard car insurance policies for less than six months. But you have alternatives to temporary car insurance, such as non-owner, usage-based, and pay-per-mile coverage.
Can you drive a car without insurance in Texas if you just bought it?
No. You can’t drive a car without insurance in Texas — even if you just bought it. Texas law requires all drivers to have minimum liability car insurance limits when behind the wheel, even when driving it off the lot.
Texas requires all drivers to have $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, as well as $25,000 per accident in property damage liability insurance.
Can you get car insurance for only one month in Texas?
No. While you can’t get standard car insurance for only one month in Texas, you can get certain types of coverage for shorter periods of time. For example, you can buy pay-per-mile, non-owner insurance, or pay-as-you-go insurance for shorter terms than a traditional policy.
How much does temporary car insurance cost in Texas?
It depends. You can’t buy temporary car insurance in Texas. That said, you have other short-term options, including canceling your policy early. Minimum coverage in Texas starts at $59 per month, but keep in mind that many insurers charge a fee if you cancel your policy before the end of the term.
Where can you find temporary car insurance in Texas?
You have many options when it comes to temporary car insurance in Texas. You could buy a policy and cancel it early or have someone add you to their policy. You can also consider alternatives to traditional car insurance, like usage-based insurance or non-owner insurance.
Can you get temporary insurance on an already insured car?
No. If a car already has insurance, it typically covers you if something happens while you’re driving it. Most insurers don’t offer policies shorter than six months.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance. "Auto insurance guide."
- Texas Department of Insurance. "How you drive could save you money on car insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Rental car insurance."
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Danny SmithInsurance Writer
Danny Smith is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent who has written for Compare.com since 2024. A former insurance editor, he specializes in auto, home, and pet insurance. He works to translate his insurance expertise into digestible, easy-to-understand content for drivers, homeowners, and pet owners alike.
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.