Does Farmers Offer Temporary Car Insurance?
Last Updated on February 27, 2026
If you’re searching for temporary car insurance (like 1-day, 1-week, or month-to-month coverage), you’re not alone. “Short-term auto insurance” is a common request—but in the U.S., it’s rare for major carriers to sell true day-by-day policies.
Here’s what you need to know about Farmers, what “temporary” coverage usually means in practice, and the safest ways to stay legal and protected without overpaying.
- True “Temporary” Policies Are Uncommon: Most major insurers price auto coverage in longer terms, not day-by-day.
- Farmers Usually Means Standard Coverage: If you need Farmers for a short time, the practical route is often a standard policy you later cancel, based on your state’s rules and billing plan.
- Match The Solution to the Situation: Rental cars, borrowed cars, and drivers without a car often have better-fit options than “one-week insurance.”
- Watch for Fake Proof of Insurance: Regulators warn about scams selling bogus insurance cards—verify the agent and the insurer through your state.
- The Short Answer: Does Farmers Offer Temporary Car Insurance?
- Why True Short-Term Auto Policies Are Rare
- What Farmers Can Do Instead
- Short-Term Coverage Alternatives at a Glance
- How To Avoid Fake “Temporary Insurance” Offers
- How To Get Proof of Coverage Quickly With Farmers
- Bottom Line
- FAQs on Farmers Temporary Car Insurance
The Short Answer: Does Farmers Offer Temporary Car Insurance?
Farmers generally does not advertise true 1-day or 1-week “temporary” auto policies. Like most large insurers, Farmers typically writes standard personal auto policies that renew on longer cycles (often six months, and sometimes annual depending on product/state). If you only need coverage briefly, the workaround is usually to start a standard policy, then cancel it when you no longer need it—while following your state’s rules and your billing plan.
If you want to confirm what’s available where you live, your fastest route is to contact a Farmers agent or Farmers customer service and ask specifically about short-term needs (rental, non-owner, adding/removing drivers, or vehicle storage).
Quick tip: Be cautious with ads promising “instant temporary insurance cards.” State regulators regularly warn drivers about scams that sell fake proof of insurance.
Why True Short-Term Auto Policies Are Rare
Most insurers price and underwrite auto insurance in longer policy terms because risk is measured over time (driving history, garaging location, prior coverage, vehicle use, etc.). That’s why many “temporary insurance” solutions are really one of these options:
- A standard 6-month/annual policy that you cancel early
- A non-owner liability policy (for drivers who don’t own a car)
- Being listed as a driver on someone else’s policy for a short period
- Rental car coverage (your own policy, the rental company, or a credit card benefit)
- A usage-based or pay-per-mile style plan (availability varies by insurer/state)
All of those can be legitimate. The “best” one depends on what you’re trying to do (rent, borrow, test drive, buy a car, or keep coverage while between vehicles).
What Farmers Can Do Instead
Start A Standard Policy And Cancel When You’re Done
If Farmers is the carrier you want and you need coverage for a limited time, ask about starting a standard policy and canceling it once coverage is no longer required. Farmers explains the cancellation process through its customer FAQ (agent or customer service).
Important: Refund rules for any unused premium and required notice periods can be set by state law and your policy terms. For example, Texas provides guidance on cancellation and “unearned premium” refunds (your state may differ).
Adjust Coverage If You Won’t Be Driving Much
“Temporary” sometimes really means you’re storing a vehicle or driving far less for a few months. In that case, you might be able to change coverages (for example, reducing certain optional protections) rather than canceling everything. Farmers notes that named insureds can generally change coverage without waiting for renewal.
This approach may help avoid a coverage gap, which can matter when you reapply later (pricing and eligibility can be affected by lapses).
Use Rental Car Coverage When That’s The Real Need
If your “temporary insurance” need is really about a rental car, start by checking whether your personal auto policy extends to rentals. Farmers states that its auto policies cover most types of rental vehicles and generally provide the same types/amounts of coverage as your personal policy (subject to policy details and exclusions).
You can also compare:
- Rental company options (damage waivers and liability products)
- Credit card benefits (often limited and may require you to decline certain rental coverages)
- Your own policy (usually the first place to look)
Ask About Non-Owner Insurance If You Don’t Own A Car
If you don’t own a vehicle but need coverage to drive occasionally, a non-owner auto policy can be a cleaner short-term solution than trying to “insure a car for a week.” Consumer resources from the NAIC and state regulators explain that non-owner policies typically provide liability coverage for damage/injuries you cause while driving a borrowed vehicle, but they don’t cover damage to the car you’re driving.
Short-Term Coverage Alternatives at a Glance
Use this table to match your situation to an option that usually works in the real world.
| Situation | Option That Usually Fits Best | Why It Works | Watch Outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borrowing a friend’s car for a few days | Owner’s policy + confirm permissive use | Auto insurance often follows the vehicle first | Coverage varies; exclusions can apply; ask both insurers |
| Renting a car | Your personal auto policy (if it extends) or rental coverage | Many personal policies extend similar protections to rentals | Business use, international travel, and vehicle type can change coverage |
| Between cars (no vehicle owned) | Non-owner liability policy | Maintains continuous liability coverage without owning a car | Usually no physical damage coverage for the borrowed car |
| Buying a car soon, need to drive off the lot | Start a standard policy effective the purchase date | Meets legal requirements and lender needs (if financing) | Avoid gaps; confirm start time and proof-of-insurance requirements |
| Storing a car temporarily | Adjust coverages instead of canceling | Can reduce cost while keeping protection for theft/vandalism | Rules vary by state and lienholder; don’t drop required coverages if financed |
How To Avoid Fake “Temporary Insurance” Offers
Short-term insurance scams often look like bargain deals: quick payment, instant ID card, and minimal questions. Regulators warn that scammers may keep your money and hand you fake proof of insurance—leaving you uninsured if you’re stopped or crash.
To protect yourself:
- Buy coverage directly from a known insurer or licensed agent.
- Verify the company and agent through your state department of insurance.
- Be skeptical of offers that promise coverage for “a day” with no underwriting questions.
- If you receive documents immediately, confirm your policy exists in the insurer’s online account system (or by calling the insurer).
Quick tip: If you’re canceling a policy for short-term needs, don’t cancel until your replacement coverage is active—driving uninsured (even briefly) can trigger fines, license issues, and higher rates later.
How To Get Proof of Coverage Quickly With Farmers
If your goal is simply to show proof of insurance (for a lender, DMV, employer, or rental counter), ask about the fastest documentation options:
- Start the policy with the correct effective date (same day if needed).
- Request proof of insurance through your agent or Farmers service line.
- Download/print policy documents from your online account if available.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for true day-by-day coverage, Farmers usually won’t be the solution. But Farmers can still help in many short-term scenarios through a standard policy that you can later cancel, rental car coverage extensions, or other policy adjustments—depending on your state and situation.
Insurance rules vary by state, and coverage depends on policy language and underwriting eligibility. This article is for general educational purposes and isn’t legal advice.
