Everything To Know About 7-Day Car Insurance in Michigan

If you need to drive a car in Michigan but don’t have auto insurance, 7-day policies allow you to get legal minimum coverage quickly and affordably. But how does 7-day insurance work, who offers it, and is it a good choice for your situation? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about 7-day car insurance in Michigan.

What is 7-Day Car Insurance?

7-day car insurance provides proof of the state minimum liability coverage for just one week. It is designed for specific short-term situations like:

• Borrowing a friend’s car for a week
• Driving a newly purchased used car for 7 days before adding to your policy
• Needing a week of insurance before your long-term policy starts
• Having a gap in coverage but needing to legally drive for the next week

The policies only last for 7 days and are not renewable After the policy ends, you need to purchase a new 7-day plan or a standard auto insurance policy

Is 7-Day Insurance Available in Michigan?

Yes, 7-day insurance plans that meet Michigan’s minimum liability requirements are sold by several insurance companies in the state.

Michigan mandates the following minimum auto insurance coverage:

• $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability
• $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP)

7-day policies feature these bare-minimum coverage amounts to provide legal driving ability for one week. However, experts strongly recommend buying more than just these minimums for proper protection.

Who Offers 7-Day Insurance in Michigan?

Many top insurance companies offer 7-day policies in Michigan including

• Geico
• Progressive
• AAA
• Allstate
• Liberty Mutual
• The General
• Direct Auto
• Elephant
• The Hanover

Rates vary by insurer based on your location, age, driving history and other factors. Getting quotes from multiple providers ensures you find the best price.

How Much Does 7-Day Car Insurance Cost in Michigan?

The cost for 7-day insurance in Michigan can range from around $30 to $150. However, most policies fall between $50 and $100.

Here are some things that affect your rate:

• Age – Young drivers under 25 pay higher rates

• Location – Urban areas like Detroit tend to have higher premiums

• Driving record – Speeding tickets, accidents or DUIs increase your rate

• Credit score – Better credit lowers rates; poor credit raises them

• Car use – Policies for business use or high annual mileage cost more

On average, 7-day insurance costs about 20% more than a traditional 6-month policy prorated for only one week. But it can provide affordable short-term coverage when you need it.

When Might 7-Day Insurance Make Sense in Michigan?

Here are some situations where 7-day car insurance could be useful in Michigan:

• You just bought a used car but your current policy doesn’t start for a week.

• You let your insurance lapse but need to legally drive your car for a week until new coverage begins.

• Your license was suspended for a few months and was just reinstated so you need to drive again.

• You borrowed someone’s car for a week while yours is in the shop.

• You’re between long-term policies but have no break in coverage.

• You share a car with someone else but only need to drive it for 7 days.

For all these situations, 7-day insurance provides cheap, short-term coverage so you can drive legally.

When Should You Avoid 7-Day Car Insurance?

While 7-day policies serve a purpose, they are not recommended for long-term use. Here are some cases when they may not be the best option:

• You need coverage for more than 7 days. The policies are not renewable so you would have gaps in coverage.

• You want more than just minimum liability limits. 7-day insurance only includes bare minimums.

• You have poor credit or an accident history. Premiums can be extremely high for high-risk drivers.

• You own an expensive car. Minimum property damage coverage won’t be enough.

• You drive frequently. Mileage is very limited with 7-day plans.

For most drivers, a standard 6-month or 1-year auto insurance policy makes more sense and provides better protection.

Can 7-Day Insurance Affect Your Long-Term Rates?

One downside of 7-day policies is they often don’t count towards keeping continuous insurance coverage. If you go uninsured after the 7-day policy ends, it can negatively impact your rates when getting a standard policy again.

However, using a 7-day plan to cover a brief gap between long-term policies should not affect your rates or be considered a coverage lapse. But frequent use of 7-day insurance can make you look high-risk.

How to Get 7-Day Insurance in Michigan

If you decide 7-day car insurance is your best option, here is how to get a policy in Michigan:

• Research different insurance companies and get quotes either online, by phone or through an agent. Compare rates carefully.

• Choose the 7-day policy with the coverage, limits and deductibles that fit your needs at the lowest available price.

• Provide basic personal and driver’s license information to the insurance company to enroll.

• Put down a deposit payment for the full 7-day premium. This can be done online or over the phone in most cases.

• Print out proof of insurance to carry in your car. You will need to provide this document if you are pulled over by police.

• Safely drive knowing you are insured for the next 7 days! Just make sure you have long-term coverage lined up when the policy expires.

While it is not suitable for everyone, 7-day insurance can provide an affordable way to legally drive your car in Michigan for one week when you are in a bind. But make sure you understand both the benefits and limitations before purchasing a 7-day policy.