Temporary Car Insurance in Canada Explained

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Article Contents
By Aren Mirzaian
Updated on May 29, 2026

3 minute read

Article Contents

How Temporary Car Insurance Works In Canada

There are not many true short-term car insurance options in Canada. Most auto insurance policies last for six or twelve months. This can be a problem for drivers who only need coverage for a short time. Some provinces do offer temporary vehicle permits or short-term registration, but these are not the same as full temporary insurance.

Can you actually get temporary car insurance in Canada

What Is Temporary Auto Insurance?

People often use the term “temporary car insurance” to describe a range of things. It might refer to a temporary vehicle permit, insurance for a rental car, a short-term registration certificate, a policy change for someone who only drives occasionally, or a regular auto policy that is just used for a shorter time. However, it is rare to find private auto insurance policies that last only one day or one month in most provinces.

Why Might You Need Temporary Car Coverage?

There is a variety of reasons why you may need temporary insurance. The most common reason is that you are the owner of a car that you only drive during certain parts of a year. This may be a car used for road trips, moving furniture, hauling a trailer, or a classic car that you rarely drive. This allows you to save money on insuring these cars while allowing them to be covered during the time they are in use.

It is common to get temporary insurance for people who do not drive the car that often. This may be a student who is home from school and needs to drive the car, house guests or house sitters that need a way to get around, and for people who suddenly find a need to drive.

Temporary insurance can be used to maintain coverage between when you first buy a car and are waiting to decide on a permanent car insurance plan. This allows you to secure the best policy possible. Temporary insurance is useful if you are too busy to pick out the best permanent car insurance policy. Similarly, temporary insurance can be used to maintain coverage when switching policies.

Also, temporary insurance is useful when selling a car. It allows you to avoid having to pay insurance on a car that is already sold while still maintaining coverage during the sales process. This means that a driver doesn’t have to rush to sell a car that has had its permanent insurance plan canceled.

Can I Get Temporary Car Insurance In Ontario?

In Ontario, most drivers cannot get a simple one-day private auto insurance policy. If you need to drive a car for a short time, you might face issues with permits, insurance, or both.
 
A 10-day special permit in Ontario lets you drive a vehicle temporarily without full registration. However, you still need proof of insurance to get a temporary licence plate sticker, so the car must be insured before you drive it.
 
Ontario drivers are required to have at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, but you can choose a higher limit if you want. If the car will only be parked and not driven, it might be better to get storage or reduced coverage, or use Ontario endorsements like OPCF 16 and OPCF 17 instead of buying temporary insurance.

Can I Get Temporary Car Insurance In Alberta?

In Alberta, you can get an in-transit permit to move an unregistered vehicle or trailer between two places in Canada, as long as the trip starts or ends in Alberta. According to Alberta’s eServices page, these permits are valid for up to 7 days from the start date.
 
An in-transit permit does not replace auto insurance. In Alberta, you must have valid auto insurance with at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage. You also need proof of insurance to register a vehicle.
 
If you only need insurance for a short time, ask your insurer or broker about a standard policy, cancellation terms, temporary vehicle movement permits, or other options. Alberta’s AIRB guide warns that cancelling before the policy ends can lead to a short-rate cancellation fee.

Can I Get Temporary Car Insurance In Quebec?

Quebec uses a hybrid system. The public plan covers injuries from traffic accidents, while private insurers provide the required civil liability coverage for property damage. Vehicle owners must have at least $50,000 in civil liability coverage.
 
The SAAQ also offers temporary registration certificates called “transits” for certain situations. For example, a dealer can give a 10-day certificate for a vehicle they have sold.

How to Get Covered for Short-Term Driving in Canada

  1. Decide what you actually need. Are you buying a car, borrowing a car, renting a car, moving a car, or storing a car?
  2. Check whether the vehicle is registered. If not, you may need a temporary permit or in-transit permit.
  3. Confirm insurance before driving. A permit does not automatically mean the vehicle is insured.
  4. Ask whether an existing policy can be used. You may be able to add a driver, transfer coverage, or extend coverage temporarily.
  5. Compare the cost of a standard policy vs. alternatives. Consider cancellation fees, deductibles, and coverage gaps.
  6. Do not drive until coverage is active. Driving uninsured can create fines, license consequences, and serious financial risk.

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