Everything You Need to Know About Driveaway Insurance

What Is Driveaway Insurance and Why Should You Even Care?

Let’s say you just bought a car from a dealership out of state. You’re pumped. The dealership hands over the keys, maybe even a smile, and now it’s your job to get the car home. But wait—how do you legally and safely drive that sweet new ride across state lines or even down the block if it’s not registered yet?

That’s where driveaway insurance swoops in like a roadside superhero.

Driveaway insurance, sometimes known as “drive away insurance from dealer”, is short-term vehicle insurance that covers you while you’re, well, driving it away—usually from a dealership or auction to your home or another destination. Think of it as temporary armor for your vehicle adventure. It fills the awkward insurance gap when ownership has changed hands, but registration and permanent coverage haven’t caught up yet.

It’s also a lifesaver for those involved in vehicle delivery or commercial transport—cue commercial drive away insurance—and for folks moving cars across state lines as a business. Florida, with its sun, retirees, and fleet of snowbirds, is a hot zone for this kind of coverage.

So yes, if you were thinking, “Do I really need driveaway insurance?” the answer is a big, blazing yes, especially if you’re not keen on hefty fines, liabilities, or—worse—being uninsured in an accident.

Why Florida Drivers Need Driveaway Insurance More Than Anyone

Florida is basically the Wild West of car ownership. High tourism, massive dealer sales, snowbirds bringing vehicles from the north, and even auction pickups are common here. It’s no wonder “driveaway insurance Florida” is one of the most searched terms.

Here’s why driveaway insurance is especially important in the Sunshine State:

• Interstate travel: A lot of cars are bought online or at out-of-state auctions, and Florida drivers often need to bring them home.

• Weather risks: Rainstorms, hurricanes, and crazy humidity—driving an uninsured car in Florida is like tightrope walking during a lightning storm.

• Busy markets: Car dealers in Florida sell like hotcakes. Sometimes your standard insurance can’t be bound fast enough before you need to hit the road.

And did we mention that Florida law requires all drivers to have valid insurance before operating a vehicle on public roads? Skip this step and you could face:

• License suspension

• Vehicle impoundment

• Financial liability for any accident

• Penalties of $150–$500 for first offenses

Bottom line? If you’re buying, selling, or transporting a vehicle in Florida, driveaway insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

What Does Driveaway Insurance Cover (and What It Doesn’t)

Driveaway insurance might sound simple, but there’s more to it than a 15-minute policy from a smiling lizard on your screen. Coverage varies, but generally includes:

✅ What’s Typically Covered:

• Collision and comprehensive coverage: Protects against accidents, theft, vandalism, weather, and rogue flamingos (okay, maybe not flamingos).

• Liability insurance: Covers damages to other people or property if you’re at fault.

• Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP): Because broken bones are expensive.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country—this is your “not my fault” protection.

❌ What’s Not Covered:

• Long-term ownership risks (you’ll need a regular policy)

• Unauthorized drivers

• Driving for rideshare or taxi services

• Mechanical breakdowns

It’s important to read the fine print. Some drive away insurance companies offer more robust plans with roadside assistance or towing coverage, but others just stick to the basics.

The Real Cost of Driveaway Insurance—Is It Worth It?

Ah, yes. Let’s talk dollars and sense. Or should we say “driveaway insurance cost”?

Like most insurance products, pricing varies based on:

• Duration of coverage (one day vs. one week)

• Type of vehicle (luxury cars will cost more)

• Distance traveled

• Driver’s age and driving history

• State requirements (like Florida’s minimum liability rules)

But to give you a ballpark figure:

Not bad when you think about it. For the price of a fancy dinner, you get peace of mind while driving someone else’s vehicle—or one that’s not yet fully yours.

If you’re searching for the cheapest driveaway insurance, your best bet is to:

• Compare quotes online

• Ask your dealership if they offer short-term policies

• Consider bundling with a long-term policy later

Commercial Drive Away Insurance: A Business Necessity

If you’re in the car delivery or transport business, listen up. Commercial drive away insurance isn’t just helpful—it’s your bread and butter.

Let’s say you’re a driver who moves vehicles from dealership to dealership. You never own the vehicles, but you’re responsible for them from Point A to B. This is where driveaway coverage flexes its commercial muscles.

Commercial policies typically include:

• Motor truck cargo coverage: If the cargo is the car itself, this is gold.

• Garage liability: Covers things that can go wrong while loading/unloading or at the dealership.

• Non-owned auto liability: Because the car isn’t yours.

• General liability: For everything else that might go sideways.

Pro tip: If you’re driving more than one vehicle a week, or if you’re transporting expensive models, it’s time to look at a commercial drive away insurance package.

Driveaway Insurance from the Dealer—Convenient, but Is It Enough?

Many car buyers are offered drive away insurance from dealer as a short-term perk. It’s usually tacked on for free or for a nominal cost. But is it truly enough?

Let’s dig in:

Pros:

• Easy and instant

• Tied directly to your new vehicle

• Often bundled into your purchase paperwork

Cons:

• Coverage is usually bare-bones

• Might only last 24–72 hours

• Limited to dealership liability, not your personal protection

Dealership coverage is a great Band-Aid, but don’t treat it like a full suit of armor. Always ask what’s included—and follow up with your own insurance plan ASAP.

The Internet Speaks: Driveaway Insurance on Reddit

Yes, Reddit has opinions on everything from stock picks to squirrel diets, and driveaway insurance Reddit is no exception. It’s a great place to find real-world advice, horror stories, and insider tips.

Some common threads:

• “Bought a car out of state, can I drive it home?”

• “Dealer gave me a temp tag, do I still need insurance?”

• “Best driveaway insurance companies for one-day coverage?”

Reddit users often suggest calling your existing insurer first—many providers offer grace periods for newly purchased vehicles. Others swear by third-party providers like Kemper, Geico short-term, or Progressive commercial plans.

Reddit wisdom: Don’t assume. Always verify what’s covered. And remember, those karma points won’t help you in court if you get in a wreck.

How to Choose the Best Driveaway Insurance Company

With so many options out there, how do you pick the best driveaway insurance?

Here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:

• ✅ Check Reviews: Google, Reddit, and TrustPilot are your friends.

• ✅ Compare Quotes: Use online tools or brokers for side-by-side comparisons.

• ✅ Know What’s Covered: Don’t assume every plan is full coverage.

• ✅ Speed Matters: Can you get proof of insurance instantly?

• ✅ Flexibility: Some companies offer hourly coverage, others by the day or week.

Top-rated drive away insurance companies in 2025 include:

• Kemper Specialty

• Progressive Commercial

• Travelers Auto Transport Division

• DriveSafe Insurance (Florida-based)

Avoid shady pop-up sites that promise instant coverage but disappear faster than a used car warranty.

Can You Get Driveaway Insurance Online? Heck Yes!

Welcome to the digital age. You can now grab driveaway insurance on your lunch break between a sandwich and an iced latte. Most reputable companies offer:

• Instant quotes

• Same-day coverage

• Digital proof of insurance

• Friendly customer service bots (and sometimes humans!)

Just be sure you have the following info ready:

• VIN of the vehicle

• Your driver’s license number

• Starting and ending location

• Proof of purchase or temporary registration

Bonus tip: If you’re using a mobile app, screenshot your coverage proof just in case cell service drops mid-road trip.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Drive Naked—Get Driveaway Insurance

Here’s the deal. Driveaway insurance isn’t just for nervous nellies or chronic over-preparers. It’s for anyone who wants to not get sued, fined, or stranded on I-95 without a clue.

Whether you’re in the sunny swamps of Florida or buying a car from a Montana mountain auction, driveaway insurance is the invisible shield you need.

To recap (without being boring):

• It’s essential for driving unregistered vehicles legally.

• Florida drivers should be especially cautious.

• Costs are affordable and flexible.

• Commercial and personal options are both available.

• Always read the fine print and compare policies.

So, the next time someone hands you the keys to a car that isn’t quite yours (yet), don’t panic—just get covered.

Drive safe. Drive smart. Drive insured.