Temporary Car Insurance In Virginia 2024

Major car insurance companies in Virginia don’t offer policies for less than 6 months. However, Hugo Insurance is a legitimate short-term car insurance provider who offer coverage for as little as 3 days.

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Updated: 13 December 2024
Written by Cara Carlone
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Have you ever needed car insurance for a short time, such as a weekend getaway in a borrowed car or a short trip home from college? Year-long policies can be too much of a commitment and cost for these situations. This is where temporary auto insurance can be a lifesaver. Though not widely available from U.S. insurers, there are still options to explore, such as Hugo Insurance. Hugo offer policies for 3 days, a week, or a month.

With my extensive background in the insurance sector as a licensed insurance agent, I’ll detail why temporary coverage might be essential and offer tailored options for Virginia residents.

Can You Get Temporary Car Insurance In Virginia?

Temporary car insurance isn’t usually provided in states such as Virginia. However, Hugo Insurance is a trustworthy insurance provider who offer coverage for as little as 3 days.

What Is Temporary Car Insurance?

Insurance companies typically provide policies lasting from six to twelve months. Temporary car insurance, however, is intended for shorter periods—usually under six months. Since it’s not widely offered in the United States, drivers looking for short-term coverage should consider alternatives, like opting for a standard six-month policy and canceling it early.

Tip: For legitimate temporary car insurance, check out Hugo. They provide flexible coverage options for 3, 7, or 30 days, making them a dependable choice for short-term insurance needs.

 

 

Alternatives To Temporary Car Insurance

Several temporary car insurance solutions are available, catering to various situations prompting the need.

Rental Car Insurance In Virginia

Many drivers consider temporary car insurance, especially when renting a car. However, you can buy insurance directly from the rental company, thus bypassing the need for your own policy. It’s smart to obtain coverage from the rental company because most personal auto policies don’t cover the loss of use of the rental car, which can be expensive.

Non-Owner Car Insurance In Virginia

Non-owner car insurance in Virginia is for individuals who drive but don’t own a vehicle, providing coverage when you’re driving your own car or another’s.

Virginia Pay-Per-Mile Insurance

For drivers who aren’t on the road frequently, pay-per-mile car insurance might offer more advantages than temporary coverage. Unlike traditional insurers who charge a flat fee regardless of mileage, pay-per-mile policies calculate your costs based on how much you drive. This approach could lead to savings in the long term while still ensuring sufficient insurance coverage.

Rideshare Car Insurance

Uber drivers are abundant in Virginia, highlighting the necessity of rideshare insurance. Standard auto insurance policies do not cover accidents that happen while drivers are actively working for transportation network companies. Hence, it’s crucial for Uber and Lyft drivers to obtain specialized insurance to ensure protection for themselves and their passengers. While some major insurers may offer partial coverage, it’s recommended to opt for insurance directly from the rideshare company.

Buying A Six-Month Virginia Insurance Policy And Canceling It Early

Most auto insurance companies offer coverage for either six or twelve months, with shorter durations being less common. Nevertheless, there’s generally no prohibition against purchasing a six-month policy and cancelling it early.

Who Needs Temporary Car Insurance?

Temporary car insurance is a practical option for various scenarios, including:

  • Storing a vehicle: Maintains basic protection for a car kept in storage.
  • Test-driving a car: Offers temporary protection while evaluating a potential purchase.
  • Borrowing a vehicle: Useful when driving someone else’s car for a short time.
  • Traveling to a new area: Provides short-term coverage when renting or borrowing a car while visiting.
  • College students: Great for students who only need a car during summer or holiday breaks.
  • Staying with family: Convenient for temporary use of a relative’s car during a visit.
  • Car rentals: Supplements insufficient coverage offered by rental agreements.
  • Moving to a new location: Ensures your vehicle is covered during the relocation process.
  • Buying and reselling a car: Ideal for coverage while flipping a vehicle you plan to sell quickly.

Note: Don’t overlook non-owner car insurance—it provides continuous coverage during car changes, which could mean lower premiums later on.

Is Hourly, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly Car Insurance Available?

Most major auto insurance providers do not offer policies shorter than six months. While some companies may advertise daily or weekly car insurance, these options are often unreliable and potentially misleading.

However, there are practical alternatives. Pay-per-mile or pay-as-you-go insurance provides a flexible solution by allowing drivers to pay based on the miles they drive. This approach is a cost-effective and dependable option for those who need short-term or occasional coverage without committing to a traditional long-term policy.

Altering Virginia Car Insurance Temporarily Depending On Your Needs

If you need temporary car insurance, adjusting your current policy to fit your needs or purchasing a six-month policy with specific coverage if you’re currently uninsured are both options to consider. Here are some scenarios where these choices could be beneficial.

You’re An Infrequent Driver

If you hardly ever drive, you might not think it’s necessary to have your own insurance policy, depending on how often you use a car. Nevertheless, insurance providers typically expect most licensed household members to be covered under car policies, even if their driving is infrequent. Many policies also include a clause for permissive use, allowing occasional driving with the owner’s approval.

If you frequently drive cars owned by others, consider purchasing a non-owner policy to ensure you’re covered, regardless of the vehicle.

Your Car Is In Storage

Storage insurance becomes beneficial when your car remains unused for parts of the year or extended periods. This type of insurance allows you to temporarily suspend liability coverage on your vehicle, shielding it from risks such as fire, theft, or vandalism while it’s not in use.

Most regular auto insurance providers offer storage insurance as part of their standard policies, simplifying the process without additional arrangements. Contact your insurer to halt coverage during storage and reinstate it when you plan to drive again.

To Allow Someone Else Drive Your Car

Sometimes, you may find yourself in a scenario where someone else needs to use your car. Depending on their frequency of use, you may need to formally include them in your insurance policy as a driver. If they use it sparingly, they are generally covered by the permissive use clause. Many insurance companies provide coverage to authorized drivers under this clause, which proves useful during emergencies or when you lend your vehicle.

Make sure to inform your insurer about household members or regular car users, as they may need to be listed on your policy regardless of their driving frequency.

To Add Your Child To Your Policy

When your child obtains their driver’s license, you might be reluctant to add them to your auto insurance due to the expenses. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to include them, even if they won’t drive regularly. Insurance providers typically mandate that you disclose all licensed drivers in your household. Failing to do so could lead to complications when filing claims or even result in policy cancellation. If they genuinely won’t be driving, you could potentially exclude them from your coverage.

College Student Away At School

Approximately 56% of college students have cars while they are at school, making car insurance management relatively straightforward. They can either stick to their parents’ policy or get their own. But what about those who don’t own a car? It might seem that they don’t need insurance, but that’s not entirely correct.

Each year, around 1,519 college students suffer from alcohol-related injuries, including those from car accidents. If your child needs to prevent a friend from driving drunk, insurance concerns shouldn’t be an issue.

Although insurance generally follows the car, accidents can exceed policy limits, which might lead to financial liability for the driver. In Virginia, the minimum liability requirements are $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for injuries, and $20,000 for property damage. Even small accidents can exceed these amounts. Keeping your child on your existing policy or getting a non-owner policy can help manage these risks.

You’re An International Driver

When driving overseas, international travelers have insurance choices depending on their duration of stay. Short-term visitors renting cars can acquire insurance from the rental company. For longer stays, it’s recommended to purchase a regular auto insurance policy or a non-owner policy. Note that certain insurers may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a US driver’s license. Conduct thorough research prior to your trip to ensure you possess the necessary driving documents.

Important reminder: Cancelling your insurance early could result in a cancellation fee from certain insurers. In Virginia, insurers must disclose these fees in advance, but it’s a good idea to ask about them before signing up for a policy.

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Virginia – By Insurance Company

Company Average Annual Premium Average Monthly Premium
Utica National $1,006 $84
Virginia Farm Bureau $1,102 $92
Progressive $1,126 $94
Penn National $886 $74
Erie $982 $82

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Virginia – By Policy Length

Virginia’s Department of Insurance states that MetLife leads in auto insurance. Our findings indicate it’s also the priciest for short-term vehicle insurance, while Progressive offers a more economical choice at $44 per month.

Company One Month Premium Three Month Premium Six Month Premium
State Farm
$64
$188 $374
Travelers
$74
$214 $428
Progressive
$44 $128 $254
Allstate
$78
$229 $456
MetLife
$100 $298 $595

Short-Term Auto Insurance Rates In Virginia – By City

Car accidents are a common occurrence in Virginia on an annual basis. Norfolk, with its expensive auto insurance rates, tends to experience more accidents. In contrast, Virginia Beach has a lower accident rate compared to the state average, leading to lower insurance premiums according to our investigation.

City Average Six-Month Policy Premium Average Monthly Premium
Chesapeake $534 $89
Arlington $538 $90
Richmond $538 $90
Virginia Beach $534 $89
Norfolk $570 $95

Advice: If your insurance doesn’t include storage, consider switching to the basic state-required coverage to save money, especially if you have a policy for only one car.

Cheapest Short-Term Car Insurance Companies In Virginia 2024


Cheapest For Good Drivers

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Satisfaction
7/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

According to my research, Wawanesa Insurance provides the most affordable short-term car insurance for experienced drivers with clean records. Their rates are lower than the average cost in Virginia, which stands at approximately $941 for six months. Wawanesa is ideal for those seeking temporary coverage, offering excellent value. They specialize in the Virginia market and understand its unique risks. With nearly 50 years of operation in the US, they have strong financial stability.

However, Wawanesa may lack certain features despite its affordability in short-term insurance. For instance, it doesn’t offer pay-per-mile or telematics options for Virginia customers, and its customer service ratings are lower compared to some competitors. Prospective customers should weigh the low price against these potential drawbacks.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Solely available in Virginia
  • Many great deals available.
  • Affordable prices
Drawbacks
  • Unfortunately, there's no choice to pay based on the distance traveled.
  • Our financial stability rating is not as strong as our competitors'.

Cheapest For Young Drivers

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Satisfaction
6/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

For young drivers seeking short-term insurance, Progressive is a solid option. Their competitive rates and discounts, including the occasional operator discount, make them appealing to inexperienced drivers. The Progressive app is easy to use, making it simple to access policy documents, make payments, and file claims. While their claim satisfaction score isn’t as high as some competitors, Progressive’s nearly ninety years in the industry and strong financial stability ensure they can manage your claims.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Affordable rate
  • Fast and convenient access to policies
  • Can be purchased online directly from the company or through an agent
Drawbacks
  • In some states, only new customers can participate in the telematics program using a mobile app

Cheapest For Drivers With An Accident

Overall Rating
4.5

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Satisfaction
9/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

After a car accident, your insurance rates are likely to increase, but the amount depends on your provider. In Virginia, the average cost after a single accident is about $1,455 for six months of coverage. According to my research, USAA is a top choice for drivers with one accident on their record, offering competitive rates and great customer service. These drivers typically pay around $1,043 for a six-month term with USAA, which is below the national average. However, USAA is only available to military members and their families. Those who qualify often stay with USAA due to its exceptional reputation and service.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Tailored to meet the needs of members of the U.S. armed forces
  • Excellent customer service and claims handling
  • Offers banking products
Drawbacks
  • Exclusively serves military members and their families
  • No local agents

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Drivers With An Accident

Company Six-Month Premium for Full Coverage
Allstate $1,771
Travelers $1,658
State Farm $1,560
Geico $1,103
USAA $1,043

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Young Drivers

Company Six-Month Premium for Full Coverage
Wawanesa $955
Mercury $933
Geico $900
National General $741
Progressive $654

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Good Drivers

Company Six-Month Premium for Full Coverage
Allstate $1,020
State Farm $1,136
Travelers $1,108
Nationwide $1,465
Farmers $1,168
Wawanesa $685

FAQs

Is temporary car insurance real?

Temporary car insurance is available in other countries, but it hasn’t been introduced in the United States yet. If you need coverage for a short period, you’ll need to find other solutions, such as acquiring a standard policy and ending it prematurely.

What is a temporary insurance policy?

Coverage that lasts for fewer than six months is temporary insurance.

Can you use temporary car insurance permanently?

Need car insurance for a short while? Temporary coverage, under six months, is available. For longer coverage, a standard policy from six to twelve months is the norm.

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