Temporary Car Insurance in Virginia: What You Need to Know (2025)

Some Virginia drivers may be looking for temporary car insurance, which provides coverage over shorter time periods. For instance, you might want insurance coverage for a weekend road trip or a weeklong business trip. Finding temporary auto insurance isn’t always simple, but luckily, drivers have options.

Standard car insurance policy terms usually last six months to one year. Drivers pay an overall average of $146 per month for standard car insurance policies in Virginia, which is cheaper than the national overall average of $144 per month.

Here’s what you should know about comparing quotes and finding affordable temporary car insurance in Virginia.

Is temporary car insurance available in Virginia?

Most reputable car insurance companies don’t allow drivers to purchase policies for shorter than a six-month term. Insurers may worry that shorter terms increase the likelihood of a driver having a lapse in coverage. Additionally, renewing or finding new insurance every few months might be inconvenient for most drivers, which is why many insurers don’t offer it.

The only reputable company that currently offers temporary insurance is Hugo, a relatively new entrant to the field. Since 2021, Hugo has allowed policyholders to purchase insurance for as little as three days. Hugo customers can also pause their policies without a fee. Hugo is currently available in only 13 states, including Virginia. But Hugo isn’t for everyone. You won’t be able to use it if you’ve financed or leased your car and have to carry continuous full coverage.

But you have other options if you’re looking for temporary insurance in Virginia. Depending on your situation, you can purchase non-owner insurance, cancel a policy early, or purchase rental car insurance if you’re looking for short-term coverage.

Getting non-owner car insurance in Virginia

You can purchase a non-owner car insurance policy if you frequently drive a car that you don’t own. For instance, maybe you’re borrowing a friend’s car for a couple weeks and need temporary coverage.

Most standard non-owner insurance policies include bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. If you get in an at-fault car accident, non-owner car insurance covers the other driver’s medical expenses and vehicle repairs, which can quickly add up.

Non-owner insurance is optional and aimed at drivers who don’t own cars. Typically, non-owner car insurance is liability-only coverage at state minimums, which means it’s often cheaper than most standard auto insurance policies. Rates can still vary based on several factors, including your age, amount of coverage, ZIP code, vehicle, driving history, and more.1

The exact details of non-owner policies vary from company to company. For example, State Farm offers “Personal Mobility Insurance,” which covers policyholders who drive cars they don’t own, as well as rideshares, car rentals, and other means of getting around, like bikes.

Canceling your policy early in Virginia

If you need car insurance for less than six months, you can always purchase a standard policy and cancel it before the end of the term. Most car insurance companies require you to call your insurance agent to cancel your policy, though it’s occasionally possible to cancel online. Visit your insurer’s official site to see what steps you need to take to cancel your policy.

Cancellation terms vary from company to company. In many cases, you’ll face an early termination fee or have to pay a percentage of your remaining monthly premiums. This fee is still often cheaper than paying for the rest of your policy term in full. Ask your agent about any fees beforehand.2

If you plan on driving your vehicle after you cancel your insurance policy, be sure to line up your next policy right away. Driving without insurance in Virginia can result in a fine of $500 and make it harder to get approved for a policy in the future. You should have your next policy lined up before canceling your current one.

Getting car insurance for a rental car in Virginia

Drivers who are renting a car can purchase rental car insurance to cover them for the duration of the rental. In some cases, you can get rental car insurance through the credit card you use to book the rental, but check your terms closely or call your credit card issuer to make sure you’re adequately covered.

If you already have car insurance for your own vehicle, that coverage will usually extend to any rental cars you drive. Your same coverages will apply, so if you don’t have comprehensive coverage or collision coverage on your own vehicle, you won’t have those coverages when driving a rental car either.3

You can even purchase coverage right at the rental car counter when you pick up your rental. Technically, this coverage is a collision damage waiver, which limits your liability in the event of a covered accident. Again, this coverage may be available through your credit card. Check your card issuer’s benefits document for a better idea of what’s covered.

Best car insurance companies for short-term car insurance in Virginia

Virginia drivers have many quality car insurance companies to choose from. Costs will vary based on your age, driving record, credit score, vehicle, ZIP code, and more. Comparing quotes from several companies is a good idea if you’re looking for affordable rates.

Auto-Owners is the cheapest coverage option in Virginia, with an average rate well below the state average. State Farm is close behind — and with a high IQ Score in addition to low rates, it might be the best all-around option for drivers in Virginia.

The table below lists the cheapest short-term car insurance policies in Virginia.

Car insurance for students in Virginia

If you’re a student heading off to college in Virginia and you plan on driving, be sure to contact your car insurance company. Ask if your current insurer offers policies in Virginia. If so, you don’t have to do anything — your existing car insurance policy will travel with you to your new location.

If your current insurer doesn’t offer policies in Virginia, you’ll need to look for a new car insurance company. Finding a car insurance company that offers student discounts is a good idea. Many companies offer discounts for students who maintain a high GPA or are moving more than 100 miles away for school and not bringing their car with them.

You also should look for a policy that you can easily cancel at the end of the semester. Try to find a company that has no cancellation fee or a minimal fee. Nationwide and GEICO are two examples of companies that allow you to cancel free of charge.