Temporary Car Insurance in Virginia: What Your Short-Term Options Really Are
You can’t get temporary car insurance in Virginia. But with Insurify Car, you can pay by the week and cancel anytime.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Excellent
)
Written byTaylor Milam-Samuel
)
Taylor Milam-Samuel Insurance Writer
8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
)
Edited byBecky Helzer
)
Becky HelzerEditor
Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
)
Reviewed byDavid Marlett
)
David MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Standard insurers in Virginia don’t sell short-term car insurance, which typically covers drivers for just days or weeks instead of the standard six- or 12-month policy term.[1] Liability-only insurance in Virginia costs about $1,294 annually, or $108 per month.
Newer options like Insurify Car let you pay for liability-only coverage one week at a time. It keeps you insured if you’re borrowing a car or in between vehicles, so you can avoid a coverage gap that could lead to higher rates.
Smaller payments can also make coverage more affordable.
Quick Facts
Short-term car insurance in Virginia typically starts at one week, not one day.
Virginia law requires drivers to have at least the state-minimum coverage.
Insurify Car lets you apply online and start your coverage in minutes.
Can you get temporary car insurance in Virginia?
Insurance companies in Virginia don’t offer temporary coverage, as policies typically run for at least six months. Major insurers focus on long-term plans to better manage risk, lower claims costs, and help prevent fraud.
Regardless of policy length, Virginia law requires all drivers to have car insurance. Liability coverage helps pay for the other driver’s medical bills and car repairs if you cause an accident.[2]
Even though there’s no such thing as temporary insurance, you still have ways to get short-term coverage.
Insurify Car: State-Mandated Coverage 7 Days at a Time
Pay your first week’s premium and get immediate proof of insurance
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 13,113 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
What ‘temporary car insurance’ usually means
While temporary car insurance doesn’t exist, several alternatives are available that can cover you for short periods. One of the following types of car insurance may offer the protection you’re looking for.
Weekly payment car insurance
Best for: Drivers who only need liability coverage and who prefer to pay their insurance in smaller payments
With Insurify Car, you can start coverage the same day and end it after just one week. You’re not limited to just one week, though. You can continue paying in weekly installments as long as you need coverage, rather than making a large monthly payment.
Insurify Car allows you to choose your cancellation date. You can set the date when you start your policy, or you can choose a date at any time during your policy term.
Month-to-month auto insurance
Best for: Drivers who need seasonal coverage or plan to sell a car
In Virginia, true month-to-month policies aren’t available. Many companies will let you pay for a six- or 12-month policy in monthly installments.
Non-owner car insurance
Best for: Drivers who don’t own a car but need financial protection when they borrow one
Non-owner car insurance protects drivers who don’t own a car but frequently borrow one. It covers you when you borrow a friend’s car regularly or use a car-sharing service like Zipcar.
Rental car insurance
Best for: Drivers who rent a car and don’t have full coverage that extends to rental vehicles
Rental car companies offer rental car insurance. If you don’t own a car or have only liability insurance, this coverage protects the rental vehicle while you’re using it.[3]
Weekly car insurance in Virginia with Insurify Car
Insurify Car offers liability insurance coverage you can pay for weekly. You can set up a policy in just a few minutes, and once you pay your first seven days’ premium, you’re covered with state-minimum liability insurance.
Unlike typical car insurance policies that last for six months, Insurify Car lets you pay for coverage weekly and cancel it at any time after the first seven days. It’s ideal when you’re borrowing a car for an extended period, driving a seasonal vehicle, or selling a car.
Benefits of Insurify Car
Budgeting is easier with small weekly payments.
Pay for coverage only as long as you need it.
Cancel anytime after seven days.
Get proof of insurance within minutes of signing up.
No long-term commitment or contracts.
Set up coverage, make payments, and cancel your policy completely online.
To sign up for Insurify Car, you’ll provide your personal details, vehicle information, and location. Once you make your first week’s payment, you’ll receive proof of insurance within minutes.
You can schedule a cancellation date in advance or cancel later once you’re ready. Small weekly payments keep the policy active, with coverage costing as little as $28 per week in Virginia.
Cheapest short-term car insurance in Virginia
While temporary car insurance in Virginia doesn’t exist, a few companies offer short-term alternatives. The average cost of car insurance in Virginia through Insurify Car is $112 per month, while a policy through Hugo averages $177 per month.
Your rate depends on factors like your age, driving record, ZIP code, and credit history, so your premium may be higher or lower.
The table below shows average monthly car insurance quotes for companies offering the cheapest short-term car insurance alternatives in Virginia.
The below rates in Virginia are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company  | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $62 |
| Nationwide | $109 |
| Insurify Car | $114 |
| Allstate | $131 |
| Hugo | $177 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Virginia car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Virginia may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
When you might need temporary car insurance in Virginia
While temporary car insurance in Virginia doesn’t exist, you might need coverage for only a short time.
These are some common situations where short-term or an alternative to temporary car insurance can be helpful:
Visiting Virginia for a few months: If you’re planning a trip to explore places like the Blue Ridge Parkway or Virginia Beach, you may need coverage that lasts only while you’re in the state.
Buying or selling a car: A policy you can pay for by the week can help while you’re in between cars, whether you’re buying a new one or selling your current vehicle.
Borrowing a vehicle: If you live in a city like Alexandria or Richmond with good public transportation, you might not own a car. If you regularly borrow a vehicle, a non-owner policy protects you financially if you cause an accident.
Waiting for a long-term policy: Finding a standard insurance policy that fits your needs can take time. A weekly policy keeps you covered while you shop for the best car insurance in Virginia and helps prevent higher premiums caused by a lapse in coverage.
Can you get temporary, same-day car insurance in Virginia?
While no car insurance company offers temporary same-day insurance in Virginia, you can get same-day coverage through most insurance companies. And some let you pay for coverage in smaller installments, such as Insurify Car and Hugo.
Setting up coverage takes just a few minutes, and you’ll get proof of insurance right away. Rental car companies also offer same-day coverage that begins when you drive your rental vehicle off the lot.
Minimum car insurance requirements in Virginia
All car insurance policies in Virginia must meet the same minimum coverage requirements as standard policies. The state checks for coverage using electronic systems, law enforcement, and accident reports to ensure every driver has adequate coverage.
While some short-term policies provide more protection, like the full coverage rental companies offer, most offer only state-minimum coverage.
The table below shows Virginia’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
Coverage Type | Virginia Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $20,000 |
Letting your auto insurance lapse is illegal in Virginia. Going without coverage for even a short time can lead to higher premiums in the future, as insurers view coverage gaps as a sign of risk.
If the authorities catch you driving without insurance, the state may assess a $600 fee, suspend your license, and require you to file an SR-22 form with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for three years.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Virginia
Insurify partners with 120+ top insurers for real-time quotes
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 13,113 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
How to get temporary car insurance in Virginia
In Virginia, you need car insurance at all times, even if you drive only occasionally or for short periods. While you can’t buy temporary auto insurance in Virginia, some companies offer insurance you can pay for by the week or by the month.
Here’s how to get a policy:
Determine how long you need insurance and whether you’ll be driving your own car or someone else’s.
Look for flexible insurance options. Insurify Car offers liability coverage you can pay for weekly, while rental car insurance provides full coverage while you’re renting a vehicle.
Compare rates from several insurance companies to find the best price.
Make sure your policy meets Virginia’s minimum liability coverage limits. Consider whether you need comprehensive and collision coverage to protect the car. Also, be sure to read your policy carefully to avoid a coverage gap.
Set up your policy, and pay your premium. You can often buy coverage online, and some insurers, like Insurify Car, can provide proof of insurance in minutes.
Temporary car insurance in Virginia FAQs
While you can’t get temporary car insurance in Virginia, there are alternatives. See the answers to frequently asked questions below.
How much does temporary car insurance cost in Virginia?
There’s no such thing as temporary car insurance coverage. But some insurers, like Insurify Car and Hugo, offer liability coverage you can pay for in small increments. Prices vary, depending on your location, age, and driving record. Coverage through Insurify Car averages $112 per month, while a policy through Hugo averages $177 per month.
Can you insure a car for just one month in Virginia?
Yes. In Virginia, you can purchase a standard six-month policy and cancel coverage after one month, although fees may apply. Another option is buying a policy from a company that lets you pay for coverage by the week, such as Insurify Car.
Can students or military members get short-term car insurance in Virginia?
Probably not. Short-term insurance isn’t typically available in Virginia. Students are usually better off staying on a parent’s policy while they’re at school. But if they’re borrowing a car for a few weeks, a weekly policy can provide liability protection if they cause an accident.
Military members’ coverage typically follows them from one location to another (within the U.S.), but it’s a good idea to verify this with an insurance agent.
Is temporary car insurance cheaper than a standard policy?
Insurers don’t sell temporary insurance. But coverage you can pay for by the week can be cheaper than a standard policy, since you can cancel when you no longer need it. If you need coverage for several months or longer, pricing between the two types of policies is usually comparable.
Is non-owner car insurance available in Virginia?
Yes. You can buy non-owner car insurance in Virginia. This type of coverage is for people who don’t own a car and use a car-sharing service or often borrow a car from a friend or family member.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
)
Cheapest Virginia Car Insurance Quotes From $61/mo.
March 24, 2026
)
Best Car Insurance in Virginia
April 1, 2026
Car Insurance Requirements in Virginia
April 2, 2026
)
Cheap SR-22 and FR-44 Insurance in Virginia
April 2, 2026
)
Rideshare Insurance in Virginia
April 2, 2026
)
Gap Insurance in Virginia
April 2, 2026
Average Car Insurance Cost in Virginia
April 11, 2025
)
The 10 Largest Auto Insurance Companies in the U.S.
April 2, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Woodbridge, VA, From $67
April 2, 2026
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Virginia Beach, VA
April 2, 2026
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Roanoke, VA, Starting at $48
April 2, 2026
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Richmond, VA
April 2, 2026
)
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Portsmouth, Virginia
April 2, 2026
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Norfolk, VA
April 2, 2026
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Newport News, VA, Starting at $62
April 2, 2026
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Lynchburg, VA, Starting at $49
April 2, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Harrisonburg, VA, From $45
April 2, 2026
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Chesapeake, VA, Starting at $58
April 2, 2026
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Charlottesville, VA, Starting at $47
April 2, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Arlington, VA, Starting at $55
April 2, 2026
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Alexandria, VA, Starting at $66
April 2, 2026
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What is auto insurance?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What is covered by a basic auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Rental car insurance."
)
Taylor Milam-Samuel Insurance Writer
8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Featured in
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Becky HelzerEditor
Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
David MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.