Find out if a short-term auto insurance policy is the correct option for you.
If you're seeking flexible car insurance, you could be interested in a temporary car insurance policy. In truth, short-term car insurance agreements are hard to come by for a few reasons.
Many major insurance companies won't offer policy terms shorter than six months. As car insurance is legally required in most places in the US, it can be risky to hop between policies. You also risk having gaps in your record if you swap policies often, which could lead to higher rates in the future.
Fortunately, car insurance agreements commonly run just a half-year. This relatively brief duration allows auto insurance companies to re-rate — or re-price — your premiums using your updated driving record and demographic info.
The six-month mark also serves as the perfect chance for you to improve your policy by getting quotes from other companies. Shopping quotes via The Zebra is quick and complimentary, and there’s no penalty for swapping auto insurance companies between policies — or even mid-term, as long as you never let your insurance lapse.
Car insurance's flexible nature means it's easy to purchase on short notice. If you need an insurance policy to drive your car off of the lot, attempting to get a policy for a relatively long-term rental or seeking coverage on a car you don't own but do drive regularly, think about purchasing a six-month policy and removing coverage as needed.
Below are typical auto insurance prices in West Virginia, ordered by the top insurers and the most populous cities. If your bills exceed the rates below, consider making a change.
| Insurance Company | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
| West Virginia State Average — All Companies | $768 | $128 |
| Erie | $614 | $102 |
| USAA | $624 | $104 |
| State Farm | $646 | $108 |
| Nationwide | $681 | $113 |
| Westfield | $709 | $118 |
The cheapest option for temporary car insurance in West Virginia is Erie, which can save you $2 each month, compared to the second-cheapest choice, USAA. In West Virginia, the average monthly cost of car insurance is $128, or $768 over a six-month contract.
Where you live has as great an effect on your car insurance rates as the insurance company you choose. Auto insurers take into account the frequency of claims in a given area when drafting prices by ZIP. View insurance premiums in West Virginia's most populous cities and compare against what you’re paying.
| City | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
| Charleston | $745 | $124 |
| Huntington | $747 | $124 |
| Parkersburg | $944 | $157 |
| Morgantown | $708 | $113 |
| Wheeling | $863 | $144 |
Because of the myriad factors involved in setting insurance rates, your quotes may not match the totals displayed above. If your current costs don’t align with those listed above, consider taking a moment to compare quotes. The short-term timetable of an auto insurance contract increases the importance of remaining in-the-know and ready to shop.
Learn more about temporary auto insurance or use The Zebra's comparison tool to view prices for free online.
