Hugo can be an ideal way for drivers who need proof of insurance quickly; however, if full coverage is required it may be wiser to opt for traditional annual policies instead.
The company provides three-day, one-week and one-month plans for drivers who drive regularly – perfect for gig economy workers as well as drivers with poor driving records.
Benefits
Hugo’s website promises drivers can create an account and select a policy in two minutes or less, gathering basic information such as name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), etc. Additionally, Hugo offers flexible plans which enable drivers to buy coverage for several days or weeks at once by paying micropayments instead of one lump sum upfront.
Hugo may not be available in all states and isn’t recommended for drivers seeking full coverage as it only provides state minimum liability insurance. Furthermore, Hugo doesn’t provide SR-22 certificates.
Hugo Insurance rates differ based on location and claim rates in each area. Furthermore, they also vary based on age since younger drivers tend to cause more accidents than those aged 40-50 years. Hugo customers in their 20s and 30s typically pay higher car insurance premiums while those between the ages of 40-50 tend to receive reduced rates.
Hugo may not have an official Better Business Bureau page or reviews on ConsumerAffairs, but their customer rating on Trustpilot stands out with an outstanding 4.8 rating out of 5. Customers typically report an easy process and flexible product that saves them money; some wish Hugo offered additional features such as mobile apps or full coverage.
Pricing
Hugo Insurance is a new car insurer that provides on-demand liability coverage. They launched in 2020, and since have expanded into 12 states. Hugo claims to be the world’s first on-demand car insurer; offering proof of coverage in six minutes or less.
Hugo Insurance’s innovative model aims to make insurance more accessible and cost-effective for people in need, offering policies with no down payments and hidden fees that can save drivers thousands compared to traditional annual policies. Furthermore, Hugo operates with an open pricing structure and uses customer feedback to further its products.
However, its business model may not suit everyone. The emphasis on digital transactions may prove problematic for customers who prefer paper transactions or personal interactions; plus its lack of loyalty discounts could prevent certain people from saving on coverage.
Hugo Insurance may or may not meet your driving needs depending on your driving needs. For frequent drivers seeking an annual policy, traditional insurers might provide better protection.
Hugo’s plans differ from traditional auto insurance by being priced on a per-day rather than monthly basis, and vary based on age – with young drivers paying the highest rates, before seeing their costs decrease as they reach 40s and 50s, before becoming higher once retirement age is reached.
Coverage
Hugo offers both basic and full coverage policies. According to Hugo’s claims, drivers can purchase one in two minutes or less and enjoy flexible payment plans (three days, three weeks, one month and every six months) along with instant proof of insurance for drivers. Unfortunately, however, some users complain about lack of traditional coverage options available with Hugo.
Hugo offers rates that are higher for liability coverage while lower for full coverage than national averages ($129 a month for liability and $302 for full). However, they only operate in 13 states, providing comprehensive coverage in two (Illinois being one).
As yet, this company does not provide roadside assistance or towing services; although these features will likely be added in future releases. Drivers can purchase additional coverage through other companies; additionally, drivers’ locations may have a significant effect on their rates.
Hugo’s policyholders can access and manage their policies from both computers and phones through an online account with Hugo. Their website enables them to verify personal information, add vehicles, set coverage levels and activate auto-reload. Their homepage displays how much money is currently in their accounts with an auto-reload toggle on or off; customer service representatives are available by email should any issues arise and email customer service for questions; however there is no dedicated claims department which could present problems if immediate assistance is necessary.
Customer service
Hugo Insurance emphasizes a digital-first strategy to offer its customers an efficient and user-friendly way to manage their policies online. They can buy coverage, adjust details or file claims – everything can be completed conveniently from purchasing coverage through to filing claims at any time online. Infrequent drivers may find saving money with off/on coverage helpful or for borrowing vehicles as it allows for flexible cost management.
Trustpilot ratings of this new company have been outstanding and include over 9,000 reviews with an overall average customer review score of 4.8. Reviews tend to praise its low rates and instant proof of coverage; however, due to being relatively new the service may not offer as wide-ranging policies and services like traditional insurers would.
Hugo offers several appealing advantages for drivers, yet isn’t ideal for everyone. Without mobile app access and limited policy options available to drivers who lack internet access. Furthermore, Hugo does not provide roadside assistance or towing services – two factors which could compromise its suitability as an insurer.
State claims and accident rates also play a factor in policy costs; Ohio and Alabama tend to offer the best deals while Georgia and Texas tend to have more expensive policies. Furthermore, having had an accident or DUI is likely to raise your rates more than other drivers.