I have about 47000 miles on my Insight. And, no, I wasn't getting daily recals. That is what surprised me when the IMA light went on. I had a recal maybe every week or two. I noticed that when I didn't drive my car for a while, i.e. after coming home from a 10 day vacation, that it would immediately recal when I started it up.
I haven't asked about the price since it is still under warranty - the battery that is.

Regarding driving it or not - the charge is 'full' but I have noticed that the assist doesn't kick in at all now that the IMA light is on. I do a considerable amount of driving - between 50-80 miles a day and I don't think that I really want to be doing so much highway driving in a car that is designed to work with hybrid assist when it is not working. I'm leaning towards getting a loaner.