Weekend Auto Insurance: Can I Get Covered?

Yes, it is possible to get car insurance on a Sunday. While local branches of car insurance companies may not have weekend hours, you can still obtain coverage by reaching out to sales agents by phone or online. Many larger insurance companies provide 24/7 phone assistance and allow you to purchase a policy and access policy documents and proof of insurance coverage online.

If you are already insured, your current insurance policy may automatically extend coverage to a new vehicle purchased on a Sunday. However, this automatic coverage is usually temporary, so it is important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to ensure continuous coverage for your new vehicle.

Buying car insurance on the weekend

• Contact your current auto insurer during the week and inquire about purchasing coverage for your new vehicle through them. Some insurance companies provide a grace period, automatically extending your existing coverage to a newly acquired vehicle for up to 30 days.
• If you know the details of the car you plan to buy, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) and purchase price, you can arrange coverage in advance by contacting your insurer. This way, you can have insurance in place before driving your new car on the weekend.
• Many large insurance companies offer weekend customer service hours, toll-free hotlines, and online access, allowing you to purchase coverage on weekends. Some companies like Progressive and GEICO offer 24/7 customer service, while others like Allstate, Nationwide, and Liberty Mutual provide online quote options and mobile apps for purchasing coverage.
• If you are working with an independent insurance agent, discuss their availability for weekend appointments. Some agencies may be open on Saturdays or offer after-hours services.
• If you are buying a car from a dealership, they may have insurance options available. Dealerships often have relationships with insurance providers and can help facilitate the process of obtaining coverage.

It is important to note that while weekend car insurance does not exist as a specific product, temporary car insurance options are available for those who need coverage for a short period. These options include car-sharing coverage, rental car coverage, non-owner coverage, and permissive use driver coverage under the vehicle owner's policy.

Online and over-the-phone insurance purchases

If you need to buy car insurance on a Sunday, you have a few options for online and over-the-phone purchases. Many large insurance companies offer 24/7 customer service hotlines and online platforms that allow you to obtain quotes and purchase policies at any time, including weekends. Some companies with 24/7 customer support include Progressive, GEICO, and Allstate.

If you already have a policy, you may be able to add a new vehicle to your current policy via a website or mobile app. Some insurance companies also provide a grace period, typically ranging from one week to 30 days, automatically extending your existing coverage to a newly acquired vehicle. In that case, you can contact the company on the next business day to update your policy.

If you are uninsured and don't have an existing policy, you can obtain quotes and purchase a new policy online or over the phone. Most major car insurance companies have toll-free hotlines available 24/7, and their online systems are often self-serve, allowing you to establish a new policy quickly.

Temporary car insurance

There are a few things to bear in mind with temporary car insurance. Firstly, it won't cover more than one driver, so each additional driver will need their own policy. Secondly, it only covers the specified car, so you can't use it to drive a different vehicle. Thirdly, it won't cover theft or damage due to negligence, such as leaving valuables in the car or failing to lock it. Finally, it can't be used for a vehicle used for 'hire or reward', such as a taxi.

There are a few options for purchasing temporary car insurance. You can buy it directly from an insurer, either online or over the phone. Some insurers also offer it as part of a comprehensive insurance package, so it is worth checking your policy to see if you are already covered. You can also be added as a named driver on someone else's insurance policy, although this could be more expensive.

Adding a car to an existing policy

Adding a car to an existing auto insurance policy is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Provider

You can contact your insurance company by phone or through their website/mobile app if they have one. Inform them that you want to add a car to your current policy. Some providers may allow you to make this change online or through their app, while others may require you to speak with a representative.

Step 2: Provide Vehicle Information

To add a car to your policy, you'll need to provide some basic information about the vehicle. This typically includes:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• License plate number
• Make and model of the car
• Mileage and condition of the vehicle (may be requested by some insurers)

Step 3: Choose Your Coverage

When adding a car to an existing policy, you'll need to decide on the type and amount of coverage you want. You must meet your state's minimum insurance requirements. Your insurance provider may require you to have the same liability coverage for all vehicles on the policy, but other types of coverage, like comprehensive and collision insurance, can usually be set differently for each car.

Step 4: Provide Additional Information (If Applicable)

If you're adding a vehicle that is not in your name, you may need to provide additional information. Some insurance companies allow you to insure someone else's vehicle if it's kept at your residence and the owner lives with you. In this case, you may need to add the other person to your policy as well.

Step 5: Finalize the Changes

Once you've provided all the necessary information and chosen your coverage, finalize the changes with your insurance provider. They will provide you with proof of insurance, usually by sending an updated insurance card.

Keep in mind that adding a car to your policy may result in an increase in your insurance rates, but it's usually more cost-effective than maintaining separate policies for each car. Additionally, many insurance companies offer multi-car discounts when you insure multiple vehicles on the same policy.

Independent insurance agents

Benefits of Using an Independent Insurance Agent

• They can shop around for the best insurance quotes for you, saving you time and money.
• They can stay with you even if you switch providers.
• They can provide personalized customer service, answering questions and helping with claims.
• They can offer you a one-stop shop for all your insurance needs, including home, auto, commercial, personal articles, and umbrella policies.
• They are licensed and experienced and can explain insurance terms in simple, understandable language.
• They are part of your local community and can offer advice based on their knowledge of the area.

Potential Drawbacks of Using an Independent Insurance Agent

• They may not have in-depth knowledge of the policies they offer, as they represent multiple companies.
• They may have fewer resources and support compared to captive agents, who are backed by large insurers.
• They may not have access to specific large insurance companies, such as State Farm, that do not work with independent agents.
• There may be a potential conflict of interest if one insurance provider pays a higher commission than another.

Overall, independent insurance agents can be a great option for those who want a broader range of insurance options and personalized service. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks and decide if an independent or captive agent is right for your needs.

Frequently asked questions