Same-Day Auto Insurance: Possible?

Yes, you can get auto insurance on the same day. Many insurance companies offer the option to buy car insurance online instantly, where you can get a quote, pay, and print proof of insurance in minutes. However, it's important to gather all the necessary information beforehand to expedite the process, such as personal information, vehicle details, and coverage needs. While same-day insurance is convenient, it may result in a higher policy cost and limited time to compare different options.

What info do I need to get same-day auto insurance?

Yes, it is possible to get car insurance on the same day. Many insurance companies offer the option to buy car insurance online instantly, where you can get a quote, pay, and print proof of insurance in minutes.

Personal Information

This includes your full name, date of birth, address, marital status, and driver's license number. You will also need to provide the same information for all other drivers you want to add to the policy.

Vehicle Information

You will need to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make, model, year, and mileage of the vehicle(s) you are insuring. If you can't provide the VIN, at least list the vehicle's year, make, and model.

Current Insurance Policy Details

If you have an existing insurance policy, you will need to provide the name of your current insurance provider, as well as the start and end date of the policy.

Vehicle Mileage

Most applications require the vehicle's current mileage to provide an accurate quote.

Date of Purchase

You may be asked when you purchased the car and if it was new or used.

Credit or Debit Card Number

You will need to provide a payment method to start your policy. Most companies require you to pay for your policy before your coverage can start.

It is important to note that while you can get a quote and purchase a same-day insurance policy online, some companies may require you to call an agent or go into an office to secure a policy. Additionally, same-day coverage may result in a higher policy cost, and you may miss out on some discounts offered for buying in advance.

What are the best same-day insurance providers?

Same-day car insurance can be obtained from almost any large national car insurance company. The best same-day car insurance providers include:

• State Farm: The largest car insurance company in the US, State Farm offers a generous student discount of up to 25% for maintaining good grades. It also has a reliable insurance claims service and strong reputation, with an A+ rating from the BBB and an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best.
• Travelers: With an A rating from the BBB and an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, Travelers provides extensive coverage and great service. It also offers a good range of discounts and plenty of auto insurance add-ons.
• Hugo: Hugo offers "on-demand" car insurance with no down payment and no hidden fees. It is a good option for people who need same-day car insurance and drive infrequently.
• American Family: American Family offers more than a dozen car insurance discounts, with savings for safe drivers, young drivers, taking a defensive driving course, bundling, paying in full, low-mileage drivers, and more. It also offers a free mobile app that allows you to manage your policy, make payments, and file claims.
• Auto-Owners: Auto-Owners is a good choice for those who want to customise their policy with endorsements. It offers a range of endorsements, including roadside assistance, additional expenses coverage, gap insurance, diminished value coverage, and more. It also has lots of discounts to help you save money.

Can I get same-day insurance online?

Yes, you can get same-day insurance online. Many insurance companies offer the option to buy car insurance online instantly, where you can get a quote, pay, and access proof of insurance in minutes.

To get started, you'll need to gather all the necessary information. This includes personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and driver's license number, as well as vehicle information like the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number. It's also a good idea to know how many miles you plan on driving your car. Having this information readily available can help expedite the process, especially if you're in a rush.

Once you have the necessary information, you can start requesting quotes from insurance companies. It's recommended to get at least three different quotes from trusted companies that offer same-day auto insurance. Most major auto insurance companies allow you to complete a quote in a matter of minutes, making it easy to compare coverage and rates.

When reviewing the quotes, it's important to determine your coverage needs. While you may be tempted to get the minimum amount of coverage required by your state, it's crucial to ensure you have adequate protection.

After selecting the quote that best meets your needs, you'll need to purchase the policy. Keep in mind that most insurance companies require you to pay for your policy before your coverage can begin.

Finally, don't forget to obtain proof of insurance. Most states require you to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle, and you'll need it when driving your car off the lot. Many companies that offer online same-day insurance allow you to print a temporary hard copy or access your proof of insurance cards online while waiting for your physical cards to arrive.

While same-day insurance is convenient, there are a few potential drawbacks. You may not have much time to research and compare different insurance companies, and you might miss out on small buy-in-advance discounts offered by some providers. Additionally, in certain situations, such as purchasing an expensive or specialty vehicle, the insurance company may need more time to review your application, and same-day coverage may not be possible.

Is same-day insurance more expensive?

Yes, obtaining same-day car insurance may result in paying a higher premium. Insurers like Progressive may offer discounts for quoting a certain number of days in advance. For example, Allstate offers an Early Signing Discount® if you buy an auto insurance policy at least one week before you need to use it.

However, same-day car insurance won't always cost more than a normal insurance policy. It is recommended that you get multiple quotes and compare car insurance options to find the best rates for you.

Can I get temporary same-day insurance?

Yes, you can get temporary same-day insurance from many auto insurance companies. This includes major insurers such as Progressive, Geico, State Farm, and Liberty Mutual.

In some states, you only need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and at least the first month's payment to activate an auto insurance policy. You can purchase a policy online or over the phone, and your coverage can often begin immediately.

However, it is important to note that most major auto insurers do not offer "temporary" car insurance, meaning you cannot buy a policy for a day, week, or any time period less than six months. Additionally, same-day coverage may result in a higher policy cost.

When obtaining same-day insurance, you will need to provide some basic information, such as your personal information (name, date of birth, driver's license number), vehicle information (make, model, year, vehicle identification number), and how many miles you plan on driving. It is also recommended to gather information about your current insurance policy, if you have one, and any tickets or accidents in your driving history.

Keep in mind that while you can obtain same-day insurance, you may not have much time to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers. It is always a good idea to get multiple quotes and review your coverage and rates before purchasing a policy.

Frequently asked questions