Buy Auto Insurance Without Talking To Anyone

Yes, it is possible to order auto insurance without having to talk to anyone. In fact, in most U.S. states, you are required to have auto insurance to drive legally. While you can buy a car without insurance, you won't be able to drive it off the lot as it is illegal to drive without insurance in all states except New Hampshire and Virginia.

There are a few ways to go about getting auto insurance without having to talk to anyone. One way is to add a new car to an existing auto insurance policy. Most insurance companies provide a grace period of up to 30 days where any new cars will be covered under your existing policy. Another way is to buy a separate auto insurance policy online. Many insurance companies allow you to get a quote and purchase a policy through their website. Additionally, you can also buy auto insurance through a third-party website that compares rates from multiple providers.

Buying a separate auto insurance policy for someone else

Yes, it is possible to purchase a separate auto insurance policy for someone else. However, it's important to consider the pros and cons before doing so. While most states require drivers to have auto insurance, they don't mandate that the policy be in the owner's name. Thus, you can buy insurance for a vehicle that you don't own, but not all insurance companies will allow this.

• Grandparents buying a first car for their grandchild: In this case, you can buy the car and the insurance to cover it.
• Co-signing on an auto loan: If you're co-signing on a loan and want to ensure the vehicle has proper insurance coverage, you can buy a separate policy.
• The vehicle is co-titled: If you co-own the vehicle and want to protect its value, you can buy a separate policy.
• The driver has reached the maximum number of vehicles or drivers under their personal policy: Some companies have a limit, often four vehicles or drivers. In this case, buying a separate policy might be the only option.
• Large family: In a large family, buying a separate policy for one or more drivers might be the most cost-effective option.

When considering buying a separate auto insurance policy for someone else, it's important to be aware of the potential challenges. Insurance companies are cautious about insuring someone else's vehicle due to concerns about insurance fraud. They may also be hesitant to pay out claims on policies taken out by someone other than the car's owner. Additionally, the person you're buying insurance for must have a legitimate insurable interest, meaning they would suffer a financial hardship if the vehicle were involved in an accident.

If you decide to purchase a separate auto insurance policy for someone else, be honest with the insurance company about your reasons and get written consent from the car's owner. Understand the company's conditions and charges, and ask about any potential issues that may arise if the owner needs to file a claim.

Adding someone to your auto policy

Most insurance companies allow you to add drivers to your policy either online or over the phone. Some companies may also have a mobile app that allows you to make these changes.

It's important to note that the requirements for adding someone to your policy may vary depending on your insurance company and your state. In some cases, insurance companies may require that all listed drivers reside at the same address as the policyholder. Alternatively, some companies may allow you to combine policies with immediate family members, regardless of where they live.

Additionally, keep in mind that adding a driver to your policy may impact your insurance premiums, especially if the added driver is a teenager or has a poor driving record.

If you are unsure about the specific requirements or how to add someone to your policy, it is always best to contact your insurance company or agent directly for more information.

Auto insurance requirements by state

Yes, it is possible to order auto insurance without speaking to anyone. Non-owner car insurance can be purchased over the phone from major companies like State Farm, Geico, and Travelers, as well as companies that cater to high-risk drivers, such as Acceptance, Dairyland, and Direct Auto. However, these companies may not advertise this option on their websites.

Now, here's an overview of auto insurance requirements by state:

Auto insurance requirements vary across different states. While almost every state mandates car insurance, the specific minimums and coverage types can differ. Here's a breakdown of the various coverages that may be required in your state:

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is required in almost all states. It helps cover the costs of injuries or damages caused by the policyholder in a car accident, including those of the other driver and their passengers. The minimum liability coverage limits are typically expressed as a series of numbers, such as 15/30/10, indicating the maximum payout per person, per accident, and for property damage, respectively.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

UM/UIM coverage is necessary in about half of the states. It protects you and your passengers if you're hit by a driver with insufficient or no insurance. It covers injuries and damage to your car and other property. In some states, you may only need to purchase coverage for bodily injury.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP is mandatory in roughly 20% of states, including no-fault states like Florida, Hawaii, and Michigan. It covers medical expenses for the insured driver and their passengers, regardless of who is at fault. PIP can also extend to lost wages and other benefits not covered by health insurance.

Medical Payments Coverage

Maine is the only state that requires medical payments coverage, which goes towards medical expenses for the policyholder, their family, or passengers injured in an accident. Unlike PIP, it doesn't cover lost wages or other additional benefits.

It's important to note that while certain coverages are mandatory in specific states, you can always opt for additional coverages to suit your needs. Comprehensive and collision coverage, for example, are not required by any state but can be valuable additions to your policy. These coverages pay for damages to your car due to fire, theft, vandalism, animal collisions, and more.

Pros and cons of dealer insurance

When buying a new car, you may be offered the opportunity to also purchase car insurance from the dealer. This can be a convenient option, as it streamlines the process of buying a car and insurance together. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are the pros and cons of buying motor insurance from a car dealer:

Pros:

• Streamlined Process: Buying insurance from the dealer simplifies the process, saving you time and effort. You don't need to contact multiple insurers to compare premiums, as the dealer offers a one-stop solution.
• Bundling Discounts: Dealers may offer discounts when you purchase both the car and insurance from them. Some dealers may even waive the first-year premium, making the deal more attractive.
• Add-Ons and Extras: If you require add-ons or extra services, the dealer can include them in the package. This can be advantageous for buyers seeking comprehensive coverage.
• Dedicated Support: Car dealers often have dedicated helpdesks to assist with insurance queries and claims. This support can be valuable when you need assistance.

Cons:

• Pre-Packaged Policies: Dealers may offer pre-packaged insurance policies with features that may not be necessary for all buyers. This can result in higher-than-regular premiums. Dealers work on a commission basis, which can lead to higher premiums compared to other insurance providers. You may not achieve significant savings by purchasing insurance through the dealer.
• Limited Choices: Car dealers typically have partnerships with specific insurance companies, limiting your options. You can only purchase insurance from the companies they are affiliated with.
• Lack of Comparison: Buying insurance through a dealer restricts your ability to compare policies and prices across different insurers. Comparing plans is a crucial step in finding the most suitable insurance policy for your needs.
• Higher Costs: The premiums offered by dealers may be more expensive than those available online or through other means. This is because the insurer pays a fee to the dealer for facilitating the sale, which is then passed on to the customer.
• Inappropriate Add-ons: The add-ons offered by the dealer may not align with your specific needs. You are required to pay an additional premium for each add-on, even if you don't truly require them.

While purchasing a car and insurance from a dealer can be convenient, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. It is recommended to explore alternative insurance options and compare costs and coverage to make an informed decision that balances both time and money savings.

Information your insurance agent will need

Yes, you can buy car insurance without having to talk to anyone. Many providers make it easy to purchase a car insurance policy online or over the phone. However, if you choose to work with an insurance agent, they can provide a more personalized experience and help you find a policy that fits your needs. Here is some information your insurance agent will need:

Information About Your Vehicle

Your insurance agent will need to know about the car you want to insure. This includes the make, model, and year of the vehicle. They will also require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found on your registration card, etched near the windshield, or on the driver's side door. Additionally, note your vehicle's mileage and how many miles you plan to drive annually.

Safety and Anti-Theft Features

Your agent will want to know about any safety features your car may have, such as passive restraint systems or anti-lock brakes. They will also ask about any anti-theft devices installed, such as GPS trackers.

Information About Your Household

Your insurance agent will need to know about your household, including the number of drivers and their details. This includes information such as safe driving courses completed and, for student drivers, their grades, as good grades may qualify for a discount. Your parking accommodations are also relevant, as well as whether you already have a homeowners or other policies with the company.

Desired Coverage and Deductible

You will need to decide on the amount of liability coverage you want, considering the total value of your assets. Your agent will also discuss the deductible amount you prefer, which is the amount you can comfortably afford to pay out of pocket in the event of a loss.

Driving Record

Your insurance agent will request information about your driving record, including any accidents, moving violations (speeding), or serious violations (DUI, reckless operation) within the past three years. The number and nature of violations will impact your risk assessment and, consequently, your insurance rates.

Current Insurance Information

If you already have car insurance, providing details about your current coverage could result in discounts with a new provider. Some companies offer discounts for continuous coverage or bundling multiple types of insurance, such as homeowners or renters policies, with a single provider.

Frequently asked questions