Weekend Auto Insurance: Get Covered In No Time

If you need to buy car insurance on a weekend, you can do so online or over the phone. Many large insurance companies offer 24/7 customer service hotlines and online platforms that allow you to obtain quotes and purchase policies directly. Some companies also offer mobile apps that enable you to manage your policy and get quotes on your smartphone or tablet. It is important to note that weekend-only car insurance is typically not available as a standard option, and activating and immediately cancelling a policy is not advised. However, some insurers offer short-term policies or grace periods, and you can also consider rental car insurance for temporary coverage.

Check with your current insurer

If you're looking to buy a new or used car, you may only be able to do this on the weekend or outside of traditional office hours. In that case, you'll need to know how to get auto insurance on the weekend. Here's what you need to know about checking with your current insurer:

Contact Your Current Insurer During Business Hours

If you want to purchase coverage for your new vehicle through your current auto insurer, it's best to call them during business hours before visiting the dealership. Ask about the best way to purchase coverage over the weekend. While the options vary by insurance company, you may be able to add a new vehicle to your current policy via a website or mobile app. Getting in touch with your insurer ahead of time will help you understand your options and any steps you need to take.

Understand Grace Periods

Some insurance companies provide a grace period, typically ranging from one week to 30 days, during which they automatically extend your existing coverage to protect a newly acquired vehicle. In such cases, you can call the company on the next business day and ask them to remove your old car from the policy and add the new one. They will then backdate the coverage to the date of purchase. Knowing about this grace period can give you peace of mind as you work on getting the necessary coverage for your new vehicle.

Arrange Coverage in Advance

If you know the details of the car you'll be buying, such as the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN), you may be able to contact your current auto insurer to arrange coverage ahead of the purchase. This way, you can drive your new vehicle on the weekend with the confidence of having insurance coverage already in place.

Understand Weekend Hours and Availability

While many insurance companies offer weekend customer service hours, it's important to know their specific weekend hours and availability. Some insurers may have limited customer support on weekends, so understanding their operating hours will help you plan accordingly.

Work with an Agent

If you prefer working with an agent, discuss their availability for weekend support. Some independent insurance agents may be open on Saturdays or offer appointment-only services. Communicating your needs and plans with your agent will help ensure that they can accommodate you during the weekend.

Buy insurance online or over the phone

If you need to buy car insurance over the weekend, most major car insurance companies offer 24/7 toll-free hotlines and online portals that allow you to purchase coverage. Here are the steps you can take to buy insurance online or over the phone:

Buying Insurance Online

• Check your current policy: Before buying a new insurance policy, check the terms of your current policy. Your current insurance policy may automatically cover newly purchased vehicles for several days.
• Gather necessary information: To purchase a new car insurance policy, you will typically need to provide your driver's license or personal identification, additional driver information if adding multiple drivers, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), purchase agreement or proof of ownership, current policy information, and payment details.
• Compare quotes from different insurers: Shopping around and comparing rates from different insurers is a reliable way to find the most affordable rates. Rates can vary widely between companies, so it is worth taking the time to compare.
• Consider your coverage needs: Determine the level of coverage you require. In addition to the minimum coverage required by your state, consider optional coverages such as emergency roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or mechanical breakdown insurance.
• Purchase the policy: Once you have found a suitable policy that meets your needs, proceed to purchase it online. Provide the necessary information, review the terms and conditions, and make the payment.

Buying Insurance Over the Phone

• Call the insurance company: Contact the insurance company's toll-free hotline, which is usually available 24/7. Have all the necessary information ready, such as driver information, vehicle details, and payment information.
• Provide the necessary information: The insurance agent will guide you through the process and ask for any additional information they require. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about the policy, coverage, and payment options.
• Review the policy details: Before finalizing the purchase, carefully review the policy details, including the coverage, exclusions, and any applicable discounts. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the policy.
• Complete the purchase: Provide your payment details and finalize the purchase. Confirm the start date of your policy and verify that you have met all the requirements for coverage to take effect.

Remember that even if you purchase insurance over the weekend, it is essential to comply with your state's legal requirements for auto insurance. Always carry proof of insurance when driving, as it is illegal to drive without at least some form of auto liability insurance in most states.

Check your insurance policy before buying a new car

It is important to check your insurance policy before buying a new car. Here are some reasons why:

Know What to Expect

First and foremost, you should review your current insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. This will help you make an informed decision about the level of coverage you need for your new car. It is also a good idea to compare rates from different insurance providers to get the best deal.

Ensure Adequate Coverage

If you already have car insurance, your policy may provide a grace period, typically ranging from seven to 30 days, during which your new car is covered. However, this coverage may only be at the same level as your previous vehicle. If your new car is worth more or you are taking out a loan, you may be required to have full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision insurance.

Factor in the Extra Cost

Insuring a new car is likely to be more expensive than insuring an older model. It is advisable to consider this additional cost when budgeting for your new car. The extra cost is due to the higher value of a new car and the potential for more expensive repairs.

Understand State Requirements

The minimum insurance requirements vary by state. For example, liability insurance is required in most states, while uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in about half of the states. It is important to review your state's requirements to ensure you comply with the law.

Avoid Dealership Upselling

Dealerships may try to sell you various insurance products, such as gap insurance. By understanding your current insurance policy and what it covers, you can make an informed decision and avoid paying for unnecessary extras.

Prepare the Necessary Information

When getting insurance for your new car, you will need specific information, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), your contact information, and details about the drivers who will be covered under the policy. Having this information ready will streamline the process of obtaining insurance for your new car.

Buy insurance in advance if you know the car details

If you know the car details in advance, you can buy insurance before the weekend. This is a good option if you're buying a car from a private seller, as you won't be asked for proof of insurance before driving away. However, it's illegal to drive without insurance, so you'll need to get covered as soon as possible.

If you know the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car you plan to buy, you can contact your chosen insurer to arrange coverage ahead of the purchase. This means you can drive the vehicle on the weekend with your insurance coverage in place.

You can also get a quote and purchase a policy online or over the phone. Many large insurance companies offer 24/7 customer service hotlines, mobile apps, and online platforms that allow you to obtain quotes and purchase policies at any time, including weekends. Some companies that offer these services include Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, Nationwide, and Liberty Mutual.

It's worth noting that buying insurance in advance can also save you money. Research suggests that getting a quote three weeks in advance of your existing policy running out can save you a significant amount compared to getting a quote on the last day or the day your cover starts.

Compare quotes from different insurers

Comparing quotes from different insurers is a great way to find the most affordable rates available to you. Rates vary widely from company to company, so you may be surprised at how much you can save.

When shopping for quotes, consider your state's minimum coverage requirements and your car's mileage and features, which might mean you need additional coverage.

• Decide on the coverage you need: Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, and a minimum-coverage policy is usually the cheapest type of plan. However, if your vehicle is newer or leased, you may be required to carry additional coverages such as comprehensive and collision coverage. As your vehicle ages, you may also want to adjust your coverage and coverage amounts.
• View rate comparisons: Compare rates from different insurers to find the cheapest options. Different insurers may offer different rates based on factors such as your driving record, age, location, and the level of coverage you're seeking.
• Research individual insurers: Look into the reputation and customer service of individual insurers. Check their claims handling process, customer loyalty, and available discounts.
• Obtain quotes: Most insurers offer free quotes through their websites, or you can contact them directly. You can also use online comparison sites to obtain and compare quotes from multiple insurers at once. However, be cautious of lead-generation sites that sell your information to insurers, resulting in unwanted spam.
• Provide necessary information: To get an accurate quote, be prepared to provide basic information such as your age, gender, location, vehicle details (make, model, vehicle identification number), current insurance status, and driving history.
• Compare quotes: Ensure that you are comparing quotes for the same types and levels of coverage to get an accurate comparison.
• Consider discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for various reasons, such as bundling policies, having a clean driving record, or being a student. Ask about potential savings when obtaining quotes.
• Review regularly: Insurance rates can change, so it's a good idea to compare quotes from different insurers every six months to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Frequently asked questions