Can you get car insurance on the same day?

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There are situations where you may find yourself needing car insurance immediately, usually for a newly purchased car. Since car insurance is legally required in nearly every state—except for New Hampshire—it’s essential to secure a policy before you hit the road.

The good news is that many major insurance companies offer same-day or instant car insurance, allowing you to get the coverage you need within hours. This convenience ensures you stay compliant with the law and protected from potential financial risks as quickly as possible.

How to get car insurance on the same day: 4-step process

To get immediate coverage that meets state liability requirements — and additional coverage, if desired — follow these steps: 

1. Research insurance providers offering same-day policies

Same-day auto insurance is available from many large insurance companies and regional insurers. You can find a list of licensed insurers in your area through your state’s insurance department. 

2. Gather required documents

To save time, gather the necessary documents and information you need to apply for a car insurance policy ahead of time. Most companies will require the following details: 

• Personal information, including your birthdate, social security number and driver’s license number
• Information on your driving history, such as past driving citations or accidents
• Vehicle information, including the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model and current mileage
• Payment information

3. Compare quotes online or through agents

Rates and policy options can vary significantly by insurance company, so it’s smart to shop around and get quotes from several insurers. You can work with a local insurance agent, or you can request quotes from insurers on your own. 

To make sure you’re accurately comparing your options, consider the following factors:

• Coverage options: When you purchase a policy, you can decide what types of coverage to buy. The only coverage that’s required in most states is liability coverage; in a no-fault state you will also require personal injury protection (PIP). But, you may also want to purchase comprehensive and collision insurance to make sure you’re adequately protected, and you will need these coverages if you have a loan or lease. Other optional add-ons include services like roadside assistance and rental car coverage, which can affect your premiums. 
• Coverage limits: When comparing quotes, pay attention to the coverage limits. These limits are the maximum the insurance company will pay for a covered claim. Depending on your state, the minimum liability coverage can be as low as 10/20/10 ($10,000 in bodily injury for one person in an accident, $20,000 for two or more people injured in an accident, and $10,000 in property damage coverage). However, that coverage limit may be too low; experts usually recommend a minimum of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000, and you may also need collision and comprehensive insurance. 
• Deductible: The deductible is how much you have to pay after an accident before your insurer begins covering the bill. Deductibles can be as low as $0 or as high as $5,000. In general, the lower the deductible, the higher your premiums. 

4. Complete the application and make your first payment

Once you’ve compared quotes and found an insurer that offers the right coverage and price, you can complete your application. This process usually takes just a few minutes; you’ll have to enter your driver’s license number, vehicle information and contact information. 

Once your application is approved — a process that can take just minutes — you’ll be prompted to make your first payment. Typically, the policy won’t go into effect until the first premium is paid, so pay that right away to ensure your coverage is active. 

Once your insurance is paid, you should receive a confirmation that the policy is active. You may also be able to download an insurance card from the insurer’s website or mobile app.

Companies offering cheap same-day car insurance in each state

Same-day or immediate auto insurance is available from many major insurers. Depending on your location, you may be able to get instant car insurance from the following companies: 

• Allstate
• Farmers
• Geico
• Liberty Mutual
• Nationwide
• Progressive
• State Farm
• Travelers

Common scenarios for needing car insurance right away

Insurance is a requirement in most states, so if you plan to drive, you need a policy that, at minimum, meets state liability requirements. There are several instances where you may need same-day coverage: 

• You bought a new or used vehicle: If you buy a car, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance before you can drive it off the lot. 
• Your policy expired: If you missed your policy renewal or your policy lapsed, you’ll need to purchase new coverage right away to comply with the law.  
• You need insurance to reinstate your license. If your license was suspended and you need to file an SR-22 to get it back, you’ll need insurance right away.

Same-day car insurance vs. traditional car insurance: Which is better?

Same-day policies are not any different from traditional policies. Most major insurance companies offer same-day or instant coverage, so you can rest assured that you’re getting quality coverage regardless of the speed of the process.

Whether you purchase a policy that goes into effect within hours or shop for a new policy months in advance, you can get the same coverage limits, optional add-ons and discounts. However, some companies do offer an advance quote or advance purchase discount for those that shop early.

How reliable are instant car insurance policies?

Although “instant car insurance” may sound less reliable than traditional policies, they’re the same as a typical auto insurance policy. The only real downside to instant car policies is that you may feel rushed to purchase coverage right away without doing your homework. That could result in paying too much.

If you have more time — even just a few more hours — researching other insurers and requesting quotes could help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars. 

Kat Tretina

 

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Kat Tretina is an insurance expert and freelance writer specializing in personal finance and insurance. Her work has appeared in top publications like U.S. News, Money.com and The Wall Street Journal’s Buy Side. She helps readers make informed decisions about money, budgeting and car insurance.