How quickly can you get car insurance?
Most insurance companies offer same-day coverage, and it takes about 10 minutes to fill out an application. Having the right information on hand will help make the process quicker.
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Written by
Rachel Bodine |
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Reviewed by
Daniel Walker
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UPDATED: Nov 30, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 30, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Although there are some exceptions, most insurance companies offer same-day coverage
- The application process usually takes about 10 minutes, but you’ll need to have some basic information on hand to make things go smoothly
- To make the application process as quick as possible, you should research companies and know what types of coverage you need
Car insurance is vitally important to keep you and your car protected on the road. It’s also required in most states before you can legally drive or register a vehicle.
Researching your options and finding quotes can take some time, but doing so beforehand can save time on your application when you need car insurance now. It is possible to find auto insurance quotes fast. Most car insurance companies offer a quick online application, but you should know which types of coverage you need.
Read on to learn more about how long it takes to get car insurance and what information you should have on hand when you apply. Then, compare quotes, so you know which company might offer the rates for you.
Table of Contents
How long does it take to get car insurance?
While you might get lucky and find the perfect quote after a few minutes, you should plan to spend an hour looking for insurance. If you’re getting car insurance for the first time, you will spend longer looking for coverage. However, even people with preexisting policies need time to examine their options.
One of the fastest ways to buy insurance quickly is to use a quote generator, which allows you to input a few pieces of basic information in exchange for rates from multiple companies. While you can request individual quotes from companies one at a time, it will take much longer to find the lowest prices.
It also takes longer to shop for car insurance if you don’t have all the information you need. You can save time by making sure you know your vehicle’s make and model, plus the age, license number, and social security number for each driver on the policy.
Some steps in the shopping process are worth taking time for, though. For example, looking at company reviews will make finding car insurance quickly a little harder. However, it’s worth taking the time to research your options so you can find the right company for you.
How long does a car insurance application take?
When you want to get car insurance online, the application process is usually quick. You can get a fast auto insurance quote in about 10 minutes once you decide which company to apply with.
While an insurance application is usually fast, it’ll take longer if you don’t have the right information ready. Make sure to have the following facts before you start your application:
- Full names of everyone who will be on the policy
- Social security numbers for all drivers
- Birthdays of all drivers
- License numbers for all drivers
- VINs for all vehicles to be insured on the policy
While many companies can look up your previous insurance information for you, you should also get the declarations page from your last policy if you have access to it.
Most companies offer same-day car insurance, meaning you’ll probably be approved instantly.
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How long does it take to get a car insured?
No matter how long it takes to complete your application, insurance can become active once you complete it and make your first payment. You can also select a later date for your coverage to become active. In fact, some companies will give you a discount if you wait seven days between signing up for a policy and it starting.
Since you’ll likely get a discount when you get insurance online, you should try to give yourself enough time to look for a new policy.
Are there ways to save time shopping for car insurance?
The standard process of getting quick car insurance is usually easy, but there are ways to cut that time down even further. You can keep your application time down with the following tips.
Understand Your Coverage Options for Fast Car Insurance Quotes
There are a variety of options when it comes to insurance. Most states require a minimum amount of insurance before you can drive or register a vehicle, while car loans or leases typically require full coverage. The most commonly purchased types of insurance are:
- Liability. Liability auto insurance covers damage you cause to property and injuries to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. It does not cover damage to your car.
- Comprehensive. If you want your car insurance to pay for repairs for unexpected damage, you need comprehensive auto coverage. Comprehensive covers damage from fire, weather, vandalism, animal contact, and theft.
- Collision. Collision insurance pays for repairs to your car after an accident, no matter who is at fault. It also covers you if you hit a stationary object like a tree.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist. Although most states require insurance, not all drivers follow the law. Uninsured motorist insurance protects you from people driving without coverage.
- Personal injury protection/medical payments. Medical bills can get expensive after a car accident. Medical payments and personal injury protection coverage help pay for health care expenses for you and your passengers.
Understanding the different types of car insurance is an important step to get auto insurance today. Trying to figure out which insurance you need while applying can significantly increase the time it takes.
Gather Your Information to Get Quick Car Insurance
You read above how much information you need to apply for car insurance, so making sure you have the documents you need to get car insurance will help you get same-day auto insurance.
It’s especially important if you plan on including multiple people in your policy. Your insurance company will evaluate every driver on the policy, so you’ll need information for everyone on the policy.
Do Your Research for Same-Day Auto Insurance
Aside from coverage options, there are several other factors to consider when you’re looking for car insurance.
One of the most important things to look at is a company’s customer service ratings. Excellent places to look at these ratings include the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the Better Business Bureau.
You should also consider financial strength ratings, which you can find with A.M. Best. You’ll want to shop at a financially stable company so that any future claims you might make will be paid.
Find the Best Quick Car Insurance Today
When you need quick coverage, you can buy auto insurance online instantly with a little research and preparation. Once you’ve gathered the right information, filling out an application should take about 10 minutes.
Comparing quotes with as many companies as possible is one of the best ways to save time on your insurance application. Looking at several companies before deciding will also help you find the most affordable policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to add someone to your insurance?
Adding someone to your insurance policy is usually an easy, quick process and can normally be completed in an hour. The fastest way to add a new driver to your insurance is to call a representative. They’ll ask for some basic information, then tell you how much your rates will increase.
Can you get insurance on the same day as an accident?
While you can buy insurance the same day as you get into an accident, it won’t cover anything that happened before it becomes active. If you try to claim an accident on a policy you didn’t have, you’re committing insurance fraud.
Can you get same-day car insurance?
When you need car insurance now, most major insurance companies will sell you a policy that becomes immediately active. Your fastest option for coverage is to get a quote online, but you can also speak directly to a representative on the phone or in person.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
|
Written by
Rachel Bodine |
|
Reviewed by
Daniel Walker
|