How many days after purchase do you have to get auto insurance?
Coverage grace periods vary by state and insurance policy, typically ranging from 7 to 30 days. Learn more on how many days you have to get insurance after buying a new or used car.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
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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: Sep 4, 2024
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
Getting auto insurance is extremely important for your financial health, as well as a legal requirement in most states. How many days do you have to get insurance for your new car? Should you buy it before getting the new car or afterward? If you have another car, do you simply add the new car to your existing policy or will it be automatically covered? Read on to learn more.
- If you already have auto insurance, you will have seven to 30 days to add your new car to your existing policy
- The new car will be covered by your existing policy for a maximum of 30 days
- If you are replacing your car, your existing policy will cover your new car for the duration of the policy
How many days do you have to insure a new car?
Depending on the state you reside in and your insurance company’s rules, you will have a grace period of seven to 30 days to inform your insurance provider of your new car purchase. It acts the same way as a grace period for car insurance payments, meaning there are factors that will decide the amount of time and if it’s even a possibility.
If you are purchasing a new car from a dealership, you will need proof of insurance to drive the car out of their lot. You will not get possession of your car if you do not have insurance.
If you are buying your first car, you can purchase a policy from the dealership. If you already have insurance on another car, you can simply show your insurance card and drive the car home. From there — and depending upon where you live — you will have between seven to 30 days to add your new car to your existing policy.
If you fail to notify your insurer in the given window, your car will not have coverage.
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Will a new car be covered by the current policy?
Your new car will be covered by your existing policy for a maximum of 30 days. The exact duration will depend on the state you live in and the insurance company. However, it is important to note that this is not free coverage.
If you don’t report the purchase to your insurance company, you will not have been covered that whole time, and any claim that happens during that time can be denied. Coverage will be backdated and you will be charged from the date you bought the car, so waiting gains you nothing.
You will have a window of seven to 30 days to insure your new car on its own policy.
Trading Your Car
When you trade your old car for a new one, your new car will have the exact same amount of coverage as the existing policy.
If you trade in a car, you can simply replace the old one with the new one on your policy. However, if you fail to report the replacement vehicle, the insurance company will not necessarily cover any claims. Failing to provide this updated information can be considered fraud, as you were potentially not paying the correct rate for that new car’s coverage.
Understanding Your Auto Insurance Options When Buying a Car
When you purchase a new or used vehicle, one of the first considerations should be how and when to insure it. This section offers a detailed look at the insurance requirements and grace periods, ensuring you’re fully covered from the moment you take ownership.
Immediate Insurance Requirements for New and Used Cars
Insurance Before Driving Off the Lot:
- At a Dealership: Dealerships require proof of insurance before you can drive your new or used car off the lot. This policy needs to meet or exceed the minimum liability coverage required by your state.
- Private Seller Purchases: While a private seller may not demand to see proof of insurance, it’s legally required to have at least minimum liability coverage before driving the vehicle on public roads.
Setting Up Insurance Before Purchase:
- It’s advisable to arrange your insurance at least a day before picking up the vehicle. Contact insurance providers with the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car you intend to buy, compare quotes, and set up a policy to activate on the day of purchase.
State-Specific Grace Periods for Adding a New Vehicle to an Existing Policy
While many insurance policies provide a grace period for adding a new vehicle to an existing policy, this period can vary significantly:
- General Grace Periods: Most insurers offer a grace period that ranges from 7 to 30 days, allowing you to notify your insurer about the new purchase and update your policy accordingly. This grace period is critical because it ensures continuity of coverage under the terms of your existing policy.
- State Variations:
- Illinois and Georgia: Require that new vehicles be added within 7 to 30 days to retain full coverage under the terms of your existing policy.
- Florida and California: These states typically require that any new vehicle be reported to your insurance within 14 days to ensure that the coverage extends to the new vehicle.
Important Note: Always verify the specific requirements and grace period with your current insurance provider, as failing to comply can lead to a lapse in coverage.
How to Efficiently Add a New Car to Your Insurance Policy
Steps to Insure Your New Vehicle:
- Inform Your Insurer: As soon as you’ve agreed to purchase a new or used car, contact your insurance company with the make, model, and VIN of the vehicle.
- Review Coverage Options: Decide if your current coverage levels are appropriate for the new vehicle or if adjustments are needed. This might include increasing liability limits or adding comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Update Your Policy: Officially add the vehicle to your policy by the end of the grace period to ensure seamless coverage. Provide any additional information your insurer may require and confirm the start date of the coverage.
Consequences of Not Securing Insurance Within the Grace Period
Risks of Delaying Insurance Activation:
- Lapse in Coverage: If you do not add the new vehicle to your policy within the grace period, you risk having no insurance coverage, which is illegal and exposes you to significant financial risk if an accident occurs.
- Backdating Premiums: Should you report the vehicle after the grace period but still within a reasonable time, the insurer may backdate the coverage but also charge you for the premium retroactively to the date of purchase.
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How to Get Auto Insurance Quickly
If you don’t have insurance, you must buy it before you can drive the new car. Research is a must here. If you buy insurance at the dealership, you may end up paying more for it. To get the best price on auto insurance, decide on a car make and model and then compare quotes from multiple insurers. Finding cheap auto insurance quotes can easily be done online nowadays. You can then decide on a company that is offering the best price.
These are the documents you will need:
- Drivers’ names and birthdays
- Address for the drivers (only drivers living at the same address can be on the same policy)
- Drivers’ license and Social Security numbers
If you have done your research and keep these documents ready, you can get the car insurance policy on the same day.
We’ve compiled a list in the table below of each state’s minimum liability coverage requirements, in partnership with the Insurance Information Institute.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements by State
State | Insurance required | Minimum liability limits |
---|---|---|
AL | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
AK | BI & PD Liab | 50/100/25 |
AZ | BI & PD Liab | 15/30/10 |
AR | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 25/50/25 |
CA | BI & PD Liab | 15/30/5 |
CO | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/15 |
CT | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
DE | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 25/50/10 |
DC | BI & PD Liab, UM | 25/50/10 |
FL | PD Liab, PIP | 10/20/10 |
GA | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
HI | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 20/40/10 |
ID | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/15 |
IL | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
IN | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
IA | BI & PD Liab | 20/40/15 |
KS | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 25/50/25 |
KY | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
LA | BI & PD Liab | 15/30/25 |
ME | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM, Medpay | 50/100/25 |
MD | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 30/60/15 |
MA | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 20/40/5 |
MI | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 20/40/10 |
MN | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 30/60/10 |
MS | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
MO | BI & PD Liab, UM | 25/50/25 |
MT | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/20 |
NE | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
NV | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/20 |
NH | FR only | 25/50/25 |
NJ | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 15/30/5 |
NM | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/10 |
NY | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/10 |
NC | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 30/60/25 |
ND | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
OH | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
OK | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
OR | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
PA | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 15/30/5 |
RI | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
SC | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
SD | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
TN | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/15 |
TX | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 30/60/25 |
UT | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 25/65/15 |
VT | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/10 |
VA | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
WA | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/10 |
WV | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
WI | BI & PD Liab, UM, Medpay | 25/50/10 |
WY | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/20 |
For reference:
- BI – Bodily injury
- PD Liab – Property damage liability
- UM/UIM – Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist
- Medpay – Medical payments
Final Thoughts on the Timeline for Getting Car Insurance
If this is your first car, the dealership will not let you drive it off their lot without an insurance policy. Therefore, your best bet is to compare insurance quotes before you buy the car in order to get the best price.
If you already have a car with auto insurance, you can show your insurance card when you buy the new one. You will then have a seven-to-30-day window to inform your insurer of your purchase, and they will cover your new car during this period. If you fail to inform them, you will lose coverage and the lack of coverage will be backdated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to add a new car to my insurance policy?
Typically, you have between 7 to 30 days if you have existing auto insurance. This grace period allows you to notify your insurer about the new vehicle and adjust your policy accordingly.
What factors affect auto insurance rates?
Several factors can influence auto insurance rates, including the driver’s age, driving history, location, type of vehicle, coverage options, and credit score.
What types of coverage are available in auto insurance?
Auto insurance typically offers various types of coverage, including liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage), collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage.
Can I change my auto insurance policy anytime?
Yes, you can change your auto insurance policy anytime. However, it’s important to consider the cancellation policy, potential fees, and the availability of coverage from another provider before making any changes.
What happens if I drive without auto insurance?
Driving without auto insurance is illegal in most jurisdictions. If caught, you may face penalties such as fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even legal consequences. Moreover, you will be responsible for any damages or injuries you cause in an accident.
Can I get auto insurance if I have a bad driving record?
Yes, it is possible to obtain auto insurance with a bad driving record, but it may be more challenging and expensive. Insurance companies may consider you a higher risk, resulting in higher premiums. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different providers can help you find the best options available.
Can I use my personal auto insurance for business purposes?
Generally, personal auto insurance policies do not cover vehicles used for business purposes. If you frequently use your vehicle for business activities, such as transporting goods or passengers for a fee, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy.
Are there any discounts available for auto insurance?
Yes, many insurance companies offer various discounts for auto insurance. Common discounts include safe driver discounts, multi-vehicle discounts, bundling policies, good student discounts, and discounts for safety features installed in the vehicle. Check with your insurance provider to see which discounts you may qualify for.
Do I need insurance to drive a new car off the lot?
Yes, most dealerships will require proof of insurance before allowing you to take possession of the vehicle.
Can I drive a new car home without insurance?
Driving without insurance is illegal and risky. If you’re caught or involved in an accident, you could face severe penalties.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
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.