How long does it take to get car insurance? (2023)
You can get auto insurance now online or over the phone. Many insurance companies start your coverage the same day you purchase your policy. If you’re shopping for auto insurance, find and compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rates in your area.
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UPDATED: Jan 25, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 25, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance 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
- You can start your car insurance coverage the same day you pay for your policy with most auto insurance companies
- Applying for auto insurance often takes 30 minutes or less, and many companies allow you to get insurance online, over the phone, or in person
- You’ll need to have personal information like your driver’s license and VPN on hand to buy auto insurance
It can feel daunting to purchase your first car insurance policy, but many companies make the process quick and simple. As long as you know what you’re looking for, you should be able to buy car insurance without much hassle, and many companies allow you to start auto insurance today as soon as you pay for your policy.
Before you start shopping, you must know what types of coverage you’re interested in. Learning more about coverage options, like liability, collision, and comprehensive car insurance, can help you decide what you need and can afford when purchasing your coverage.
Remember to find and compare quotes from at least three local companies in your area. When you compare quotes online, you’ll be able to ensure you don’t pay too much for your coverage.
How long does it take to get car insurance?
Buying car insurance can take just a few minutes, but it’s a good idea to plan for an hour or two so you’re not overwhelmed by the process.
You may want to take time before you buy auto insurance to shop online and compare car insurance companies. It’s also a good idea to research different coverage options before you buy a policy to know what you’re looking for.
To get a fast auto insurance quote, you’ll need personal information along with your driver’s license number, vehicle make and model, and social security number. You can compare quotes the same day you want to purchase car insurance, but the process will take a bit longer.
Many people like to read customer reviews before buying car insurance to get a good idea of the companies with the best customer service departments and claim handling procedures.
Does it take a long time to apply for car insurance?
Auto insurance companies typically have short application processes. Because of this, it can take as little as five to 10 minutes to apply for a car insurance policy.
When you apply for coverage, you may need some or all of the following information:
- Full names of all drivers on the policy
- Dates of birth of all drivers on the policy
- Driver’s license numbers of all drivers on the policy
- Social security numbers of all drivers on the policy
- Your Vehicle Information Number (VIN)
- Your current address
- Information from your most recent auto insurance policy (if applicable)
You can have all the information above when applying for coverage to get quick car insurance. Suppose an insurance company asks for information you are not able or willing to share. In that case, you may have to speak with a company representative to see if you are still eligible for coverage.
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How long does it take before a car insurance policy starts?
Your car insurance can go into effect immediately after you purchase your policy, or you can choose to start your policy later if you’re waiting for your current coverage to end.
If you need same-day car insurance or to buy coverage immediately, research the best car insurance companies that sell online policies in your area.
Most companies allow you to choose your start date for coverage. However, if you know you need your coverage to start immediately, ensure that’s possible when you apply for coverage. You can call and speak with a company representative before you buy if you have questions about your coverage.
Are there ways I can get quick car insurance?
The process of purchasing car insurance is normally quick, but you may be able to do a few things to make it go even faster.
Know How Much Coverage You Need
There are several types of car insurance coverage to choose from. Do some research ahead of time to learn about the coverage you want on your vehicle.
For example, are you looking for a liability-only car insurance policy? Do you want full coverage to ensure you and your vehicle are more adequately protected? Are there add-on coverage options you know you want?
Making these decisions will help you save time when you search for quotes and apply for car insurance coverage.
Have Your Personal Information Ready
Have everything you need on hand before applying for car insurance coverage, such as your driver’s license, social security, personal information of anyone else on the policy, and your VIN. You should also have your car insurance declarations page if you’ve had auto insurance coverage.
Research Car Insurance Companies
Before you buy insurance, it’s a good idea to research any company you’re considering to learn more about it.
For example, how do customers feel about the company’s customer service? Does the company have a good process for handling car insurance claims?
Doing research ahead of time will help you save time when you apply for coverage, and it will also allow you to avoid purchasing a policy with a company you wouldn’t like.
Buying Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
Buying car insurance is not very complicated, but you can do a few things to make it even easier. First, prepare your personal information and decide what type of coverage you want before comparing car insurance quotes.
Once you find and compare quotes from different companies, choose the company that offers the coverage you’re looking for at the best price. Review any company you’re considering before deciding to ensure you will be happy with your policy.
You may be able to save money on your coverage with car insurance discounts. Speak with a company representative if you’d like to learn more about your options
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get added to a person’s car insurance?
You can often add a new driver to a current insurance policy in just a few minutes. You’ll need that person’s personal information, like age, birthday, and driver’s license number.
Can I get car insurance on the same day as an accident?
You can purchase car insurance the same day as a car accident, but your new coverage will not help with any damage that occurred before you purchased the policy. So if you get in a car accident and don’t have proper car insurance, you’ll have to pay for damages out of pocket.
Can I get same-day car insurance coverage?
Many car insurance companies offer same-day coverage, but it depends on the company and the state where you live. You can ask for same-day coverage to ensure coverage will go into effect immediately before purchasing a policy.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.