How long does it take to get car insurance? (2024)
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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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Nov 27, 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.
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: Nov 27, 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.
Can I buy car insurance online? You might consider taking some time before purchasing auto insurance through online shopping 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.
Exploring Case Studies: Getting Car Insurance in Different Scenarios
Case Study 1: Same-Day Coverage
John needs car insurance urgently as he just purchased a new vehicle. He decides to compare quotes from different insurance companies online. After reviewing multiple options, he chooses Company A, which offers the coverage he needs at a competitive price.
John completes the online application, providing all the required information. Within a few minutes, he receives a confirmation email stating that his policy is active immediately. John is relieved to have secured car insurance the same day he purchased his vehicle.
Case Study 2: Research and Quick Purchase
Samantha is a first-time car owner and wants to ensure she gets the best car insurance policy. She spends some time researching coverage options and reading customer reviews of different insurance companies. After gathering sufficient information, Samantha decides to get quotes from three local companies.
She fills out the necessary details online and compares the quotes. Based on the coverage and price, she chooses Company B. Samantha completes the online application, and within 10 minutes, she receives a policy confirmation with a start date of her choosing.
Case Study 3: Immediate Coverage After an Accident
Mark gets into a car accident and realizes he doesn’t have car insurance. He understands the importance of having coverage and wants to secure it immediately. Mark contacts several insurance companies and finds one that offers same-day coverage.
He provides the necessary information over the phone and purchases the policy. The company informs Mark that the coverage will start immediately, but any damage from the accident that occurred before the policy purchase will not be covered.
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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.
Can I get car insurance instantly?
Yes, it is possible to get car insurance instantly in some cases. Many insurance companies offer online or phone services that allow you to get a quote, customize your coverage, and purchase a policy within minutes. However, it’s important to note that the actual policy documents may take some time to be issued and sent to you.
How can I speed up the process of getting car insurance?
To expedite the process of getting car insurance, gather all the necessary information before contacting the insurance company or visiting their website. Having your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and any relevant documents readily available can help streamline the process.
Do insurance companies require any documentation to issue car insurance?
Yes, insurance companies may require documentation such as proof of ownership or vehicle registration, proof of your driver’s license, and any additional documentation related to your specific situation, such as proof of prior insurance or documents for specialized coverage.
Do insurance companies require any documentation to issue car insurance?
Yes, insurance companies may require documentation such as proof of ownership or vehicle registration, proof of your driver’s license, and any additional documentation related to your specific situation, such as proof of prior insurance or documents for specialized coverage.
Are there any factors that can cause delays in getting car insurance?
Yes, certain factors can cause delays in obtaining car insurance. These can include issues such as incomplete or inaccurate information provided, additional verification required by the insurance company, or specific circumstances that require further underwriting or evaluation.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
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.