Same-Day Car Insurance With Online Quotes (2024)

GEICO, Allstate, and Nationwide are companies to consider if you’re looking to buy same-day car insurance.

Bob Phillips
Written byBob Phillips
Bob Phillips
Bob Phillips
  • 15+ years in personal finance advising and writing

  • Holds Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation

Bob has spent 15+ years helping people plan their financial lives. As a freelance writer, he’s covered insurance, mutual funds, stocks and bonds, and more.

Featured in

media logomedia logo
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

Featured in

media logomedia logo
Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
  • Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Updated March 26, 2024

Save up to $717 by comparing quotes from the top 100+ insurance companies

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers
Advertiser Disclosure

At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.

We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.

Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.

While securing car insurance before you need it allows you more flexibility, other factors sometimes get in the way. Life gets busy, and the day you need to renew your car insurance or get new coverage may come sooner than expected. Fortunately, you can purchase same-day car insurance from many major car insurers.

If you’re a new driver buying your first car, you can purchase same-day car insurance to legally drive off the dealership lot. You can get quotes, apply for a policy online, and have a policy issued all in the same day.

Quick Facts
  • An auto coverage lapse can lead to higher insurance premiums in the future.

  • Auto coverage usually becomes effective immediately after you purchase the policy.

  • You need to provide information about yourself, your vehicle, and any other drivers in your household when you purchase auto coverage.[1]

The best same-day car insurance companies

Though the availability of same-day car insurance is quick and convenient, it can cost you more than purchasing coverage ahead of your renewal date. Some insurers offer advanced quote discounts if you buy car insurance at least seven days before the policy’s effective date. You’d miss out on this discount if you purchase coverage the same day you need it.

Buying same-day insurance can mean you’ll miss out on other discounts, too, because some online car insurance quote tools don’t automatically include all your qualifying discounts.

Major car insurance companies like GEICO and Allstate provide some of the best same-day coverage options.

Find Same-Day Car Insurance

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers
Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Monthly Quote: Full Coverage IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
GEICO$125$1784.3
Allstate$146$2124.1
Nationwide$167$1824.1
Liberty Mutual$198$2843.8
Hugo$138N/A3.0
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
  • Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.

    Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.

GEICO

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++

A highly recognizable name in car insurance, GEICO is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The company started out as the Government Employees Insurance Company, serving U.S. government workers and military personnel. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO also sells homeowner, flood insurance, life insurance, business insurance, and identity protection, among other products. A.M. Best gives GEICO its highest rating for financial stability and credit. However, GEICO has nearly twice as many complaints as expected in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Good rates for good drivers, seniors, and young drivers

  • Accident forgiveness available

Cons
  • High rates for drivers with certain violations, like DUIs

  • No rideshare or new car replacement coverage available

Radera - March 26, 2024
Verified

Don't Recommend

I wouldn't recommend them. They seem to look for any reason to cancel your policy.

Jan - March 25, 2024
Verified

Average

Rigid on pricing.

Linda - March 23, 2024
Verified

Best for the Money

They were helpful in trying to lower my bill.
Read our GEICO review

The third-largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, GEICO offers eligible customers generous bundling discounts for having more than one policy with the company, as well as discounts of up to 25% for insuring more than one vehicle.

GEICO earned an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 4.3 out of 5 — the highest of the car insurers reviewed here. On average, drivers pay $125 per month for liability and $178 for full coverage.

Auto coverage from GEICO works well for drivers with additional insurance policies, as well as people who want a company that does business in most states in case they need to relocate to a different state. Drivers with past moving violations face increased rates and may find cheaper coverage elsewhere.

Allstate

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.2
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
833
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-

Founded by Sears department store executives in 1931, Allstate offers auto, home, motorcycle, ATV, renters, condo, and term life insurance. Operating in all 50 states, the company has superior ratings from A.M. Best for financial strength and credit. However, Allstate has many negative reviews on consumer websites, and a slightly higher-than-average complaint rating in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Consumer Complaint Index. Allstate offers many discounts, including for good students, multiple policies, bundling auto and home insurance, new vehicles, safe driving, and good payment history.

Pros
  • Well-established with superior ratings from A.M. Best

  • Pay-per-mile option available

Cons
  • Low customer satisfaction

  • Rates are merely average compared to other insurers

Anitra - March 26, 2024
Verified

Fair

I'm not happy with the way they changed my policy. The price went from $122 to $401.

Palline - March 26, 2024
Verified

I feel discouraged

Customer service varies greatly depending on the agent.

Sherry - March 25, 2024
Verified

Happy Camper

Any time I call for clarification on a question, it's handled immediately and in a manner I can understand. I have confidence in the office I deal with and I am assured that I receive all my discounts.
Read our Allstate review

Allstate, the fourth-largest U.S. auto insurer, also offers same-day car insurance. Even though it’s been around since 1931, Allstate continues to evolve its offerings in the car insurance industry.

For example, Allstate started offering discounts for safe drivers in 1960, introduced a telematics-based program in 2010, and a telematics-based app in 2014. With telematics, Allstate can collect information about your mileage and driving habits, rewarding you with discounts for good habits like driving the speed limit and proper braking.

Many low-mileage drivers can benefit from the Milewise telematics program by allowing Allstate to track their mileage in exchange for lower rates.

Compared to other insurers of its size, Allstate has a higher-than-average number of customer complaints on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index. Allstate’s IQ Score is 4.1, and coverage costs $146 per month for liability-only coverage and $212 for full coverage, on average.

Nationwide

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.1
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+

In business since 1925, Nationwide is one of the largest insurers, and sells car, homeowners, life insurance, umbrella insurance, and more. In addition to liability, collision and comprehensive, Nationwide provides optional coverages such as towing and labor, rental car, and gap. The company also offers accident forgiveness, and a vanishing deductible that lowers your deductible for each year you drive safely. Nationwide has an A+ rating from A.M. Best for financial stability, and an only slightly higher-than-expected number of customer complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Numerous discount and savings opportunities

  • SmartRide (for safe drivers) and SmartMiles (for low-mileage drivers)

Cons
  • Not available in every state

  • Some discounts and programs not available in all states

John - March 25, 2024
Verified

No Explanation

They should explain why they raised the premium for car insurance by 78%.

William - March 22, 2024
Verified

They are very fair

'Nationwide is on your side' says it all.

Bobbie - March 16, 2024
Verified

Excellent

Nationwide is a great insurance company, but the cost is high.
Read our Nationwide review

Founded in 1926, Nationwide offers same-day car insurance, at $182 per month for full coverage and $167 for liability-only coverage on average. The company provides policyholders with a variety of customizable coverage options.

Nationwide also offers plenty of opportunities to help you save, such as discounts for having anti-theft devices, completing a defensive driving course, maintaining a “B” average or better as a high school or college student, or insuring more than one vehicle.

Nationwide earned an IQ Score of 4.1 and an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best. The company has fewer local offices compared to two of its major competitors, State Farm and Allstate, largely because it now works exclusively with more than 11,000 independent agents across the country. Nationwide also has a higher-than-average number of customer complaints on the NAIC complaint index.

Liberty Mutual

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.8
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A

In business for more than 100 years, Liberty Mutual offers auto, homeowners, condo, renters, flood, life and other insurance products. Policyholders have access to numerous discounts, including bundling, good student, military, student-away-at-school, claims-free, violation-free, and multi-car discounts. Liberty Mutual has an A rating for financial strength from A.M. Best and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, the company has three times the expected rate of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index, and low ratings on consumer review sites Trustpilot and Sitejabber.

Pros
  • Wide range of available discounts

  • Accident forgiveness available

Cons
  • Many negative reviews and customer complaints

  • Premiums are relatively high compared to industry average

Teresa - March 25, 2024
Verified

High rates

In my opinion, the rates are high.

Judith - March 24, 2024
Verified

Frustrated and Disappointed!

Starting my policy a month behind without informing me was the first mistake. Having to wait on hold for mediocre customer service is very frustrating!

Roberta - March 24, 2024
Verified

Some Good and Some Bad!

Be sure to compare rates.
Read our Liberty Mutual review

Liberty Mutual is the sixth-largest auto insurer in the United States and the fifth-largest global property and casualty insurer, based on 2022 gross written premiums. While most car insurers raise your rates after an accident, Liberty Mutual offers accident forgiveness coverage that protects your rates from an increase after your first at-fault accident.

Liberty Mutual earned an IQ Score of 3.8. Of all the insurers included in this list, Liberty Mutual has the highest average monthly rates, at $198 for liability-only coverage and $284 for full coverage.

Liberty Mutual has unique car insurance coverage that works well for teachers concerned about vehicle damage from vandalism while parked on school property. However, Liberty Mutual scored below average in most regions in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study that measures customer satisfaction.[2]

Hugo

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NR

Launched in 2021, Hugo is currently the only insurance company offering on-demand car insurance. Drivers open an account with Hugo without paying a down payment, and choose their policy term. Hugo sells policies for three, seven, 14, or 30 days, and offers three tiers of coverage: flex, which meets state-minimum liability requirements; basic, which adds medical and accidental death coverage to liability, and full, which adds comprehensive and collision to the basic plan. Using the Hugo app, drivers can turn coverage on and off so they only pay for the days when they’re actually using the coverage.

Pros
  • Short-term policies

  • No down payment required

  • Flexible, pay-as-you-go insurance

Cons
  • Only available in 13 states

  • No discounts and limited options to customize coverages

Ronald - March 8, 2024
Verified

Hugo gradually increases prices like other insurance companies

I was initially fond of Hugo. However, over the past year, they have increased their rates by almost $1 per day, which amounts to $30 per month. This increase happened despite no changes on my end, except for turning 35, an age I thought would result in a decrease in my rates.

Leo - March 4, 2024
Verified

Great Option for Liability Coverage

Excellent.

Britany - February 26, 2024
Verified

Excellent

So far, so good.
Read our Hugo review

A relative new-comer to the auto insurance marketplace, Hugo launched in January 2021. The insurer offers on-demand car insurance in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Policy offerings vary depending on state.

Hugo says it allows drivers to open an account and secure proof of insurance in less than six minutes. The company charges no upfront fees or down payment, and policyholders can make "micropayments" for coverage terms of three days to six months at a time, depending on the plan they purchase. Drivers can use the Hugo app to pause and restart coverage, so they only pay for days when they actually need coverage.

Although Hugo doesn't have an A.M. Best rating or J.D. Power score, it does have 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, and a rating of very good from Consumers Advocate.

Methodology

Data scientists at Insurify analyzed more than 40 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partner providers across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates. With this data, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how companies price their car insurance premiums.

What’s same-day car insurance?

Same-day car insurance simply describes any auto coverage that takes effect immediately after you purchase the policy. To buy same-day auto insurance, you simply visit an insurance company’s website or comparison website, get your quote, and apply for coverage. Insurers offering same-day coverage typically approve or decline the coverage in hours rather than days.

Similar to many products that you pay extra for convenience’s sake, same-day car insurance may cost more than if you buy coverage before the effective date. You won’t earn a discount many insurers offer if you apply for coverage a week or so before you need coverage.

Why might you need same-day car insurance?

You might need same-day coverage in a couple different scenarios.

First, you may need same-day car insurance to legally drive a new car off the dealership’s property. In most states, it’s illegal to drive without purchasing the minimum-required car insurance, and most dealerships won’t let you take possession of the car until you provide proof of insurance. If you don’t already have car insurance in advance, you might need to find same-day coverage.

Important Information

If you lease or finance your vehicle, your leasing company or lender will likely require you to carry full coverage, which includes liability, collision, and comprehensive.

You might also need same-day coverage if your current coverage is about to lapse. Many insurers raise your rates if you have a lapse in coverage.[3]If your coverage expires today, and you don’t want to renew your current policy, you should buy same-day coverage.

Same-day car insurance pros and cons

Pros
  • Can help you avoid a lapse in coverage

  • Will allow you to legally drive a new car off the dealership lot

  • Takes hours to be approved rather than days

Cons
  • You might miss out on discounts you’d otherwise qualify for

  • You may pay higher rates than if you had time to compare quotes

  • A collector or classic car may not qualify for same-day coverage

How to choose same-day car insurance

You have many factors to consider before buying same-day car insurance. Asking yourself the following questions might save you some time and help you more easily navigate the process.

Would you keep this insurance long term?

When you buy car insurance, you want to consider if you plan to stay with the insurer for the long term. Some car insurers provide loyalty discounts to policy owners who stay with the company for several years.

In addition to considering the money you might save with future loyalty discounts, look into whether your top choice has a reputation for quality service. Some companies with appealing low rates may have a history of poor claims service and dissatisfied customers.

Does the insurer offer the coverage you need?

Beyond comparing insurance costs, you need to make sure the company meets your particular insurance needs and financial situation. If you have an accident and don’t have sufficient coverage, you could have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket that your insurer could otherwise cover.

If you get car insurance quotes from multiple insurers, compare them with the same coverage factors for the type of coverage, policy limits, and deductibles. You don’t want to sacrifice protection to save a few dollars a month.

Keep Reading: How Much Does Insurance Increase After an Accident?

Keep Reading: How Much Does Insurance Increase After an Accident?

Can you download insurance cards instantly?

It depends on the insurer. Many larger car insurance companies let you download your insurance identification cards on a computer or from a mobile app on your smartphone.

If you’re ready to drive your new car from a dealership immediately after purchasing it, you may need to first show proof of insurance.

Having access to instantly download your insurance card can also be helpful if you have a car accident or get pulled over by law enforcement. Driving without proof of insurance coverage can also result in a ticket. Depending on the state, you may also face license or registration suspension, and hundreds of dollars in fines.

Do you qualify for discounts?

Discounts can make a big difference in your monthly premium. For example, some insurers offer savings of up to 25% for insuring multiple vehicles with them. This can add up, especially when considering how much you can save each year.

You also want to see if you qualify for other discounts with the insurer, like purchasing more than one type of coverage (called bundling), insuring multiple vehicles, maintaining good grades, or having a clean driving record.

Find Same-Day Car Insurance

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

Same-day car insurance FAQs

Purchasing car insurance to avoid a lapse in coverage or drive a new car off the lot can cause stressors, but it doesn’t need to. Here’s what you should know before purchasing same-day car insurance.

  • How far in advance can you buy a car insurance policy?

    Car insurers typically don’t have rules dictating how far in advance you buy a car insurance policy, but you should start shopping when you receive the renewal notice from your current insurer.

    Renewal notices typically come between 30 and 60 days before your policy renews, giving you plenty of time to gather information and do some comparison shopping.

  • How long does it take car insurance to kick in after you’ve applied?

    With same-day car insurance, your coverage starts the same day you applied for it, if approved.

    However, when you buy car insurance without needing it the same day, it could take a few days or longer for coverage to take effect, depending on the underwriting process speed of the insurance company you selected.

  • Can you get same-day insurance for multiple cars?

    Yes. Just like purchasing car insurance before the effective date, a same-day policy offers the option of insuring multiple vehicles. Make sure you have complete information for each vehicle when you apply, such as the VIN, car make and model, and current mileage.

  • How long does same-day car insurance last?

    Standard auto insurance policies typically have six-month or 12-moth terms. If you want to lock in your rate for a longer period, a 12-month term is best.

  • Can you cancel same-day car insurance?

    You’ll need to check your policy to see the cancellation provisions, but you can typically cancel your car insurance at any time for a full or partial refund of the unused premium. Some companies have an early cancellation fee or penalty. If you cancel coverage to go with another insurer, avoid a lapse in coverage between the cancellation of your old policy and the start of your new one.

Sources

  1. Insurance Information Institute. "What information do I need to give to my agent or company?." Accessed May 11, 2023
  2. J.D. Power. "Usage-Based Auto Insurance Takes Center Stage as Satisfaction Flatlines, J.D. Power Finds." Accessed May 11, 2023
  3. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "A Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance." Accessed May 11, 2023

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

Latest Articles

View all