How to Get Auto Insurance on the Weekend
Even though most in-person insurance agencies aren’t open on Saturday and Sunday, you can call or get a quote online if you need insurance on the weekend.
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Written byAnna Baluch
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4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
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Edited byKatie Powers
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Updated November 19, 2024
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Table of contents
You may find yourself in a situation where you need car insurance on the weekend. Maybe you’d like to buy or lease a car and you need proof of insurance. Or perhaps you want temporary coverage. Even though many major car insurance companies aren’t open on the weekends, it’s still possible for drivers to lock in coverage on Saturday or Sunday.
Here’s how you can get car insurance on the weekend.
Quick Facts
Nationwide, GEICO, and State Farm are three of the top car insurance companies that let you buy coverage on the weekend.
Depending on the auto insurer, you can buy an auto policy online, through a mobile app, or through an insurance broker or agent.
Temporary car insurance that lasts for a short time might be a good idea if you want to test-drive or only drive a car for short trips.
Can you get car insurance on the weekend?
Yes. You can secure a car insurance policy on the weekend in a few different ways. Many car insurers offer online services and 24/7 customer support that can help you buy a policy on Saturday or Sunday, outside of normal business hours. This is a huge plus, especially if you have a busy weekday schedule.
The following national insurance companies offer weekend services:
Allstate
GEICO
Liberty Mutual
Nationwide
Progressive
State Farm
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Learn More: How to Get Car Insurance in 7 Easy Steps
How to get car insurance on the weekend
The best ways to buy car insurance on a weekend include purchasing coverage online or over the phone, adding it the week before, and contacting your existing auto insurer before the weekend to determine the best course of action.
The fastest option is to get coverage through an insurer’s website or mobile app.
Follow these easy steps to find and purchase coverage:
Decide on the right coverage. First, think about the type of coverage you need. You may want basic liability coverage to meet the minimum requirements in your state, or you might prefer a more comprehensive policy.
Research insurers. Do your research so you can determine the ideal insurers and type of auto policy for your unique needs. Consider premiums, coverage options, discounts, and reputation.
Compare quotes. When shopping for coverage, you should always compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. Comparing all quotes at once can provide a good perspective on your average insurance cost options.
Apply. After you decide on an auto insurance company and policy, it’s time to apply online or through a mobile app. You’ll have to share general information, like your ZIP code, home address, driving history, and Social Security number. You might also need to submit a copy of your driver’s license.
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Best insurance companies for weekend coverage
If you’re in the market for car insurance on the weekend, these three insurance companies are worth learning more about.
Nationwide: Best for online service
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.7 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $83/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $182/mo |
4.4
Best choiceBased on 782 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the excellent coverage, reliable claims process, and good initial rates but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the excellent coverage, reliable claims process, and good initial rates but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (441)
Richard
November 7, 2024
Verified Review
Excellent Company
Nationwide appears to be an excellent company. I have recommended this company to several of my friends. My daughter and her husband have also taken out policies and are very satisfied with this company. Thank you.
Irene
November 4, 2024
Verified Review
Sorry to be leaving you, Nationwide.
I used Nationwide for 32 years. I understand that insurance prices are going up, however, due to my limited income, I can no longer afford to stay with Nationwide.
Sara
November 1, 2024
Verified Review
Very Good!
The customer service is very good. They explain things well and make it easy to understand.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.64A.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+Why we picked this company
Nationwide lets you buy an auto policy online through its website. The auto insurance company promotes its “instant car insurance online.” You can even download a proof of insurance card and print it out the same day of purchase.[1]
Pros
Offers 24/7 roadside assistance coverage add-on
SmartRide (for safe drivers) and SmartMiles (for low-mileage drivers)
Accident forgiveness available
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
Some discounts and programs not available in all states
Not available in every state
GEICO: Best for mobile service
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $119/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 10271 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (5,647)
James
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Steer clear. They increase your rate at every renewal.
Edward
November 18, 2024
Verified Review
Experience with Geico
Reliable.
Chris
November 18, 2024
Verified Review
Poor
The customer service is below average and terrible.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.74A.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++Why we picked this company
GEICO has a robust mobile app you can use to receive a car insurance quote and buy a policy. A 24/7 virtual assistant is available to answer your questions and guide you through the process. You may also buy coverage through the company’s website at any time.[2]
Pros
Good rates for good drivers, seniors, and young drivers
Accident forgiveness available
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons
High rates for drivers with certain violations, like DUIs
No rideshare or new car replacement coverage available
Lower customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
State Farm: Best for personalized service
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $119/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 9036 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (4,969)
Ronald
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
They are forcing me to replace my house roof or they will cancel my policy.
David
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Too expensive
It's too expensive. They raise rates every six months, even though I've never filed a claim.
Ronald
November 18, 2024
Verified Review
Very Expensive Auto and Home
Extremely harsh local service.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78A.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++Why we picked this company
State Farm has local car insurance agents throughout the country who can help you buy car insurance and figure out the ideal coverage for your budget and needs. Many of them offer after-hours and weekend appointments. You can also get a quote online at any time.[3]
Pros
High rates of customer satisfaction
Rideshare insurance available
Savings for bundling auto with home, renters, condo, or life insurance
Cons
No gap insurance offering
May not be the cheapest choice for drivers with violations
Accident forgiveness limited to longtime customers with clean driving records
How to get car insurance for the weekend only
Also known as short-term car insurance, temporary insurance is an auto policy that lasts for a short period of time, like a few days, weeks, or months.[4]
Keep in mind that most reputable car insurance companies don’t offer coverage shorter than six months, so advertisements you might see about shorter policies might be scams.
If you’re interested in temporary car insurance, a pay-as-you-go insurer like Hugo may be a good fit. The company focuses on temporary, usage-based programs. You can secure a liability insurance policy for as little as three days and stop and start your short-term coverage as you need to.[5]
A short-term car insurance policy might make sense if you want to drive the car of a friend or family member during a short road trip or test-drive a vehicle. It may also be worthwhile if you plan to put your car into storage.
Find Cheap Auto Insurance
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Car insurance on the weekend FAQs
The following information can help answer your remaining questions about weekend car insurance.
Can you get car insurance online without talking to someone?
Yes. In some cases, you can get a car insurance policy online without talking to an agent. Many companies offer this option on their website or through their mobile app.
Are car insurance companies open on weekends?
Most car insurers have limited hours on the weekends. But you may still be able to buy an auto policy online or through their mobile app or a local agent.
Do you need auto insurance before purchasing a car?
Yes. You need a car insurance policy before you take home a new car. It’s a good idea to shop for auto insurance coverage before you buy one. This way, you can start your policy as soon as you get your new vehicle.
What is the cheapest day to look for car insurance?
Car insurance rates don’t change based on the day of the week. Auto policies don’t go on sale based on what day it is, so you can’t expect a lower rate and a chance to save money on a certain day.
Is there a grace period for car insurance in California?
Yes. California does have a grace period for car insurance. Once you buy a car, you have 30 days to lock in car insurance coverage and provide proof of it.[6] You should always avoid a lapse in car insurance.
Sources
- Nationwide. "How to get a car insurance quote online."
- GEICO. "We Invite You to Download the GEICO App."
- State Farm. "Create an affordable price, just for you."
- Experian. "What Is Short-Term Car Insurance?."
- Hugo. "The future of car insurance."
- State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Financial Responsibility (Insurance) Requirements for Vehicle Registration."
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Anna BaluchInsurance Writer
Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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