Licensed Realtor with 10+ years in personal finance content
Contributor to Nasdaq and USA Today
Daria is a licensed Realtor and resort property manager specializing in personal finance, real estate, and insurance topics. In her spare time, she practices photography.
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.
Updated September 5, 2023 | Reading time: 5 minutes
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Securing a cheap car insurance policy can take between a few minutes and a few days, depending on how you shop for and purchase your policy. If you need car insurance quickly, you can take steps to speed up the process. You never want to experience a lapse in insurance coverage, so you should always make sure you have car insurance in place.
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How long it takes to get car insurance
If you already know which car insurance company you want to buy coverage from, the fastest way to get an auto insurance policy is to request a quote on the insurance company’s website and then buy the policy.
You have a lot to consider when you’re buying insurance, so you should take some time to shop around if possible. To find the cheapest rates for your coverage needs, you should compare quotes from multiple insurers. You may even want to work with an insurance agent to discuss your options, though that process can take a few days.
Here are some of the factors that determine how long it takes to get insurance:
How you apply: Getting rates from a quote-comparison site is faster than visiting multiple sites because you only need to enter your information once. Requesting a quote from a company’s website may take longer if you have to wait for an insurance agent to contact you. Contacting an agent on your own also takes time if you have to schedule a phone call or an in-person meeting.
How thorough you are in providing information: Insurers need personal information and details about your car and where you park it before issuing a policy. Avoid unnecessary delays by having your driver’s license number and the vehicle’s make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN) on hand when you apply.[1]
Red flags on your driving record: If you have past incidents on your driving record, the insurer may want to take a closer look at your application.
In other situations, you don’t have much time to buy auto coverage, like if you’re about to purchase a vehicle. You’ll need proof of insurance to drive the car off the lot. That’s not a problem if you already have car insurance for another vehicle and have a grace period to add the new car to that policy. Otherwise, you’ll need to get coverage right away.
You’ll also need insurance fast if your insurer canceled your policy for non-payment or you have a coverage lapse for another reason. If this happens, you should contact your insurer to discuss your options for renewing or reinstating your previous policy.[3] If the company declines to offer you coverage, you’ll have to purchase new insurance before you drive your car.
Can you get same-day car insurance?
Yes. You can get same-day insurance coverage by comparing online quotes, selecting your coverage, and purchasing the policy.
Traditional insurers, like State Farm, can typically provide same-day coverage if you have all the information the company needs to write your policy. Online-only companies, like Hugo, can also provide same-day policies. Hugo offers on-demand coverage that you can set up in as little as six minutes.
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How to get car insurance fast
It’s easy to get car insurance fast if you know the steps to take.
1. Decide how much coverage you need
Most states require drivers to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage to drive legally. If you finance or lease your car, your auto lender or dealer may require you to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage.
Even if not required, you should consider buying collision and comprehensive coverage if you drive frequently, live in an area with congested roads, park your car in a location vulnerable to vandalism or theft, or drive a new or high-value vehicle.[4]
2. Gather all your information
You’ll need the following information to get a quote and apply for car insurance coverage:
Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN
Number of miles driven each year
Where you live and the location where the car will be parked
Amount of liability coverage needed to protect your assets
Desired deductible
Number of drivers in your household
Age, driving history, driving courses completed, and discount eligibility for each household driver
A copy of your current policy’s declarations page, if applicable
3. Compare multiple quotes
You can shop for car insurance by visiting insurance company websites one at a time to request quotes. But it’s typically easier to use a quote-comparison site, which lets you fill out one request form to get quotes from several different auto insurance companies at once.
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4. Complete an application
Once you’ve found the best coverage option for your insurance needs, you can use the information you gathered in the second step to complete the application process.
5. Finalize your purchase
If you have questions about the policy you’re about to purchase, reach out to an agent or broker before you buy it. Otherwise, you can enter your payment method and submit the application to complete your purchase. Then print your insurance cards and store one in the vehicle.
Car insurance buying options
Whether you prefer to shop for insurance on your own or want some assistance, insurance companies typically have a few buying options you can feel comfortable with.
Buy online
Buying insurance online is quick and easy, and you can do it on any web browser. If you run into any issues during the process, you’ll unfortunately have to stop to call or message for help from a customer service representative or insurance agent.
Purchase with a mobile app
Mobile apps allow you to easily purchase insurance on the go. You can even secure coverage on your phone while you’re purchasing a car at a dealership. However, you’ll have to download an app to apply this way, and filling out forms on a small screen can feel difficult for people who prefer larger screens.
Talk to an agent
Purchasing insurance through an agent is probably the most time-consuming option. But for some people, especially first-time insurance customers, it’s a good idea to discuss your needs with a professional.
Buying car insurance FAQs
Finding the right amount of car insurance from a company you trust is crucial. Make sure you understand what coverage you’re buying before you make a purchase.
How long does it take to get a car insurance quote?
It depends on how you request a quote. It can take a few minutes if you request a quote online, and you can make the process even more efficient by comparing quotes from multiple insurers on a comparison site. Requesting a quote from an agent can take more time, but it also makes it easier to ask questions.
Does car insurance take effect immediately?
It can. Nationwide, for example, has an instant purchase option that begins as soon as you’ve selected the policy and payment method. Hugo also issues policies instantly. You can typically also select a future date with your insurance company for your coverage to begin.
How much car insurance do you need?
It’s important to meet your state’s minimum liability insurance requirements, but you may also want to protect your assets if you’re sued after an accident and cover the cost of repair or replacement of your car. For that level of coverage, you’ll need to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage.
What is proof of coverage, and how do you get it?
Proof of coverage is documentation that shows you have an active car insurance policy. The form has more information about your current policy than an insurance card has because it includes policy limits. You might need proof of coverage when setting up an auto loan or lease.
Daria Uhlig is a freelance writer and editor with over a decade of experience creating personal finance content. Her work appears on USA Today, Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, Fox Business, GOBankingRates and AOL. As a licensed Realtor and resort property manager, she specializes in real estate topics, including landlord, homeowners and renters insurance. In her spare time, Daria can be found photographing people and places on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
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.
