How to Get Same-Day Car Insurance
- Most major insurance companies offer same-day policies.
- You can buy same-day car insurance online or by telephone.
- Taking time to compare quotes can help you find your lowest rate.
Yes, you can get car insurance the same day, often within a few hours. Most insurers let you purchase a policy online or with an agent over the phone and activate coverage immediately after payment, so you can legally drive right away.
Cheapest same-day car insurance
Many car insurance companies offer same-day car insurance. Among the major insurers with same-day insurance…
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American Family is cheapest for same-day policies if you just want minimum coverage
for damage or injury to others.Minimum coverage usually includes liability insurance, which covers injuries and damage you cause to others. Some states require additional coverage.
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Travelers is cheapest for same-day policies if you want full coverage
, including protection for your own car.Full coverage includes collision and comprehensive, which cover your own car for damage and theft.
- USAA could be even cheaper for both types of insurance, but it’s only available if you or an immediate family member is or was in the military.
Liability-only same-day insurance
| Company | Average monthly rate | |
|---|---|---|
 | American Family | $51 |
 | State Farm | $56 |
 | Travelers | $59 |
 | Geico | $65 |
 | Progressive | $69 |
 | USAA* | $39 |
Full coverage same-day insurance
| Company | Average monthly rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $135 |
| State Farm | $144 |
| American Family | $146 |
 | Auto-Owners | $154 |
| Progressive | $160 |
| USAA* | $125 |
Steps for getting same-day car insurance
1. Gather your information
To get car insurance quickly, have your personal, vehicle and driving details ready. You’ll typically need your Social Security and driver’s license numbers.
You’ll also need details about your car, such as its make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN), all of which should be listed on your registration. Insurers may also ask about your driving history, including accidents or traffic violations.
2. Compare quotes
Comparing quotes can help you find same-day coverage at the lowest price, whether you’re getting quotes online though LendingTree or calling insurance companies directly.
Note that your rate depends not just on which insurance company you use, but also on your age, where you live, your credit history and other factors.
3. Choose your coverage
When reviewing quotes, you’ll need to choose how much coverage you want. You may just want minimum or liability-only insurance, which only covers damage to others. Or you might prefer full coverage with collision
Depending on your state, you may also need personal injury protection
4. Buy your policy
Once you choose a quote, you can buy your policy online or over the phone. You may need to speak directly to an agent to make sure your coverage starts immediately, so consider calling if the online options don’t show that your coverage will activate right away.
5. Get proof of insurance
Before driving, make sure you have proof of insurance. Most insurers provide a digital insurance card through their mobile app, and you can usually download or print a copy as well.
If you’re buying a car, you don’t have to accept the first insurance option you see. Even when you need proof of coverage the same day, taking a moment to compare quotes can help you avoid overpaying.
At the same time, don’t wait until after you start driving the car to get coverage. A significant share of drivers are involved in at-fault accidents each year, according to a LendingTree study, and even a short gap in coverage could cost you a lot.
When do you need same-day car insurance?
You may need same-day car insurance to stay legally insured or avoid a gap in coverage. Common situations include when…
- You’re buying a car that day, whether from a dealership or private seller.
- Your policy has expired or was canceled.
- You need to drive a vehicle for a while but aren’t insured on it.
Remember that driving without insurance is very risky and can lead to fines, license suspension or heavy out-of-pocket expenses after an accident. A LendingTree survey found that 30% of drivers admit they’ve gone without car insurance at some point, even though it’s illegal in most states.
What to know before buying same-day car insurance
Same-day car insurance is convenient, but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you buy a policy.
You may not get the lowest rate: Buying coverage quickly can limit your time to compare quotes, which may result in higher premiums.
Some discounts may not apply: Certain insurers offer fewer discounts for last-minute purchases.
Coverage isn’t retroactive: Same-day insurance only covers you going forward. It won’t apply to accidents that have already happened.
Trying to backdate coverage is fraud: Buying a policy after an accident in the hope of covering those damages is considered insurance fraud.
Tips for getting same-day car insurance
- Compare multiple quotes: Rates can vary widely between insurers, and comparing quotes can help you find your lowest price. Even when you need coverage quickly, checking multiple options can help you save.
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Consider your deductible: A higher deductible
can lower your monthly premium, but make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if you file a claim.Your deductible is your share of repair costs for a collision or comp claim. Your insurance company pays the rest.
- Look for discounts: You can often find car insurance discounts for things like safe driving, bundling policies or paying in full.
- Re-shop your policy later: If you’re in a rush, you can buy coverage now and compare rates again when your policy renews (usually every six or 12 months) to find a better deal.
If you currently have car insurance, your policy may automatically cover a newly purchased vehicle for a short time. However, coverage may be limited, so it’s important to check with your insurer before driving.
Methodology
LendingTree uses insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services using publicly sourced insurance company filings. Rates are based on an analysis of hundreds of thousands of car insurance quotes for a typical driver. Prices are shown for comparative purposes only. Your own rates may be different.
Unless noted otherwise, quotes are for a full coverage policy for a 30-year-old man with good credit and a clean driving record who drives a 2015 Honda Civic EX.
Minimum-liability policies provide liability coverage with the state’s required minimum limits.
Full coverage policies include collision, comprehensive and liability coverage:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000
- Uninsured / underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Personal injury protection: minimum limits, where required by law
- Collision: $500 deductible
- Comprehensive: $500 deductible
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