How Long Does It Take To Get Car Insurance?

It doesn't usually take very long to get car insurance. If you have all the information you need to start, you can often get an auto insurance policy in just one day. And it often takes only a few minutes to get a quote from several different car insurance companies to compare policies and prices. To get car insurance faster, we recommend getting a quote and taking out a policy online, and being prepared with the right documents when you start shopping.

Whether you're purchasing your first policy or getting ready to buy a new car, here's how to get auto insurance and how long it'll take.

How long does it take to get car insurance?

There are a few different ways to approach buying auto insurance, and the method you choose determines how long it takes to get car insurance. Some are faster than others, with shopping online tending to be fastest. You might be able to purchase a policy the day you apply, but working directly with an agent in person or over the phone can take longer than doing everything online.

Get a quote and buy a policy online

One of the fastest ways to get car insurance is to request a quote online. Many insurance companies allow you to plug in key information about the car you need to insure and receive a quote the same day. This is a good option for many people, especially if you want to compare multiple policy options simultaneously.

How to get a quote online

• Choose a company: Choose an insurance company to request a quote from or use a comparison site to see several companies' offers in one place. Some of the best car insurance companies we've identified in our research are USAA, Geico, Travelers, State Farm, Amica, and Progressive.
• Fill out the form: Fill in the requested information on the company's website. This typically includes your personal information and details about your vehicle.
• Choose your policy and coverage: The insurance company could offer several policy options to choose from, including various deductibles and coverage options such as comprehensive, liability, collision, and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. Then, choose the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
• Get a quote: The website should give you details about the insurance premium and terms and conditions so you can decide if you want to complete the transaction. Getting a quote is not the same as buying a policy.

If you decide to accept a quoted offer, you could have your car insurance policy in place the same day you applied for it. If you need proof of insurance right away, this is a good option because it allows you to get a policy with a start date as soon as the same day or the next day, depending on the company.

Talk to an agent on the phone

The online quote process doesn't work for everyone. You might have more questions, prefer not to use a quote tool, or want more information about extended or nontraditional coverage. We suggest calling a local agent to get a quote in this case.

How to call an insurance agent for a quote

• Find an agent: Use your preferred insurance company's website to find agents in your area and call their office. Alternatively, if you haven't picked an insurer, you can shop online but purchase a policy over the phone with the help of an agent.
• Give them your information and specify your coverage: Provide your personal information, vehicle information, and what kind of coverage you need.
• Get a quote: The agent might be able to provide a quote immediately over the phone, or they may call you back later. We recommend using email or an online portal to read over documents. Agents can sometimes mail documents to you as well, but that will take significantly longer than using a digital option.

If you decide to call an agent, you could still have a policy in place the day you apply, but be prepared for it to take a few days. How quickly you get coverage depends on how soon your insurance agent gives you the information you need and gets back to you with the paperwork.

Meet an agent in person

If a phone call wouldn't work for you, you could also meet with an insurance agent in person at their office to set up a new policy. If you have extensive questions, need specific accommodations, or just want a more personalized experience, choose this method.

How to meet an insurance agent in person to set up a new policy

• Find an agent and set up an appointment: Find local agents in your area for your preferred insurance company; you can do this online. Call to set up an appointment with an agent.
• Visit their office at the scheduled time: During this visit, you'll fill out an insurance application and define your coverage needs. The agent will need the same basic information you'd enter online or give on the phone, including personal information, vehicle information, and coverage needs.
• Get a quote: The agent will likely be able to give you a quote upfront and go over the details with you in person.

From there, you can decide whether to purchase a policy or not. In this method, you could have insurance in place the same day as your meeting with the agent, or it could take a few days to process and kick in.

What do you need to apply for auto insurance?

To get insurance quickly, be prepared to provide the following.

Personal information:

• Your full name and address
• Your date of birth
• Your driver's license number and state of issue
• Details about your driving record, including your accident and claims history, and any license suspensions you've had

Vehicle information:

• Make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle, including any details about body style or special features
• Address where the vehicle is located
• Mileage on the vehicle
• Name of the current registered owner
• Date of purchase
• Information for the previous policy you had in place

Tips to get car insurance faster

• Make sure your forms are accurate: Inaccurate information could cause delays in your car insurance process. Double-check everything from the spelling of your name to your driver's license number and VIN.
• Get your payment ready: Keep in mind that some insurers require payment for multiple months upfront. Check with your insurer to find out when (and how much) you have to pay for your policy at one time.
• Don't wait for a physical insurance card: You can print proof of insurance yourself, and many insurance carriers now offer digital insurance cards that are available almost immediately.

How soon after buying a car do you need car insurance?

How long you'll have to obtain car insurance depends on a few things. Typically, if you're buying a car with a loan, you'll need to obtain car insurance before you can drive off the lot with your car. Lenders require this to protect their investments.

If buying from a private seller, you could have a bit of leeway. If you currently have auto insurance on an existing car you own, a grace period might cover the new car purchase for a bit. Before you buy, call your current insurer to verify this.

FAQs

Bottom line

How long does it take to get car insurance? Typically, it is possible to purchase coverage the same day you start the process. Online quote tools take just a few minutes to complete. You can also call a local agent directly.