How Long Does It Take to Get Car Insurance?

How Fast Can I Get a Car Insurance Quote?

Turnaround times to get an auto insurance quote can vary. When comparing rates online using a comparison method, such as Experian's car insurance tool, you'll have rate estimates within a few minutes of entering your information.

But in cases where more details are needed, the quoting process could take up to 48 hours. Using an insurer's online quote feature also typically takes just a few minutes. But you'll have to repeat the process with each insurer if you're manually shopping around for insurance online.

If you prefer to use an agent or broker to shop around for auto insurance quotes, the process could take a little longer. You may have to visit their office in person or provide information over the phone. Plus, not all agents work with multiple insurers, so comparing quotes may require a few different appointments or calls.

How Long Is a Car Insurance Quote Valid?

Typically auto insurance quotes are only valid for about 30 days—although the exact amount of time may vary by company. Be sure to check the end date on the estimate you receive from an insurer, or ask your agent to confirm. It's also a good idea to jot down confirmation numbers for your quote and save any emails about the estimate.

If you're interested in buying a policy at the rate quoted, you'll need to do so before the estimate expires. But if you miss the cutoff, there's no need to worry as you can request a new quote. Just keep in mind that rates are subject to change, which could affect your new estimate.

How Long Does It Take to Get Car Insurance?

It's important to remember that a car insurance quote is just an estimate. After you find a plan you like, you'll need to submit an application and payment to get the new auto insurance. This process can take a few minutes or days, depending on if you're working with an agent or buying your plan online.

Because working with an agent isn't as automated as using an online service, sometimes it takes a few days to get your new auto insurance plan active—especially if you're switching from one insurer to another. But choosing to buy insurance online can help speed up the process if you're in a hurry or want a more convenient option.

With Experian's car insurance tool, for example, once you select your preferred auto insurance quote, Experian confirms your rate with the new insurer and opens the policy. If you're swapping insurance companies, Experian can cancel your old plan and request a partial, prorated refund from your previous policy.

Can You Get Same-Day Car Insurance?

Same-day car insurance, also known as instant coverage, may be available if you buy your policy online. After finding a deal you like, you can pay for your new policy with a credit card or electronic transfer from a checking account. Then you'll immediately be able to print out your insurance cards or add them to your digital wallet.

How to Buy Car Insurance

When shopping around for car insurance, it's important to be prepared. Here are some tips that can help you have a smoother experience and ensure you get the right coverage for your needs.

1. Gather information. In order to get a quote and finalize a plan, you'll need to provide some personal details such as your legal name, address, date of birth, gender, marital status, Social Security number and driver's license number. Plus, you'll need to provide information about the vehicle, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model and mileage.
2. Understand coverage requirements. Knowing how much insurance you need upfront is important when buying car insurance. Many states have minimum liability coverage requirements for bodily injury and property damage in the event of an accident. You may also need to carry coverage for underinsured or uninsured drivers. And if you finance your vehicle, your lender may also have specific coverage requirements.
3. Consider additional coverage options. Depending on your budget and value of the vehicle you're insuring, you may want to increase coverage levels beyond your jurisdiction's bare minimum. Adding special coverage options, like glass replacement and rental car reimbursements, can also help increase the likelihood you'll have enough coverage in the event of an accident.
4. Compare quotes and insurers. Premiums can vary between insurers, so comparing quotes can help you find a plan that fits your needs best. If you're switching providers, you can do an apples-to-apples comparison to see how other policies stack up against your current plan. You can also try removing or adding options to see how rates are affected, or look for plans that offer special discounts such as alumni or employer rates. Once you've narrowed it down to a couple of quote options, check out reviews and ratings for the company to see how they handle claims and customer service.
5. Finalize your policy. Once you've found a plan and insurer you're happy with, it's time to finalize your new plan. You'll have to submit a formal application and make a payment. In some cases, you may also need to sign an electronic document or respond to an email to complete the process. If you're swapping insurers, be sure your new policy is in place before canceling the old plan to avoid a lapse in coverage.

How Your Credit Could Impact Your Insurance Costs

In some states, insurance companies are allowed to consider your credit-based insurance score to set your rate. While different from a standard credit score, credit-based insurance scores are still based on your credit history and designed to predict the likelihood that you'll file insurance claims.

If you have a low credit-based insurance score, it could affect your insurance premiums for auto, home and life insurance. To help your scores, it's important to pay your bills on time, keep your credit balances low, limit new credit applications and use different types of credit.