How to Get Same-Day Car Insurance

Can You Buy Car Insurance in One Day?

You may be able to quickly gather quotes, buy car insurance and have coverage on the same day.

Getting coverage that kicks in the same day can be helpful when you're buying a new vehicle, especially if you don't already have an insurance policy—or, if your insurance is expiring and you need a new policy right away.

However, eligibility and availability can depend on your driving history, the insurance company and the vehicle you want to insure. Try to give yourself more time if you're a new driver, have a poor driving history or want to insure a rare vehicle.

Whether you're looking for same-day coverage or can start shopping early, comparing quotes can also help you find the cheapest policy.

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What Information Do You Need to Get Same-Day Car Insurance?

You'll need to provide information about the drivers and vehicle when shopping for insurance. Generally, you'll start by entering basic information to get a quote and then more details if you want to complete an application. The specifics can vary depending on the insurance company, but be prepared to share the following:

Personal Information

You may need to provide personal information about each of the drivers who will be on the policy, such as:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Contact information
• Driver's license number
• Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Marital status
• Driving history
• Current or recent auto insurance policy

Additionally, you might be asked about financial information, such as your income, assets or recent account statements. And you may also need to share basic information about people in your household—even if they won't be drivers—such as their name, date of birth and how you're related.

Learn more >> Should I Buy Car Insurance With My Partner?

Vehicle Information and Use

You'll be asked about the vehicle because it can affect your eligibility and premiums. You'll need to provide:

• Year, make, model and trim
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• License plate number
• Where you'll park the vehicle
• Current mileage
• How many miles you expect to drive each year
• Ownership status
• Vehicle modifications
• Safety and anti-theft features or devices

You might not have some of this information available if you're shopping for a car, but provide what you can to gather accurate quotes. Once you choose a car, you can fill in the details—such as the VIN—to complete your insurance application.

Learn more >> Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Costs

How Long Does It Take to Get Same-Day Car Insurance?

As the name implies, you can get same-day car insurance within one day, and often within just a few hours.

Many insurance companies offer online quotes quickly. Or, you can use online comparison services—such as Experian's car insurance tool—to enter your information once and get quotes from multiple insurers. After comparing quotes, you may be able to complete the application online and have your new policy start immediately.

The process could take longer if you're working with an agent or have a more complicated situation. In some cases, you might not be able to get same-day insurance from a company and will need to look elsewhere.

If you already have auto insurance, you might automatically receive temporary coverage when you buy a car. This grace period only lasts a short period, such as seven to 30 days, which gives you time to contact your agent or company to add the vehicle to your policy, or to shop around and compare quotes.

Learn more >> How Long Do I Have to Insure a New Car?

How to Get Cheap Same-Day Car Insurance

Compare your options and look for savings opportunities to get the cheapest same-day insurance:

• Gather quotes. Getting quotes from several companies is one of the best ways to guarantee you don't overpay. Using a comparison tool to get quotes from several companies could be the fastest option if you're looking for same-day coverage.
• Look for discounts. Make sure to share any information that might lead to a discount, such as whether you're insuring multiple vehicles, will bundle other types of insurance or have anti-theft devices.
• Adjust deductibles and coverages. You could change the insurance limits, deductibles and types of insurance to see how they affect your premiums. But be sure to look at policies with the same terms when you're comparison shopping.

Depending on where you live, improving your credit also might help you qualify for lower insurance premiums. However, it might take several months, or longer, to improve your credit.

Learn more >> Ways to Find the Most Affordable Insurance Online

Are You Covered for an Accident the Same Day You Get a Policy?

Your coverage will generally start immediately after you pay for your auto insurance policy. But if you get into an accident and then purchase the policy later that day, the insurance won't be retroactive to the start of the day and filing a claim could be considered insurance fraud. Additionally, some parts of your policy might have a waiting period.

For example, your brand-new auto insurance might cover liability claims if you're in an accident and hurt someone else or damage their property. But if your policy's lost-income protection has a waiting period, you won't be able to recover lost income if you're injured in the accident and can't work.

Also, make sure you have proof of insurance before you start driving, such as a printed copy of the insurance card or a digital version that you can add to a digital wallet or access via the company's app. The penalties for driving without proof of insurance aren't as high as driving without insurance, but it may still be against the law where you live.

Start Shopping for Auto Insurance Early

Although you might be able to get same-day car insurance, shopping early can be less stressful and gives you time to get quotes from companies that might not offer same-day coverage. You can also always look into changing your policy. Even if you've prepaid for the month, six months or an entire year, you could be eligible for a refund if you end your policy early and switch.

Experian's free car insurance comparison tool can help you quickly get quotes from top insurance companies. You can also enter information about yourself, your vehicle and your current policy, and Experian will continuously search for a less expensive policy on your behalf.