Same-day car insurance refers to purchasing and activating an insurance policy on the spot, ensuring your vehicle is street-legal and ready to hit the road. The need for same-day car insurance often accompanies exciting life milestones, like buying a new car or starting fresh in a new state. However, it can be applicable to other more stressful situations, like scrambling to regain coverage after realizing your policy lapsed, which is both risky and illegal. Whatever your situation may be, learn how you can get same-day car insurance and what to expect when purchasing an impromptu policy.
What is same-day insurance coverage?
Same-day car insurance means you select the coverage options you need for a car insurance policy, agree to the quote provided, make the necessary payment and choose to put your policy into effect immediately. Once you have paid, you will be able to download your insurance ID cards, which you can print and store in your vehicle or keep on your smartphone for easy access.
If your insurance company has an online customer portal, you may be able to view your policy documents the same day and make changes as needed going forward. Some insurance companies also have a mobile app where you can access proof of insurance, file a claim, request roadside assistance and more.
Can you get car insurance the same day?
Yes, vehicle owners can secure car insurance coverage the same day they start shopping for it. In fact, most carriers offer a same-day insurance option. So if you’re at the dealership and the only thing standing between you and driving your new ride off the lot is getting insurance, you’re in luck.
Car insurance providers generally offer policies in annual or bi-annual terms, but you can usually activate coverage the same day by paying for the first month. Keep in mind, though, that by choosing this option, you may miss out on discounts that many insurers offer for paying for six to twelve months of coverage upfront.
The table below includes average annual premiums as of January 2025 from five of the largest car insurance providers based on market share.
| Car insurance company |
Average annual premium for full coverage |
Average annual premium for minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,887 | $911 |
| Geico | $2,173 | $569 |
| Progressive | $2,388 | $711 |
| Allstate | $3,297 | $917 |
| USAA | $1,897 | $604 |
While same-day car insurance policies are widely available, it is possible you may run into a waiting period before auto coverage kicks in after purchasing. Some car insurance policies do not activate until 12:01 am the next day, while some waiting periods can take upwards of days or weeks.
Waiting periods are more common in certain states, including California. However, even if you are confronted with a waiting period, these clever Reddit and Bogleheads users came up with some alternative solutions that could help you get same-day car insurance.
Bogleheads.org user review
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
Do you need insurance the same day when buying a car?
Yes, if you’re buying a car and don’t currently carry coverage on any vehicle, you’ll need to purchase car insurance before you drive your new (or new-to-you) vehicle off the lot. Many dealerships won’t let you leave without proof of coverage, and certainly won’t if your loan terms require you to maintain a full coverage policy or higher. This ensures that the lender is protected in case of an accident or damage to the car. The good news is that these days, it’s pretty easy to buy coverage quickly thanks to the rise of online insurance portals.
If you already have auto insurance for another vehicle, many insurers offer a grace period upon buying a new vehicle. For example, your carrier might give you seven to 30 days to update your insurance policy to include your new car. You’ll be covered during the grace period but only up to your policy’s existing level of coverage, which might not be sufficient for a new car — especially if you’re financing it.
Don’t forget that you can also shop for insurance ahead of time. If you know that you’re planning to switch carriers or buy a car in the next few weeks or months, there’s no need to leave it to the last minute and wind up buying a same-day policy. You can take the time to shop around and compare top options or work with a licensed agent.
How to get same-day car insurance
When you request a car insurance quote, you will be asked to submit some basic information about yourself and your vehicle, which is no different than purchasing a policy starting at a later date. The insurance company uses this information to estimate your rate. Here is a brief overview of the information needed to get a quote:
- Your personal information, such as your name, birth date and address
- Your driver’s license number
- Your claims history
- Your Social Security number
- Your prior or existing insurance provider
- The type of vehicle you drive and its vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The vehicle’s mileage
- The vehicle’s date of purchase
Car insurance requirements
Car insurance is legally required in almost all states. Auto insurance is used to fulfill your financial responsibility in the event of an at-fault accident. When you purchase same-day car insurance, you get to choose which types of coverage and the coverage limits you prefer, as long as you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Keep in mind that minimum coverage requirements vary by where you live, so if you’re moving across state lines, it’s crucial to adjust your policy accordingly. Failing to meet your new state’s requirements could leave you driving illegally.
Most states require drivers to purchase at least a liability-only policy, which is the cheapest option. However, many drivers may choose to upgrade to a full coverage policy, which includes liability plus collision and comprehensive insurance. The table below includes the standard types of coverage available with same-day car insurance:
Car insurance coverage types
| Liability | Liability insurance includes bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. Bodily injury pays for others’ medical bills if you are at fault for an accident, and property damage covers harm you cause to another person’s property, such as their vehicle. |
| Comprehensive | Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage that pays to repair your car if it’s damaged in an incident other than an accident. Comprehensive insurance will cover things like falling objects, hail storms, fire, flooding, theft and vandalism. |
| Collision | Collision insurance is an optional coverage that pays to repair your car’s damage following a covered accident. It also applies to accidents with stationary objects, like a fence, mailbox or utility pole. |
While uncommon, some insurers may require a vehicle inspection before activating certain coverage, like collision or comprehensive, to help prevent fraud. This process typically involves verifying the condition of your car and documenting any pre-existing damage. By doing this, insurers can ensure that claims are only filed for new damage that occurs after the policy is active. In some cases, you may need to submit photos of your vehicle or take it to an authorized inspection center. While this extra step may seem inconvenient, it protects both you and the insurer from fraudulent claims.
Tips for finding the best same-day car insurance
If you’re shopping for a same-day car insurance policy, timeliness is likely of the essence. Still, you should do your best to buy the right policy for your needs. Consider these tips:
- Compare multiple quotes. Don’t just get a single quote from an insurer and purchase the coverage. Take a few extra minutes to get quotes from multiple companies so you can make sure you’re not overpaying.
- Look for discount opportunities. Many insurers will offer discounts if you meet certain requirements. For example, if you buy auto insurance and home or renters insurance from the same company, earn good grades, buy a car with safety systems or take a defensive driving class, you could land a lower premium.
- Consider the user experience. When you’re shopping for same-day insurance, consider customer reviews and the company’s website and/or app. If an insurer seems difficult to work with, you may want to take your business elsewhere.
- Choose the right coverage. You can lower your premium by skipping unnecessary coverage. For example, if you’re buying a second car, getting rental car reimbursement coverage may not be necessary since you have a backup vehicle.
- Adjust your deductible. A higher deductible can help you lower your insurance premiums, making coverage more affordable. However, it also means spending more out of pocket if your car is damaged, so make sure your savings can handle the deductible you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze January 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2023 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
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