Sometimes referred to as instant car insurance, same-day car insurance coverage allows drivers to purchase car insurance coverage that is active as of the moment you purchase it.
Drivers can compare same-day car insurance quotes online in just a few minutes. This means you can have an active car insurance policy in place before driving your new car off the lot.
What is same-day car insurance?
Same-day car insurance is exactly what it sounds like: car insurance that goes into effect the day you buy it. Most car insurance companies offer same-day coverage, especially for drivers who choose to purchase coverage online.
But same-day car insurance coverage doesn’t mean it covers everything that happens the day you purchase the policy. If you are in an accident (or your car is damaged or stolen) before your new car insurance coverage goes into effect, even if it happened on the same day you bought the coverage, those things won’t be covered by your insurance.
Average rates for same-day car insurance
Car insurance rates vary significantly based on a number of factors, including your age, ZIP code, driving history, and how much coverage you need. Depending on the laws in your state, your credit score and your gender may or may not affect your car insurance quote.
Drivers looking for cheap same-day car insurance can find the average rates for ten of the top insurance companies in the chart below.
Insurer | Minimum | Full coverage (50/100) | Full coverage (100/300) |
|---|---|---|---|
$750 | $1,991 | $2,097 | |
$327 | $1,209 | $1,255 | |
$781 | $1,968 | $2,109 | |
$402 | $1,179 | $1,261 | |
$888 | $2,450 | $2,582 | |
$624 | $1,569 | $1,671 | |
$737 | $1,814 | $1,967 | |
$475 | $1,240 | $1,333 | |
$683 | $1,586 | $1,690 | |
$369 | $1,128 | $1,191 |
Keep in mind that these rates are averages, which means some drivers will pay more (or less) for their car insurance based on a variety of factors. The best way to make sure you are getting the lowest possible rate is to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies.
Also, drivers who can wait a week or more for their new coverage to kick in may be eligible for a discount through some car insurance companies, so planning in advance is a good way to save money on your insurance.
Can I buy same-day car insurance online?
Yes, most insurance companies offer drivers the option of buying coverage online. In fact, some insurance companies offer a discount for buying a policy online.
You can go directly to the company website if you know which insurance company is the right one for you. If you aren’t sure which auto insurance company to choose, you can use an online marketplace like Policygenius to compare quotes before buying coverage.
What do I need to buy same-day car insurance coverage?
When purchasing car insurance, the same basic information is required regardless of the policy's start date. Whether it's for same-day coverage or for a future date, you’ll need to provide the same basic information.
Your personal information: Among other things, your new insurer will need your full name, address, driver’s license number, occupation, Social Security number, and your average annual mileage.
Current insurance: If you currently have an active insurance policy, make sure you have your ID card, proof of insurance, or declarations page on hand to provide to your new insurance company. Some insurers will even reach out to your prior insurance company and cancel your old policy for you!
Vehicle information: Be prepared to provide the make and model of your vehicle, along with your vehicle identification number (VIN), the date you purchased your car, and the current mileage.
Type of payment: You’ll need to provide a credit card or debit card number when buying a same-day insurance policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy car insurance same day?
Yes, most insurance companies offer same day car insurance. Drivers can go to an insurance company’s website or to an online marketplace like Policygenius to purchase a same-day insurance policy.
Is it cheaper to buy auto insurance online?
It can be, depending on your situation. Insurance companies often offer discounts if you buy a policy online. You can save money by comparing quotes from multiple companies and choosing the best deal before making a purchase.
How long does it take to get car insurance?
If you are buying coverage online, you can get a same-day car insurance policy in as little as 15 minutes.
Methodology
Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.
For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:
Bodily injury liability: 50/100 or 100/300, as indicated in the article
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by the state or insurer.
Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers age 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles per year.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of insurance costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
