Most insurance companies offer same-day car insurance, and drivers can often secure policies for as little as $50/month. Make sure to prepare all your documents in advance, provide accurate information, and compare quotes from multiple companies to get the best rate.
How to get same-day car insurance
Most insurance companies can sell you a car insurance policy that starts the same day you request the initial quote. And if you opt to use the Jerry app, the entire process can be completed in a few simple steps.
1. Gather relevant information
As long as you can quickly verify all the required information, your car insurance coverage should start instantly after binding your policy. When shopping for car insurance quotes, you’ll need the following information:
- Name, phone number, and birthdate
- The address of where you live and garage your car
- License plate and vehicle identification numbers
- Average daily mileage
- Driving history
- Insurance history
In addition to these details, you may also need to provide the personal information of any other drivers you want on your policy. This is only applicable if anyone other than yourself uses your vehicle on a regular basis, or lives in your household and has a valid driver’s license.
Did you know?
Upon signing up, the Jerry app will prompt you for this information, so you can have peace of mind that you’ve included everything necessary for a same-day policy. If further information is required, you will be notified.
2. Select your coverage levels
Once you’ve created your profile and filled out the required information, you can select the type of coverage you want, and your coverage levels.
With Jerry, drivers can choose either a full coverage or state minimum policy, and then customize it with different deductible limits and insurance add-ons.
And even after you’ve chosen your limits, you can always return to edit them further—even after looking at auto insurance quotes.
Rates will vary for both liability coverage and full coverage options depending on your location—however, based on our expert analysis of real same-day policies purchased through Jerry, these are the average car insurance rates you can expect to pay:
| Minimum coverage | Full coverage | Total average rate |
|---|---|---|
| $77 | $165 | $121 |
Although the state minimum is often cheaper on a monthly basis, it may cost you more in the long run. A minimum liability insurance policy will only cover medical bills and damages you cause in a car accident—and depending on your state’s liability limits, you could be left financially vulnerable.
As a result, most drivers will benefit from a full coverage auto insurance policy. For added protection, drivers can also include optional coverages, including roadside assistance or rental reimbursement, on their policy.
3. Choose your provider
Several of the top car insurance companies, including Progressive, Nationwide, and Allstate offer same-day policies—and with Jerry, you can compare them all at the same time for free.
Below are a few of the average rates real policyholders received for a same-day policy with some of the top providers using Jerry. Keep in mind that these are average rates, meaning that not all drivers will get the same price when comparing quotes.
| Insurance company | Monthly rate with Jerry | Annual rate with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| State Auto | $50 | $598 |
| Nationwide | $70 | $841 |
| Kemper | $71 | $847 |
| Progressive | $79 | $943 |
| Anchor General | $89 | $1,063 |
| Madison Mutual | $92 | $1,131 |
| Direct Auto | $100 | $1,199 |
| Safeco | $135 | $1,629 |
| National General | $138 | $1,650 |
| Gainsco | $139 | $1,672 |
| Travelers | $150 | $1,795 |
It’s important to note that non-standard car insurance policies may take longer to activate due to the time involved to process documents and verify your driving history.
Learn more: The best car insurance companies of 2023
4. Secure your policy
The final step is to secure your same-day policy. Similar to when you’re beginning your shopping journey, you’ll need specific documents to verify your identification and confirm your new auto insurance policy. These documents include:
- Driver’s license number(s)
- Social security number
- Vehicle information, ownership papers, and registration
- Proof of insurance, if applicable
- Violations and claims documentation, if applicable (including SR-22s)
- Information pertaining to damaged or salvaged titles
Remember: When looking for instant car insurance, keep in mind that a policy that starts the same day as an accident won’t apply retroactively or erase that accident from your driving record. Same-day insurance also won’t prevent a coverage lapse if your previous policy expired days earlier.
How long does it take to get same-day car insurance?
When searching for same-day coverage, the length of the process depends on where you shop for coverage and whether or not you have the proper documentation in place.
If you use an insurance agent or manually source auto insurance companies, it could take hours to find the right fit. On the other hand, with the Jerry app, sourcing online quotes only takes a few minutes—and most customers can find and secure a policy in one to two hours.
However, if there’s a delay in completing your documentation, the process—regardless of where you shop—could take up to a few days. To avoid delays in setting up your auto insurance policy, follow these tips:
| Do: | Don’t: |
|---|---|
| Plan ahead. Make sure you know what coverage you need, your budget, your state’s liability coverage limits, and that you have the proper documentation ready. | Rely on dealership insurance. Dealerships sometimes offer temporary short-term insurance for your new car. Insurance chosen by the dealership typically won’t give you the best rate. |
| Compare rates. Collect quotes from multiple providers before making a decision to get the best insurer for you. | Take the first rate you’re offered. Car insurance companies all calculate rates differently and you could be eligible for better coverage at a lower rate from a different company. |
| Avoid coverage gaps. Ensure you align the cancellation of your old auto insurance coverage with the establishment of your same-day policy. | Cancel your old policy in advance—any lapse in coverage can raise suspicion for insurers, and lead to higher auto insurance rates. |
| Stick to the facts. Provide complete and accurate information when requesting quotes to ensure a smooth and fast process. Don’t guess on things like your credit score or the date of your last speeding ticket. | Conceal facts. Don’t hide an at-fault accident, violation, or high-risk ZIP code to get lower insurance premiums. This is a form of fraud and could lead to your policy being canceled. |
Be aware that although your rates may be one price when you search for quotes, they can change when you request a final cost. Most insurers adjust your instant car insurance quotes once they get more complete documentation for your application. If you report your history and profile accurately, your insurance costs should be comparable to your initial quote at checkout.
Learn more: How to shop for auto insurance like a pro
Same day-car insurance is not the same as one-day car insurance
Same-day insurance is different from one-day insurance. No reputable insurance company offers policies for a term of less than six months, so any insurance agent advertising car insurance for a single day is suspicious—and they won’t be able to sell you functional coverage.
Rather than single-day car insurance, most providers offer coverage for drivers who need temporary insurance. These options generally include non-owner insurance, rental car insurance, or permissive motorist coverage.
Same-day car insurance pitfalls to avoid
Although same-day coverage is beneficial in numerous scenarios, moving fast with car insurance shopping can lead you to missing several savings opportunities—or landing yourself in hot water, if you’re not careful.
Here are some common pitfalls you should be on the lookout for when searching for same-day coverage:
- Skipping the discounts: Car insurance discounts are an easy, risk-free way to save on auto insurance coverage—but they’re not automatically applied to your policy, so check to make sure any discounts you’re eligible for are applied.
- Speeding through the process: If you’re shopping for same-day coverage, it’s likely you need it now—but speeding through the process can lead you to purchasing the first cheap car insurance quote you get, which might not be the best fit. Take your time and compare quotes from all providers offered before selecting.
- Insta-canceling your new policy: You can cancel your insurance policy at any time, but buying a policy and canceling it the next day can send the wrong message to insurers.
- Assuming you’ll be approved: Not everyone is eligible for same-day coverage. If you have a poor credit history or driving record, you could be denied coverage, which can make the process longer.
FAQ
-
Can you get car insurance online without talking to someone?
-
Can you get same-day car insurance?
-
How can I get a car insurance quote?
-
How quickly can I get insured after purchasing a new vehicle?
-
What is the quickest way to get car insurance coverage?
-
What coverage is best for a same-day policy?
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
