Updated: July 23, 2024
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There are several reasons you may need same-day car insurance. You could be buying your first car and need to meet the minimum car insurance requirements in your state. Or maybe your current car insurance policy is expiring, and you need same-day coverage so your coverage doesn’t lapse. Get and compare quotes instantly using MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator and read our up-to-date analysis on the cheapest same-day car insurance companies.
Same-DayCar InsuranceQuotesSame-day car insurance allows you to receive a quote, purchase and activate your policy online, often within an hour.
MoneyGeek found that you can get the cheapest same-day car insurance from Travelers and Nationwide.
Drivers with recent address changes, poor driving records or classic cars may face delays in buying coverage.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We collected data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments to calculate the average cost of insurance nationally and by state so you can make informed decisions on the best same-day car insurance policy for you.
Get instant coverage by requesting a free online quote and paying for the first month to activate your policy immediately. You can secure active coverage within minutes if you have all the necessary documents.
It's best to prepare all of your information before seeking quotes to ensure the entire process goes as smoothly as possible. You'll likely need:
Some car insurance providers offer a fully online experience, while others may require you to purchase your policy through a local agent.
How much car insurance you need will depend on where you live and how much coverage you want to purchase. A liability-only car insurance policy is usually the cheapest option, but a full coverage policy will offer the best financial protection.
If you have a valuable car or you've leased or financed your vehicle, you may need to purchase a full coverage auto insurance policy with comprehensive and collision insurance.
Get quotes online by providing vehicle details, driving history and personal information on insurers' websites. To find the cheapest car insurance company, compare at least three quotes. Use company websites or a car insurance calculator. After selecting a provider, you can buy a policy immediately with an initial payment.
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Rates updated:
Jul 26, 2024
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Buying same-day car insurance is a practical choice if you're facing an urgent need, such as preventing a coverage lapse or requiring new car insurance. While this urgency may limit extensive comparison shopping, most insurers offer six-month policies.
These shorter policies provide immediate coverage and act as a trial with the insurer. Think of it as temporary car insurance. As the six-month term approaches its end, you'll have the opportunity to thoroughly compare quotes and explore options for car insurance discounts, additional coverage, or bundling to potentially reduce costs.
MoneyGeek found the cheapest car insurance companies in the nation offering same-day car insurance.
The cheapest providers for same-day insurance for a full coverage policy include:
The cheapest providers for same-day insurance for a minimum coverage policy include:
Most major insurers offer online quotes that allow you to purchase a policy online — the fastest way to get instant same-day car insurance.
Review MoneyGeek's data on the cheapest insurers that offer online quotes for same-day insurance in the table below. Select your age range and the type of policy you need to find the most accurate rates for you.
| Travelers | Annual Premium$1,068 | Monthly Premium$89 |
| Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,084 | Monthly Premium$90 |
| GEICO | Annual Premium$1,171 | Monthly Premium$98 |
| State Farm | Annual Premium$1,219 | Monthly Premium$102 |
| Progressive | Annual Premium$1,276 | Monthly Premium$106 |
| Allstate | Annual Premium$1,424 | Monthly Premium$119 |
| Farmers | Annual Premium$1,443 | Monthly Premium$120 |
Just because you need car insurance fast doesn't mean you can't find a company that fits your situation. MoneyGeek has the resources you need:
The cheapest car insurance companies nationally include some of the biggest names like GEICO, Nationwide and State Farm, all with online quote tools to help you get same-day coverage.
The cheapest options for car insurance depend significantly on where you live. The table below details the average cost of same-day car insurance by state. Click on your state to learn more about the cheapest insurers in your area.
| Alabama | CompanyCincinnati Insurance | Annual Premium$796 | Monthly Premium$66 |
| Alaska | CompanyAllstate | Annual Premium$994 | Monthly Premium$83 |
| Arizona | CompanyRoot Insurance Company | Annual Premium$722 | Monthly Premium$60 |
| Arkansas | CompanySouthern Farm Bureau | Annual Premium$771 | Monthly Premium$64 |
| Colorado | CompanyAmerican National P&C | Annual Premium$721 | Monthly Premium$60 |
| Connecticut | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$948 | Monthly Premium$79 |
| Delaware | CompanyTravelers | Annual Premium$865 | Monthly Premium$72 |
| District of Columbia | CompanyErie | Annual Premium$971 | Monthly Premium$81 |
Same-day car insurance is a car insurance coverage that goes into effect immediately after you have purchased a policy. Most major insurers offer instant online car insurance quotes, but some may require you to call to complete the sign-up process. We've compiled phone numbers for the nation's largest providers for your convenience.
Getting quick car insurance is critical if you plan to drive the same day you seek insurance. Comparison shopping is the best way to get cheap car insurance, but it usually requires contacting multiple companies to request individual quotes. Use MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator to instantly compare rates and find the most affordable policy for you.
Most drivers can get same-day car insurance. However, high-risk drivers or those who require special coverage might have to wait longer to get approved.
You have incomplete personal or vehicle information
Insurers require comprehensive details for policy issuance. Missing information about yourself or your vehicle can stall the insurance process.
You are changing your insurance after a recent move
Changing addresses, especially between states, can complicate insurance due to differing regulations and risk assessments, delaying immediate coverage.
You have a low credit score
Insurance companies often use credit scores to assess risk. A low credit score can slow approval as insurers evaluate the associated risks.
You have a bad driving record
Drivers with multiple violations, severe incidents or DUIs may face delays. Insurers often need extra time to assess the increased risk before offering coverage.
You own a classic car
Specialty vehicles like classic cars often require bespoke insurance policies. These unique coverages take time to tailor, making same-day insurance difficult.
If you can’t get instant coverage, speak with a live agent for immediate help.
With many insurance companies, buying a car insurance policy at least seven days before the needed effective date entitles you to an advanced quote discount.
Not all online quote tools offering same-day coverage and proof of insurance show all possible discounts, which means you could miss out on potential savings.
An online car insurance policy might not include all available coverages like pay-per-mile insurance, which may be a good choice for low-mileage drivers.
If you still have inquiries about buying car insurance today, check out our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Yes. Most car insurance companies offer instant quotes online, including the biggest auto insurers by market share in the country. Online quotes are likely to be close to final, but you should also talk to an insurance agent to ensure all possible discounts and relevant coverages apply.
If you have some time to spare, compare insurance quotes online. MoneyGeek found that Travelers and Nationwide are some of the cheapest insurers in the country, but the best way to find cheap insurance fast is to compare companies in your state.
You can get car insurance the same day as an accident, but your new policy won't cover any accidents that happened prior to purchasing the new policy. It is considered insurance fraud if you try to retroactively insure an event such as a car accident or other damages to your vehicle that occurred before being insured, and it may result in criminal charges.
Getting car insurance is typically a pretty quick endeavor, but how long car insurance takes to kick in largely depends on you. Gathering your personal information and deciding what policy to get may only take you a few minutes. Depending on how thoroughly you shop, getting and comparing quotes may take 15 minutes to an hour. When you make your car insurance purchase, you can usually choose for it to go into effect immediately, or you can pick a policy starting date.
You can purchase a car and a new car insurance policy on the same day. Some insurers offer a grace period that your state may or may not accept. Also, some insurers allow you to transfer your existing policy to a new vehicle rather than start your policy term anew. Always check your state laws and with your insurers to see what options are available.
You can get a no-deposit or no-down-payment policy instantly. Note that a no-money-down car insurance policy refers to making monthly payments rather than paying annually, semi-annually or quarterly. When you purchase same-day no-deposit insurance, you'll still need to make the first month's payment to activate your coverage.
Yes, you can get a non-owner car insurance policy as quickly as any other policy. However, you are likely to get a more affordable quote if you take some time to obtain multiple quotes to compare costs before purchasing a policy.
About Mandy Sleight
Mandy Sleight is a licensed property, casualty, life and health insurance agent with 20 years of experience in the industry. She has worked for major insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide, and most recently as the Operations Coordinator for a startup employee benefits company.
Sleight holds a business administration and management degree from the University of Baltimore and a master's in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She uses her vast knowledge of insurance and personal finance to create easy-to-understand and engaging content to help readers make smarter choices with their budgets and finances.
