You need five things: your driver's license, your vehicle's VIN, your driving history for the past three to five years, your current insurance information, and a coverage decision before you start comparing quotes. Collecting all five takes under 10 minutes. Skipping the coverage decision is the step that costs time; quotes at different coverage levels are not equivalent comparisons.
What Do You Need to Get Car Insurance? (2026 Guide)
Updated: August 17, 2026
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What You Need to Get Car Insurance
What You Need to Get a Car Insurance Policy: FAQs
To get a car insurance quote, you need your driver's license number, vehicle VIN, driving history for the past three to five years, prior insurance information and your coverage preferences. Most insurers also ask for your address, date of birth and current mileage. If other drivers will be on the policy, gather their license numbers and dates of birth before you start the quote process.
Request your MVR from your state DMV and your CLUE report from LexisNexis before you start comparing quotes. Your quoted rate holds only if what you disclose matches what the insurer pulls. Finding discrepancies yourself first prevents a rate change at binding after you've already invested time in the process.
You don't need to own a car to get car insurance. Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage when you drive borrowed or rental vehicles. This coverage works well for people who drive frequently but don't own a vehicle. Rates are typically lower than standard policies because the insurer isn't covering a specific car.
If you provide incorrect information, your rate may increase after the insurer verifies your details through your Motor Vehicle Report or CLUE report. In some cases, the insurer may cancel your policy if the discrepancy is large. Always disclose accidents, violations and prior claims accurately to avoid rate changes or coverage issues after binding.
You need proof of insurance before driving a newly purchased car off the lot. Most states require insurance to register a vehicle, so contact an insurer before finalizing the purchase and provide the VIN to activate coverage.
Dealers routinely refer buyers to their preferred insurers because those insurers pay referral fees. The rates reflect it. Call your current insurer first. Adding a vehicle typically takes 10 minutes and qualifies for a multi-car discount on most policies.
For more details, see what to do about insurance before you finalize a car purchase.
Options exist but are limited. Some insurers allow you to list another licensed driver as the primary operator, which is common when insuring a vehicle for a family member who does most of the driving. You may need to show proof that the listed driver lives in your household and has regular access to the vehicle.
Quotes take 10 to 15 minutes per insurer when you have all the required information ready. Once you choose a policy, coverage can start immediately or on a future date you specify. Most insurers issue digital proof of insurance within minutes of payment, which satisfies state requirements for driving legally.
MoneyGeek's editorial process makes sure accuracy and transparency are maintained. All car insurance guidance is based on state requirements, insurer underwriting standards and industry best practices. We consulted licensed insurance agents and reviewed application requirements from major insurers to confirm the information categories needed to apply for coverage. Read our full car insurance methodology.
This page was last reviewed in March 2026. Insurance application requirements are verified annually and updated when state laws or insurer practices change.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident expert in insurance and economics. He has spent nearly a decade covering the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he analyzes hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR. He draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnerships affect his recommendations.
Mark studied at Boston College before earning a master's in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University. Before MoneyGeek, he worked in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.