What Do You Need to Get Car Insurance?
Updated: May 10, 2026
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What You Need to Get Car Insurance
Most people can gather everything needed to get car insurance in under 10 minutes. You need five things: personal and license details, vehicle information, driving history, prior insurance records and coverage preferences.
If any information is missing or inaccurate when you apply, your rate may change after the insurer pulls your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) or CLUE report. Disclosing violations and prior claims upfront makes sure the quoted rate won't increase when the policy is issued. For a complete walkthrough of the application process, see our full guide to getting car insurance.
Know these five things before you start getting quotes.
- 1
Your Driver's License and Personal Information
Provide your full legal name, date of birth, address and driver's license number. If other drivers will be on the policy, gather their license numbers and dates of birth before you start the quote process.
- 2
Your Vehicle Information
You need the VIN (found on the dashboard near the windshield or on your registration), make, model, year, trim level and current mileage. If you're buying a new car, get the VIN from the dealer before applying so coverage can be activated immediately.
- 3
Your Driving History
List any accidents, tickets or violations in the past three to five years. Insurers pull your Motor Vehicle Report. Undisclosed violations will be found and can increase your rate after binding.
If you're unsure whether a minor incident is on your MVR, request your report before shopping. It costs $5 to $25 depending on your state. Knowing what insurers will see lets you target the right carriers rather than getting re-rated at binding.
- 4
Your Current or Previous Insurance Information
Have your current insurer name, policy number and coverage levels ready. Prior coverage history affects your rate. A lapse in coverage typically raises premiums.
If this is your first policy and you have no prior insurance history, say so clearly. First-time buyers aren't penalized the same way as drivers with lapses. The absence of prior coverage is treated differently from a documented gap in an existing record.
- 5
Your Coverage Preferences
Decide whether you need liability-only or full coverage, and your preferred deductible amount, before you start comparing quotes.
What You Need to Get a Car Insurance Policy: FAQs
What information do you need to get a car insurance quote?
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.
Do you need a car to get car insurance?
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.
What happens if you give wrong information when applying?
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.
Do you need insurance before buying a car?
Yes, you need proof of insurance before driving a newly purchased car off the dealer lot. Most states require insurance to register a vehicle. Contact an insurer before finalizing the purchase and provide the VIN to activate coverage. For more details, see what to do about insurance before you finalize a car purchase.
Can you get car insurance without a driver's license?
Yes, but options 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 will do most of the driving. You may need to provide proof that the listed driver lives in your household and has regular access to the vehicle.
How long does it take to get car insurance once you have everything ready?
Getting quotes takes 10 to 15 minutes per insurer when you have all 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 insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek so people can make coverage decisions with confidence. His insurance insights have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other media outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.) and began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!