How to get instant online
Technically, every could be described as “same-day .” You can shop around for online while picking out your new car, find the right for a rate you like and buy it when you're at the dealership - all in one day.
Furthermore, any auto quote you receive should come free of charge. companies advertise “free and instant quotes,” implying other sites or companies charge for them. Quotes are complimentary across the board and won't impact your current , making it easy to buy . Don't hesitate to compare and weigh your options during your search for the .
If you're looking for same-day free quotes, The Zebra's experts are here to help
- The easiest way to get same-day car insurance is to purchase a policy online
- Shopping for cheap insurance online is perfectly safe and reliable
- Almost every major carrier offers online quotes and purchasing
- It can be cheaper to buy a policy online, as there are no agency fees or markups
Average car insurance rates
For those looking for the best car insurance rates online, take a look at the average auto insurance rates from auto insurers offering same-day car insurance in the U.S.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,342 | $112 |
| USAA | $1,365 | $114 |
| Nationwide | $1,476 | $123 |
| GEICO | $1,542 | $129 |
| American Family | $1,568 | $131 |
| State Farm | $1,569 | $131 |
| Farmers | $1,786 | $149 |
| Progressive | $1,882 | $157 |
| Allstate | $2,413 | $201 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
What information is required to get an instant online car insurance quote?
To get an accurate insurance quote as quickly as possible, you need to have the following information available.
- Driver's license number, date of birth, address, living situation, marital status, and other information for any driver on the policy.
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle for which you're getting a quote. Every vehicle, regardless of whether it’s from a private seller or still at a dealership, has a VIN. This number is unique to every vehicle, tracking its history. If you can’t provide a VIN, be sure you can provide the year, make, and model. Most insurance companies will not issue a policy from a quote without a VIN.
- Mileage on the car.
- Date of purchase of the vehicle.
- Name of the registered owner.
- Recent driving history of any motorist(s) listed on the policy, including accidents, citations, claims or completed driving courses.
- Details on your car insurance coverage background — some companies require at least six months of continuous coverage prior to issuing a policy.
Of course, this is not a set-in-stone list of information needed to receive a car insurance quote. If you're at a dealership and need car insurance immediately to drive off the lot, you might be able to simplify this list by just including your information (for example, if you have multiple drivers). Remember to call your insurance provider at a later date and update this information.
Comparing your car insurance options is quick, simple and hassle-free.
Should I get before I buy a car?
It depends. If you buy or finance your vehicle through a dealership, a full may be required in order to drive the vehicle off the lot. It's good to check on this before you start looking for so you can accurately compare the .
This may change if you buy from a private dealer. Some policies have a grace period for extensions for newly acquired vehicles, meaning, the highest level of you have on your current vehicle(s) can be extended for a short period of time. If the private dealer does not require you to immediately add the vehicle to your , you could buy the vehicle prior to insuring it. As long as there's no lienholder and you're the sole owner of the vehicle you purchase, you are free to choose your own , which gives you more flexibility when it comes to finding .
Is it okay to buy online?
Yes! To consumers who have historically purchased over the phone or in person, buying a policy online may seem less secure. However, this is not the case! In a world where technology is ever-expanding, and comparison websites like The Zebra have made it easy and safe to shop for and purchase online. It's an efficient way to find the for your situation from a large selection of , all in one place. This also means you'll have more to compare so you can make an informed decision as a and vehicle owner. In many cases, it may even be cheaper to sign up for a policy online, as quotes are free and there are no agency fees or markups. If you've recently received quotes but haven't yet purchased your policy, you may even be able to retrieve a saved quote at a later time. This way, you can consider both the and the without feeling rushed.
Learn more about how comparison websites like The Zebra work.
Comparison websites like The Zebra have made it easy and safe to shop for and purchase insurance online.
How long does it take to get online?
Once you're ready to start looking at , it can be a fairly quick process. If you're getting a new quote from a , you should be able to get a in less than an hour. Because you are starting an entirely new policy, you are required to make a down payment in order for your policy to be considered active. The amount of your down payment will depend on your and your level (such as full , or simply the required for your state).
If you have an established policy with an , it should only take a few minutes to get an online - either online or with the help of an experienced agent. Be sure to have all the necessary information on hand to streamline this process. Current policyholders may be able to make policy changes and see through their 's mobile app if available. If you've been with the same for a while, it can still be a great idea to shop around to check for a . You can also inquire with your current about any you might be eligible for, especially if you've moved, changed careers or added more vehicles to the household, which could help lower your .
Reasons why you may not be able to get immediately
When drivers get quotes, companies use the information submitted to generate pricing. The biggest reasons you may not be able to get same-day are if some of this crucial information is missing, or if circumstances require that to assess whether it can provide for you. Some examples that could prevent you from getting same-day include:
- Not having a permanent address: companies use your location as a factor in your quote, so may not sell you a policy if the can't verify your address.
- Having too many accidents or citations on your record: This is a sign of liability to companies, meaning you could be too risky of a client. It could be more difficult to find depending on the state of your driving history, but some companies will offer you a policy - it just might require more research. Learn more about how to find as a high-risk .
- You drive a unique, rare or classic car: If you drive a vehicle that isn't listed in a company's database, it could require more work to find a policy. Not all will sell you a policy for a rare or classic car; you may need to get quotes from insurers that specialize in classic cars, like Hagerty.
- : Your is one of many factors that are evaluated when getting quotes for . Depending on your score and the information available, this could lead to a delay if an needs more information.
If you can't get a online, we recommend calling the and getting personalized help from one of the company's representatives.
Understanding "one-day" insurance
Technically, all car insurance is "one-day" car insurance, as you can activate your policy immediately and terminate it at any point. However, being covered by an insurer for only a single day can land you in trouble for several reasons.
1. You may not get your down payment back
Most companies require a down payment - at a cost of 30 to 45 days worth of premium. If you cancel your the day after it was issued, you won't be guaranteed to get your money back for that month. Learn more about with no down payment.
2. You are legally required to have
is required by law unless you live in New Hampshire, where proof of is not a requirement. By canceling your policy after leaving a dealership, you run the risk of being ticketed for driving without . While rules vary by state, common consequences of driving without include having your vehicle impounded, license suspension and costly citations that could tarnish your driving record.
3. Leased and financed vehicles often have contractual stipulations requiring
If you're leasing or financing your vehicle through the dealership or a bank, they typically require you to maintain full (collision and ) on your vehicle in addition to . By canceling your policy, you are putting your vehicle in danger of repossession if they (your bank or dealership) find out. Moreover, you could be saddled with forced - where a bank or lender pays the bill before passing along the costs to you. Forced is typically much more expensive than getting an yourself. By shopping around and comparing , you can make the choice for yourself when it comes to the for your needs, without the extra costs being passed on.
4. You could be putting yourself at risk on the road
If you're found as the at-fault after an accident without an active , you will most likely be ticketed, face license suspension and can even be sued for property or liability damages.
Although can be expensive, it’s cheaper than the world of trouble you can get yourself into if you’re caught driving uninsured or get into an at-fault accident without . The financial responsibility you could face in those circumstances - costs for bodily injury and property damage can get steep depending on the collision's severity - is typically far worse than the you will pay. There are affordable options, and you can compare policies online to make sure you're getting the best rate. Many companies also offer a variety of that you may be eligible for. Also, keep in mind different as you shop around; finding is great, but the needs to make sense for your specific vehicle and circumstances. The may not necessarily be the best policy for you in the long run.
Instant quotes: what to consider
Every major should be able to provide same-day or instant . If you're looking for in order to legally drive your new vehicle off the lot of the dealership, make sure you have all the information ready to make the process as painless as possible. If you opt to forgo - or only purchase it temporarily before dropping - you risk being caught driving without , and the consequences you will face will be much more costly than an elevated . Enter your ZIP code below to see cheap from national and local providers.
Find the right policy in just a few minutes.
Affordable same-day auto insurance FAQs
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.