Cheap Same-Day Car Insurance
Secure affordable same-day car insurance: compare top providers and get instant coverage online or over the phone.
Can you buy same-day car insurance?
You sure can, and at The Zebra, we make it even easier. Our quick online quoting tool helps you find same-day coverage with just one form. Compare options from large and small companies, sort by price or coverage, and secure the right policy for you—instantly and for free. In fact, 16% of our customers are looking for policies to start the same day, so you're not alone!
Almost every major insurer offers same-day policies, and shopping online is safe and secure. You can even sort quotes by price or coverage level to find the best fit for your needs.
According to our data, Travelers, USAA, and Nationwide are among the most affordable providers for same-day car insurance.
What you need to get insurance instantly
There isn't a set-in-stone list of information needed to receive a car insurance quote. However, most insurers will require roughly the same types of information to get the process started. If you're at a dealership and need car insurance immediately to drive off the lot, you might be able to simplify the process by having your information ready beforehand (especially if you have multiple drivers).
To get an accurate insurance quote as quickly as possible, you need to have the following information available:Â
- Driver's license number
- Date of birth
- Address
- Marital status
(This will be necessary for each driver on the policy)
- The make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of your vehicle(s)Â
- 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 before issuing a policy
How to get car insurance now:
- Prepare your information - Have all necessary details, like your driver's license and vehicle information, ready to streamline the process.
- Choose your coverage - Liability-only is the cheapest option but offers minimal protection. Full coverage provides greater protection but costs more. If you're leasing or financing, ensure you meet lender requirements.
- Get your quotes - Use The Zebra's quote tool or visit insurers' websites to compare personalized quotes and find the best policy.
- Start your policy - Avoid a lapse in coverage by starting your new policy before canceling your old one.
Insider knowledge, trusted guidance
In a hurry? Start online and save time!
How long does it take to get auto online?
Starting a new car insurance policy is quicker than you might think—often just a matter of minutes. At The Zebra, the average time to get a quote is just 19 minutes, but this may not be the case with every website or insurer. Once you select a policy, a down payment is typically required to activate it.
Already have insurance? Getting a quote can take just a few minutes online or over the phone. Having your information ready will make the process even smoother. To better understand cost, calculate your new car insurance rate below by inputting the information in the list above. Or, skip to our data on average rates from top companies.
"The average customer handle time at The Zebra Insurance Agency, measured from when you first speak with an agent to when you finalize your policy, is 19 minutes. However, this can vary based on the complexity of your needs and the details provided, and it can take up to an hour. Rest assured, the entire process is designed to be as efficient and stress-free as possible."Â
-Katie Gold, Head of Agency at The Zebra
Why Use The Zebra?
When you need same-day car insurance, finding the right policy fast can feel overwhelming. The Zebra simplifies the process by delivering personalized quotes in minutes, helping you get covered quickly and hassle-free.
We partner with top insurers to give you a clear, side-by-side comparison—so you can see your options, understand your coverage, and choose with confidence. Whether you're insuring a new car, switching providers, or just exploring, we make the process simple and stress-free.
With The Zebra, you can:
- Get covered fast—compare multiple insurers and secure same-day insurance
- Find the best price based on your unique driving profile
- Understand your options—what coverage you actually need (and what you don’t)
- Get real support from knowledgeable agents, no pressure or gimmicks
- Feel secure knowing your personal info is protected—no spam, no sales calls
Need coverage right away? We work with insurers who provide instant proof of insurance so that you can drive legally today.
Start online now or speak with an agent to get covered today.
Considerations for same-day auto insurance
Instant car insurance quotes are easy to obtain, but there are risks to waiting until the last minute. We talked to one of our in-house agents, Summer Popovich, and here are her thoughts on the potential drawbacks of same-day insurance:
For rare or valuable cars, or when additional details like photos are required, the underwriting process may take longer than a day. As Summer explains, "Adding certain coverages—like comprehensive, collision, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage—can pose a problem if you don’t send pictures of your vehicle."
Rushing to secure same-day insurance can limit your ability to compare companies, assess discounts, and tailor coverage to your needs. This could lead to higher premiums or missing out on the best options.
Risky driving records, poor credit, or incomplete applications could result in denial, leaving you without coverage when you need it most.
If you're buying a vehicle and finalizing insurance at the same time, Summer warns, "The sale might fall through due to issues with the vehicle or loan approval. This could lead to cancellation by the insurance company and possibly incur fees."
Why you might see a delay in coverage
When you’re getting car insurance quotes, insurers use the information you provide to calculate your rate. Sometimes, missing details or unique circumstances can slow things down. Here are a few reasons you might not be able to get same-day coverage and how to handle them:
- No permanent address - Insurers rely on your address to calculate your rate. If you don’t have one on file, they might not be able to issue a policy.
- A tricky driving record - Some companies might hesitate if you’ve had a few accidents or tickets. But don’t worry—there are insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers.
- A rare or classic car - Unique vehicles may take a little extra work to insure. Some companies, like Hagerty, specialize in these cars, so check them out.
- Credit concerns - Your credit score is one of many factors insurers consider. If it’s not great, it might slow things down, but finding coverage is still possible.
If you can’t get a quote online, try giving the insurer a call. A quick chat with a representative can help you get things sorted and find the coverage you need.
Is it safe to buy car insurance online?
Absolutely! Many people buy their car insurance over the phone or online these days. While it’s always smart to be cautious with online purchases, buying insurance online is safe and convenient when using trusted platforms.
If you need coverage fast (and at the best price), comparison sites like The Zebra are your go-to solution.
Curious about how shopping with The Zebra works? In short, we partner with top insurance companies across the U.S. (both big names and smaller regional providers) to give you instant options tailored to your coverage needs and budget.
The Zebra is an insurance comparison site, not a lead generator or an insurance company. You won’t receive spam from either us or are partners when you use our tool.
You can trust us to handle your personal information securely. We never sell your information – our bottom line is to keep your insured. See our Privacy Policy for more information.
Rather than jump from site to site in order to find the best deal, we’ve streamlined the research process. With us, you fill out one quote to see multiple options at the same time.Â
Not only do we work with most of the biggest names in the insurance industry, but we also partner with regional and non-standard providers to help get you insured today.
No pressure or sales pitch here. You can save your quote and return when you're ready to buy.Â
If you need more assistance, we are always here to help! Call 1-888-244-4364 if you would like more guidance at any stage of your insurance shopping experience.
Fetching your estimate
Here at The Zebra, we make it easy for you to find the right coverage—at the right price. We compare top companies so you can find what works for you.
We can also help you:
Average rates from top online car insurance providers
For those looking for the best auto insurance rates online, take a look at the average premiums from auto insurers offering same-day full-coverage car insurance in the U.S. Because location plays a key role in determining auto insurance premiums, the table below breaks down the average costs by region.
States by region:Â
- Northeast:Â Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.
- Southeast:Â Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Midwest:Â Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
- Southwest:Â Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
- West:Â Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,355 |
| GEICO | $945 |
| Nationwide | $880 |
| Progressive | $1,095 |
| State Farm | $1,235 |
| Travelers | $701 |
| USAA | $1,049 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Rating factors
While the rates above are based on a certain driver profile (see methodology for more), individual car insurance premiums are assessed from various rating factors. Details like your age, gender, location, credit score and driving history significantly impact how much you will pay for an auto insurance policy. Understanding your rating factors brings you closer to understanding your insurance premiums— and why you may be denied or delayed same-day coverage.Â
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $779 |
| USAA | $665 |
| Progressive | $950 |
| Allstate | $1,235 |
| Nationwide | $738 |
| State Farm | $797 |
| Farmers | $892 |
Source: The Zebra
Coverage
Same-day coverage options are the same as standard coverages, even if you planned in advance. Take a look at the coverages you'll see when applying for same-day car insurance.
Get auto insurance online now!
Need "one-day" car insurance?
Technically, all car insurance is "one-day" car insurance, as you can activate your policy and terminate it at any point. Still, being covered by an insurer for only a single day can land you in trouble for several reasons.
- You may not get your down payment back - Canceling your policy soon after it's issued doesn’t guarantee a refund for that month. Learn more about auto insurance with no down payment.
- Car insurance is legally required - Except in New Hampshire, driving without insurance can result in fines, tickets, or legal trouble.
- Leased/financed vehicles require insurance - Canceling full coverage could violate your lease or finance contract and risk vehicle repossession.
- Driving uninsured is risky - Being at fault in an accident without insurance can lead to fines, license suspension, and lawsuits.
Car insurance might feel expensive, but it’s far cheaper than the costs of driving uninsured or being at fault in an accident. The financial risks far outweigh the cost of coverage. Luckily, there are affordable options, and you can compare rates easily to find the best deal. Don’t forget to check for discounts you might qualify for.
Instant car insurance quotes: what to know
Getting instant car insurance quotes is simple, but keep in mind that the underwriting process to finalize your policy may take longer. Most major insurers can provide same-day coverage, so be prepared with all the necessary information to make the process smooth.
Skipping insurance or dropping coverage after purchasing a policy puts you at risk of costly consequences, including fines and legal trouble. The expense of being uninsured far outweighs the cost of maintaining a policy.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare affordable car insurance rates from top providers near you.
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 editorial 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.