, and drivers can often secure policies for as little as $50/month. Make sure to prepare all your documents in advance, provide accurate information, and compare quotes from multiple companies to get the best rate.

How to get same-day car insurance

Most insurance companies can sell you a car insurance policy that starts the same day you request the initial quote. And if you opt to use the

Jerry

app, the entire process can be completed in a few simple steps.

1. Gather relevant information

As long as you can quickly verify all the required information, your car insurance coverage should start instantly after binding your policy. When shopping for car insurance quotes,

you’ll need the following information

Name, phone number, and birthdate

The address of where you live and garage your car

License plate and vehicle identification numbers

Average daily mileage

Driving history

Insurance history

In addition to these details, you may also need to provide the personal information of any other drivers you want on your policy. This is only applicable if anyone other than yourself uses your vehicle on a regular basis, or lives in your household and has a valid driver’s license.

Upon signing up, the Jerry app will prompt you for this information, so you can have peace of mind that you’ve included everything necessary for a same-day policy. If further information is required, you will be notified.

2. Select your coverage levels

Once you’ve created your profile and filled out the required information, you can select the type of coverage you want, and your coverage levels.

With Jerry, drivers can choose either a full coverage or state minimum policy, and then customize it with different deductible limits and insurance add-ons.

And even after you’ve chosen your limits, you can always return to edit them further—even after looking at auto insurance quotes.

Rates will vary for both

liability coverage

and

full coverage

options depending on your location—however, based on our expert analysis of real same-day policies purchased through Jerry, these are the average car insurance rates you can expect to pay:

Minimum coverage	Full coverage	Total average rate
$77	$165	$121

Although the state minimum is often cheaper on a monthly basis, it may cost you more in the long run. A minimum liability insurance policy will only cover medical bills and damages you cause in a car accident—and depending on your state’s liability limits, you could be left financially vulnerable.

As a result, most drivers will benefit from a full coverage auto insurance policy. For added protection, drivers can also include optional coverages, including

roadside assistance

rental reimbursement

, on their policy.

Brice Regling

Licensed Insurance Agent, 6 years of experience

As a licensed agent, I highly recommend carrying higher limits than state minimums for bodily injury and property damage coverages. Your coverage limits should always exceed your current net worth. I'd consider limits of $100,000/$300,000 as these coverages can better protect you from the damages and injury you may cause in an auto accident.

Learn more:

How much car insurance do you (really) need?

3. Choose your provider

Several of the top car insurance companies, including

Progressive

Nationwide

, and

Allstate

offer same-day policies—and with Jerry, you can compare them all at the same time for free.

Below are a few of the average rates real policyholders received for a same-day policy with some of the top providers using Jerry. Keep in mind that these are average rates, meaning that not all drivers will get the same price when comparing quotes.

Insurance company	Monthly rate with Jerry	Annual rate with Jerry
State Auto	$50	$598
Nationwide	$70	$841
Kemper	$71	$847
Progressive	$79	$943
Anchor General	$89	$1,063
Madison Mutual	$92	$1,131
Direct Auto	$100	$1,199
Safeco	$135	$1,629
National General	$138	$1,650
Gainsco	$139	$1,672
Travelers	$150	$1,795

It’s important to note that

non-standard car insurance

policies may take longer to activate due to the time involved to process documents and verify your driving history.

Learn more:

The best car insurance companies of 2023

4. Secure your policy

The final step is to secure your same-day policy. Similar to when you’re beginning your shopping journey, you’ll need specific documents to verify your identification and confirm your new auto insurance policy. These documents include:

Driver’s license number(s)

Social security number

Vehicle information, ownership papers, and registration

Proof of insurance, if applicable

Violations and claims documentation, if applicable (including SR-22s)

Information pertaining to damaged or salvaged titles

Remember: When looking for instant car insurance, keep in mind that a policy that starts the same day as an accident won’t apply retroactively or erase that accident from your driving record. Same-day insurance also won’t prevent a coverage lapse if your previous policy expired days earlier.

Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds

Secure your policy

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How long does it take to get same-day car insurance?

When searching for same-day coverage, the length of the process depends on where you shop for coverage and whether or not you have the proper documentation in place.

If you use an insurance agent or manually source auto insurance companies, it could take hours to find the right fit. On the other hand, with the Jerry app, sourcing online quotes only takes a few minutes—and most customers can find and secure a policy in one to two hours.

However, if there’s a delay in completing your documentation, the process—regardless of where you shop—could take up to a few days. To avoid delays in setting up your auto insurance policy, follow these tips:

Do:

Plan ahead. Make sure you know what coverage you need, your budget, your state’s liability coverage limits, and that you have the proper documentation ready.

Compare rates. Collect quotes from multiple providers before making a decision to get the best insurer for you.

Avoid coverage gaps. Ensure you align the cancellation of your old auto insurance coverage with the establishment of your same-day policy.

Stick to the facts. Provide complete and accurate information when requesting quotes to ensure a smooth and fast process. Don’t guess on things like your credit score or the date of your last speeding ticket.

Don’t:

Rely on dealership insurance. Dealerships sometimes offer temporary short-term insurance for your new car. Insurance chosen by the dealership typically won’t give you the best rate.

Take the first rate you’re offered. Car insurance companies all calculate rates differently and you could be eligible for better coverage at a lower rate from a different company.

Cancel your old policy in advance—any lapse in coverage can raise suspicion for insurers, and lead to higher auto insurance rates.

Conceal facts. Don't hide an at-fault accident, violation, or high-risk ZIP code to get lower insurance premiums. This is a form of fraud and could lead to your policy being canceled.

Be aware that although your rates may be one price when you search for quotes, they can change when you request a final cost. Most insurers adjust your instant car insurance quotes once they get more complete documentation for your application. If you report your history and profile accurately, your insurance costs should be comparable to your initial quote at checkout.

Josh Damico

VP Insurance Operations, 18+ Years Experience in Insurance

The insured can absolutely have a conversation with the insurer to make sure they have all of the features that were on the vehicle included in the estimate. It’s not unheard of for an adjuster to miss a feature that was on a car. Those numbers are not firm; they’re not final. They can be discussed, and to some extent, negotiated.

Learn more:

How to shop for auto insurance like a pro

Same day-car insurance is not the same as one-day car insurance

Same-day insurance is different from

one-day insurance

. No reputable insurance company offers policies for a term of less than six months, so any insurance agent advertising car insurance for a single day is suspicious—and they won’t be able to sell you functional coverage.

Rather than single-day car insurance, most providers offer coverage for drivers who need

temporary insurance

. These options generally include

non-owner insurance

rental car insurance

, or

permissive motorist coverage

Same-day car insurance pitfalls to avoid

Although same-day coverage is beneficial in numerous scenarios, moving fast with car insurance shopping can lead you to missing several savings opportunities—or landing yourself in hot water, if you’re not careful.

Here are some common pitfalls you should be on the lookout for when searching for same-day coverage:

Skipping the discounts:

Car insurance discounts

are an easy, risk-free way to save on auto insurance coverage—but they’re not automatically applied to your policy, so check to make sure any discounts you’re eligible for are applied.

Speeding through the process: If you’re shopping for same-day coverage, it’s likely you need it now—but speeding through the process can lead you to purchasing the first cheap car insurance quote you get, which might not be the best fit. Take your time and compare quotes from all providers offered before selecting.

Insta-canceling your new policy: You can

cancel your insurance policy

at any time, but buying a policy and canceling it the next day can send the wrong message to insurers.

Assuming you’ll be approved: Not everyone is eligible for same-day coverage. If you have a poor credit history or driving record, you could be denied coverage, which can make the process longer.

FAQ

Can you get car insurance online without talking to someone?

Drivers can get car insurance online through provider mobile apps, or by using the Jerry app. Neither process requires speaking to an insurance agent, unless you’re missing documentation, or you have a poor driving record and require further assistance.

Can you get same-day car insurance?

Most insurance providers offer same-day coverage via their websites or mobile apps. Jerry can also supply you with same-day insurance, help you compare quotes, and even cancel your old policy.

How can I get a car insurance quote?

The best way to get a car insurance quote is with Jerry. Not only does Jerry help you find rates that are tailored to your specific driver profile, but it also can source premiums from up to 55 providers in under two minutes.

How quickly can I get insured after purchasing a new vehicle?

After purchasing a new vehicle, drivers can get insured almost instantly by shopping for same-day coverage. Once you create a profile with Jerry, you can vet rates from the best providers in your area, and generally secure and bind a policy in under two hours.

What is the quickest way to get car insurance coverage?

The quickest way to get car insurance coverage is to purchase it through the Jerry app. However, it’s important to note that if you’re missing documentation, or your driving record is poor, it may take longer to secure a policy.

What coverage is best for a same-day policy?

Drivers will most likely benefit from a full coverage policy with high liability limits of 50/100/50 or 100/300/100. This type of policy generally includes liability insurance (in the form of bodily injury liability and property damage coverage), comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. For added protection, drivers can also opt into optional insurance, such as uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, or roadside assistance.

Meet our experts

Kianna Walpole

Expert Insurance Writer & Editor

Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.

Sarah Gray

Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Writer and Editor

Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car.

Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.