The Smart Way to Quickly Get Same-Day Car Insurance

Most insurance companies offer same-day car insurance, and drivers can often secure minimum liability policies for as little as $50-90/month. To get the best rate, make sure to prepare all your documents in advance, provide accurate information and compare quotes from multiple companies.

How long does it take to get car insurance?

When searching for same-day auto coverage, the length of the process depends on where you shop for policies and if you have the proper documentation in place. 

If you use an insurance agent or manually source auto insurance companies, it could take hours or days to find the right fit. On the other hand, sourcing quotes with the right online tool only takes a few minutes — and most customers can find and secure a policy within one to two hours. So if you need same-day car insurance, you’ll have better options when you purchase auto insurance online. 

How to get car insurance today with Jerry

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.
• Address and where you park your car.
• License plate and vehicle identification numbers.
• Average daily mileage.
• Driving history.
• Insurance history.

You may also need to provide the personal information of any other drivers you want on your policy, though this is only applicable if someone else uses your vehicle on a regular basis or lives in your household and has a valid driver’s license.

Did You Know?
Upon signing up, the Jerry app will prompt you for this information to make sure we have everything necessary for a same-day car insurance 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. You can always return to edit your limits after you’ve chosen them, even after looking at quotes.

Auto insurance rates will vary for both liability coverage and full coverage (comprehensive + collision) options depending on your location. Below are some typical ranges you can expect to pay.

Although purchasing 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 that you cause in a car accident — so depending on your state’s liability limits, you could be left financially vulnerable. Most drivers will benefit from a full coverage auto insurance policy that has higher limits than state minimums.

For added protection, drivers can also include optional coverages on their policy, including roadside assistance or rental reimbursement. 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. 

3. Choose your provider

Several of the top car insurance companies — including Progressive, Nationwide and Allstate — offer same-day policies.

Below are a few recent quoted rates that real policyholders received for instant car insurance for minimum coverage. Keep in mind that these are average rates, meaning that not all drivers will get the same price when comparing quotes.

Learn more: The best car insurance companies of 2024

4. Secure your policy

The final step is to secure your day-of car insurance. You’ll need specific documents to verify your identification and confirm your new auto insurance policy, including:

• 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.

The do’s and don’ts of same-day car insurance

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 and that you have the proper documentation ready.
• Compare rates. Collect quotes from multiple insurers before making a decision.
• 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 the date of your last speeding ticket.

Don’t:

• Rely on dealership insurance. Dealerships sometimes offer temporary short-term insurance for your new car, but they 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 that you live in a high-risk ZIP code to get lower insurance premiums. This is a form of fraud and could lead to your policy being canceled. You should also 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.

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 car insurance in that no reputable insurance companies offer policies for a term of less than six months. Any insurance agent advertising car insurance for a single day is suspicious and 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, quick auto insurance is beneficial in numerous scenarios, moving fast with car insurance shopping can lead to you missing several savings opportunities — or landing yourself in hot water, if you’re not careful.

Here are some common pitfalls to look out for when doing some quick auto policy shopping:

• 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.
• Hurrying: If you’re shopping for same-day auto insurance 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 then 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 instant coverage and may have to go through a longer process. 

MEET OUR EXPERTS

Megan Lee

Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

Everett Cook

Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.

Kevin Berry

Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.