4 Steps to Getting Same Day Car Insurance in California

Most insurance companies sell policies that begin the same day, although there can sometimes be delays in processing.

Here’s how to get same-day insurance in California

1. Get some basic information ready

Before you start shopping for quotes, make sure you have the following information on hand:

• Your name, date of birth, and phone number
• The address where you live and park your car
• Your vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number of vehicle identification number (VIN)
• The average mileage you drive each day
• The date of any traffic violations or insurance claims from the past five years
• How many years you’ve had your current insurance policy (if you have one)

NEED TO KNOW:

If you’re shopping for same-day insurance because you’re planning to buy a car, you can request quotes using the make and model of the vehicle you’re considering. Once you decide for sure that you want to buy that car, add the VIN to finish purchasing your insurance policy.

2. Compare quotes to save on your car insurance

Even if you’re in a hurry when you’re shopping for car insurance, it’s still worth taking the time to shop around. Drivers who shop around before buying insurance save an average of $600 a year on their policies.

The fastest way to shop for quotes is to use the Jerry app. Jerry will compare rates from dozens of insurance companies, and in minutes, you’ll have the best offers sent straight to your phone.

3. Choose your coverage levels

When you’re comparing quotes, take a few minutes to check out how much you would pay for different levels of coverage.

You can choose anywhere from state-minimum liability-only coverage—which could leave you under-protected in the event of a serious accident—all the way up to high-liability full coverage insurance with all the extras.

WHAT ARE CALIFORNIA’S INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS?

California drivers are required to carry a policy with at least the following:

• $15,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $5,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident

For most people, a policy that falls somewhere in the middle is the best fit.

Insurance experts generally recommend purchasing liability limits of 100/300/100. You should also consider adding physical damage protection—which includes comprehensive coverage and collision coverage—to cover damage to your own car.

Learn more: Shopping for auto insurance

4. Finalize your policy

After you’ve compared quotes and coverage options, choose the policy that you like best. Add your payment information and choose a payment plan—you’ll usually be given the option to pay your premium in full or make monthly installments, but some insurance companies will also give you the option to split your policy into 3 or 4 payments.

At this point, your insurer may request additional information, including:

• Your car’s VIN if you haven’t already provided it
• Your driver’s license number
• Proof of your current insurance policy (like an insurance ID card)
• Details of your car’s equipment, like safety features and anti-theft devices
• Lienholder’s information (if your car is financed)
• Proof of home ownership (mortgage documents)
• Report card or certificate of driving course completion (to qualify for discounts)

Roadblocks to same-day insurance

While you can usually get same-day insurance in California, there may be a few things that could slow down the process:

• When you buy the policy: If you’re finalizing your policy during off hours—like late at night or on a holiday—you may have to wait until the next business day for your policy to be finalized.
• Uploading verification documents: If there’s an issue with verifying the information in your uploaded documents, your new policy might be delayed until it’s resolved.
• Incomplete or incorrect information: If you fail to disclose previous tickets or insurance claims, it could do more than just slow down the start of your policy—it could lead to a raise in your rates, and your policy could even be cancelled.
• Unique vehicles: Rare, unique, or classic cars may not qualify for same-day insurance. The insurance company may require an underwriter to review your application before determining your coverage levels and premium.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

Amy Bobinger

Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.

Jessica Barrett

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.