Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do you insure a car you are buying?

How can I insure a car I’m buying? I'm about to buy a new vehicle and I read that I need to get insurance first. I started looking into it but I’m feeling overwhelmed.

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“The first step to insure a car you plan on buying is choosing the car. This is because some cars are
cheaper to insure
than others.
Your insurance rate depends on a variety of factors—including the year, make, and model of the vehicle. To give you an accurate quote, the insurance company will also need:
  • The vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Current mileage
  • Vehicle history report
It’s a good idea to get a written agreement from your dealership or seller to confirm your intent to purchase the vehicle. With this, they can provide most of the details you’ll need to buy your insurance.
But even without written confirmation, you’ll need to give your insurance company specific vehicle information in order to buy a policy.
Aside from your car’s info, your provider will also ask you for some personal information. They’ll need:
  • Your driver’s license number
  • Address
  • Driving record
  • Insurance history
It’s a good idea to gather all of this prior to searching for coverage—you’ll need it! And be aware that individual insurers may request additional information, as well.
If you want to make your insurance-buying experience as easy as possible, try
Jerry
. The Jerry app can help you collect quotes from over 50 top insurance companies in minutes. Once you’ve decided on a policy and provider, Jerry can even help you buy your new coverage and cancel your old policy! The best part? It’s free!”
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings