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How soon do I need to insure my new car after purchase?

I’m buying a car tomorrow, but I still don't have the insurance figured out. How soon do I need to insure my new car after purchase?

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Nick Kunze · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
How exciting! If you don’t have an existing policy, you will need to buy car insurance before you drive the car off the lot. If you do have an existing policy for your old car, you may have up to a month to update your insurance.
Most insurance companies have a grace period to add a new vehicle to your existing plan, ranging from a few days to a whole month after purchase.
When you add this new car to your policy, your insurance company may ask for information like:
  • Current policy number
  • Effective date (date you are taking the car home)
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Desired coverage
  • Dealership contact information
If you’re worried about your insurance rates going up when you add a new car, try the insurance broker app
Jerry
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