Services
PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Home Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Recent Studies
Comprehensive Data Reports
Reviews
About
FAQ
MenuIcon
BACK

"When does a car insurance policy’s coverage begin? "

I got into an accident on the way home from buying my car. I was planning to purchase insurance when I got home. The wreck happened about two hours ago. Will I still be covered if I buy insurance now?

avatar
Johnny Puckett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“An auto insurance policy will take effect as soon as you purchase it and not a minute before. This means that if you purchased a
car insurance
 policy at 4:59 p.m. but got into an accident at 4:58 p.m., the damages would not be covered. And lying about when an accident took place is considered fraud.
Unfortunately, this time, as an uninsured motorist, you’re on the hook for damages in the accident. Next time, you should get insurance before leaving with your new vehicle to avoid getting in another predicament such as this.
If you’re still looking for insurance, get
Jerry
. Signing up is free and quick, and the app can find you affordable quotes from dozens of top companies.
“
Car Insurance
View full answer 
Jerry user testimonial avatar
rating primary
“My experience with Jerry has been absolutely incredible. It took my car insurance from about $400/month to about $80. The entire experience is seamless.” - Gregory R.
Lower my car insurance too
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

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

card cover

Here's What Happens if you Crash a Rental Car

Rental insurance or your own coverage can cover you if you're in a crash with a rental car.
avatar
Bonnie Stinson
card cover

When You Need To Buy Car Insurance

You need to buy insurance before buying a car, whenever your driver profile changes, and sometimes when renting a car.
avatar
R.E. Fulton
card cover

Does Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Will a car insurance policy cover some or all of the cost of engine repairs? The answer to that question will depend on the type of insurance and the circumstances.
avatar
Jacoba Bood

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

card cover

These Two Car Expenses Are Rising Faster Than Your Grocery Bill

The costs of insuring and repairing your car rose faster than any food item at your local grocery store in 2023. In fact, those expenses have risen more than any food item over the past three years.
avatar
Henry Hoenig
card cover

How to Build a Custom GMC Canyon

With 4 trim levels and several customization packages, there are plenty of ways to make the GMC Canyon your own.
avatar
Brenna Swanston
card cover

Your Guide to Car Insurance Discounts

Most companies offer car insurance discounts based on your driver profile, vehicle, payment choices, policies, and driving history.
avatar
Jessica Barrett

What Others Are Asking

Why won’t my Ford F-150 connect to Bluetooth?
I had my phone connected to my 2020 F-150, but it disconnected somehow. I can’t get it to reconnect no matter how hard I try. Why is it doing this?
avatar
Andrea Barrett
How do you connect Bluetooth to a Ford Explorer from 2012?
I just got a new iPhone, and I can’t remember how I connected my old phone to my 2012 Ford Explorer. How do I pair my phone to Bluetooth?
avatar
Andrea Barrett
How do you open a Subaru Legacy gas tank?
I just traded in my old Chevy Malibu for a newer Subaru Legacy, and while I love the look of my new car, it’s a little confusing trying to orient myself! I’m not even entirely sure how to open the fuel tank so I can gas up. How do you open a Subaru Legacy gas tank?
avatar
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

    Insurance In Your City

    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
    Car Insurance by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Dodge
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Jeep
    Kia
    Lexus
    Mercedes-Benz
    Mitsubishi
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Model
    Chevrolet Silverado
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Ford Escape
    GMC Sierra
    Honda Accord
    Honda Civic
    Hyundai Tucson
    Jeep Cherokee
    Jeep Wrangler
    Kia Forte
    Mazda 3
    Nissan Altima
    Subaru Outback
    Subaru Crosstrek
    Toyota Camry
    Toyota Corolla
    Toyota Tacoma
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Rav4
    Volkswagen Jetta
    View all
    Car Insurance by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Insurance by City
    Austin, TX
    Boston, MA
    Charlotte, NC
    Chicago, IL
    Columbus, OH
    Dallas, TX
    Denver, CO
    Houston, TX
    Indianapolis, IN
    Jacksonville, FL
    Las Vegas, NV
    Los Angeles, CA
    Nashville, TN
    New York, NY
    Philadelphia, PA
    Phoenix, AZ
    Portland, OR
    San Antonio, TX
    San Francisco, CA
    Seattle, WA
    View all
    Car Loan by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Chevrolet
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Kia
    Lexus
    Nissan
    Mercedes-Benz
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Company
    AAA
    Allstate
    Aspire Advantage
    Assurance America
    Bristol West
    Commonwealth
    Dairyland
    Encompass
    Infinity
    Kemper
    Mapfre
    Mercury
    National General
    Nationwide
    Plymouth Rock
    Progressive
    Safeco
    State Auto
    Travelers
    Car Loan by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Repair by Service
    AC Compressor Replacement Cost
    Battery Replacement Cost
    Fuel Injector Replacement Cost
    Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
    Ignition Coil Replacement Cost
    Oil Change Cost
    Oil Pan Replacement Cost
    Power Steering Fluid Service Cost
    Rotate Tires Cost
    Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
    Timing Belt Replacement Cost
    Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost
    Water Pump Replacement Cost
    Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost
    View all