How Long Does It Take To Get Car Insurance?

• Getting car insurance can take anywhere from under an hour to several hours. It involves researching coverage levels, comparing quotes, checking discounts, completing forms, and finalizing coverage.
• The time it takes to get car insurance depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, decisions on coverage types, payment processing, and the insurance company's verification process.
• Preparing necessary information, choosing coverage in advance, using online quotes for comparison, and adding vehicles to existing policies can expedite the process of obtaining car insurance.

Generally speaking, getting car insurance takes anywhere from an hour or less to several hours. Obtaining auto insurance coverage on your vehicle should be one of your main priorities, whether you’re buying a new car or need to renew your policy. Below are the steps required to obtain car insurance, with the average time to complete each step. 

1. Research insurance coverage levels (15 minutes to an hour or more) 

Regardless of which insurance company you choose, you must submit information about yourself and your vehicle in your application, including: 

• You: Name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number and issuing state, driving record (including any past car accidents and insurance claims), Social Security number, and any affiliations (military, for example)
• Your vehicle: Make, model, model year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), primary location, mileage, date of purchase, ownership status (lease, loan, or owned), and special features or equipment

Besides gathering vehicle information, consider what coverage levels you want to select. Going with the minimum auto insurance requirements set out by your state can help establish a good starting point and reduce the time you spend selecting full coverage options. Most state-required coverage limits address liability, such as bodily injury and property damage. However, adjusting the levels to your lender or lessor's requirements must also factor into your decision. 

2. Comparison shop quotes (15 minutes to an hour) 

Once you’ve got the information you need, it’s time to request a few quotes from insurance carriers you potentially want to work with. This step often requires filling out several forms, but you can also use online quote generators to combine quotes in one place. As you select your options, start with the minimum coverage you want or need and adjust accordingly, including deductibles. You can also call local insurance brokers and request an accurate quote over the phone, but beware of no-down-payment car insurance carriers, as they’re often less than honest.  

3. Investigate discounts (Less than an hour) 

When you’re ready to narrow your choices, investigate discounts from your top three insurance providers. In this instance, calling a local representative or visiting them in person can help you efficiently identify what qualities you or your car have that translate to discounts. You can also ask any clarifying questions that may arise to ensure you fully understand your potential new policy and corresponding insurance rates. 

4. Complete the necessary insurance forms (10 to 20 minutes) 

By this stage, you should have a better idea of which insurance carrier you want to use. If you haven’t already, complete a full application for that insurance company, ensuring you include any discounts you uncovered in the previous step. Submit any additional information as requested in the application process. 

5. Finalize coverage (15 to 30 minutes) 

Completing your request for insurance coverage may take some back and forth between you and a local agent, but the steps involved in this final stage are simple. If and when your application is approved, the insurance agent will let you know if they require any additional information. They’ll also instruct you on how to make your first payment and coordinate when you’d like coverage to begin. All that’s left is to print temporary proof of insurance to carry with you and await any printed cards in the mail if applicable. 

Having time to compare auto insurance quotes and coverage can lead you to a more informed decision. However, you may need to get car insurance quickly if your existing auto insurance policy is set to expire, you need to register your vehicle and require insurance coverage to do so, you’re moving to a new state, or you have upcoming travel plans. In that case, the following methods can help expedite obtaining car insurance coverage: 

• Gather the necessary information beforehand: Almost all insurance carriers require details about anyone driving the vehicle and the vehicle itself, so take the time to gather the required information and necessary documents. Review what types of coverage you want on your policy, including individual levels. Auto insurance companies must abide by the state’s minimum insurance requirements, and if you’re leasing or financing a vehicle, the lender’s requirements also come into play. 
• Add the vehicle to an existing policy: By far the easiest option, adding the vehicle to your current policy simply requires information regarding the car itself, from make and model to model year, mileage, and condition. You can often add a new vehicle to your insurance policy and confirm liability coverage levels online through your account. 
• Obtain online quotes: If you don’t have insurance coverage or want to switch carriers, look for an insurance quote generator. Having multiple quotes and coverage levels to compare can help you pinpoint the best deals, but verify specifics with the carrier before you initiate coverage.

You can also use these same processes to estimate car insurance costs for a car you’re considering. For example, if you’re investigating BMW reliability and want to know how much it costs to insure a BMW, an online quote generator can help you compare annual car ownership costs to other brands you’re also considering.   

Several car insurance companies initiate coverage once your payment clears the bank, at least preliminarily. You can also choose to begin coverage at a future date, depending on individual insurance company policies. If you’re concerned about when coverage will start or setting up coverage to begin in the future, speak to your insurance agent before agreeing to any terms. Just know that if you total a leased car (or a financed vehicle or car you own outright) before coverage begins, any related expenses could become your responsibility, depending on the circumstances. 

Keep in mind that different insurance, including types of car insurance vary greatly. Most, if not all, of the 50 states require auto insurance, and lapses in coverage don’t always work in your favor. However, health and life insurance policies don’t have similar restrictions on coverage. Several health insurance carriers delay the coverage start date (up to a month), and many only allow enrollment during certain times of the year. 

Although the process of obtaining car insurance can vary from under an hour to several hours or more, you can reduce the time you spend on the process by identifying any potential delays. Some examples of delays include: 

• Incomplete or inaccurate information 
• Indecision regarding coverage types and limits  
• Lack of available funds to initiate coverage 
• Insurance carrier verification process 
• Request for coverage outside of typical business hours
• Insurance premium payment processing 
• Declined coverage 
• Agent appointment availability 
• Unique or extenuating circumstances

A proactive approach to obtaining car insurance can mitigate several of the above delays in most cases. For instance, gathering the necessary information and funds ahead of time can reduce any potential roadblocks. Scheduling visits to your insurance agent well in advance or calling them on the phone instead can also reduce wait times. In some instances, such as when coverage is declined, investigating the reason(s) for such a decision can help identify issues that may need to be resolved before you try again.