Do I need to contact my insurance before buying a car?

Asked by: Tom Spencer III  |  Last update: April 24, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (60 votes)

Most insurers offer a grace period of seven to 30 days to inform them of a new vehicle. However, even if you have coverage, it's wise to tell your insurance company that you plan to get a new car before you buy.

Do you set up insurance before buying a car?

It is necessary to have the general auto insurance before buying the first car. If you are replacing the car, you will inform your insurer in that particular case. It will help them decide whether your current coverage will extend or they will change it.

Why should you call your insurance company before buying a car?

By calling ahead of time, you are eliminating the possibility of any unpleasant surprises after you have already made the purchase. All insurance carriers are different so even though your friend or the dealership said you have coverage for 30 days, keep in mind they are not licensed insurance agents.

Can I buy car insurance and use it immediately?

You can purchase a policy online or over the phone and your coverage can often begin immediately, if you choose. However, most major auto insurers don't offer "temporary" car insurance, which means you can't buy a policy for a day, week, or any time period less than six months.

Do I need to contact my car insurance company?

The only time you do not need to call your insurance company is when the accident happens on your own property, involves no other drivers (so no one else may be at fault) and the damage to your vehicle is minimal or at least of an amount you can afford to cover on your own or lose altogether.

Insurance Companies to AVOID!

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Do I call the other person's insurance if they hit me?

You do likely have to talk to your own insurance company as they will need your account of what happened. There is, however, times when speaking to the other driver's insurance company will benefit you and will depend heavily on the specifics of your case.

Do you call your insurance or theirs?

If you get into a car accident, you are under no obligation to call another driver's insurance company to work out the claim. All you need to do is talk to your insurance provider when you get into an accident or if someone else hits your car, and they will handle the claim on your behalf.

Can you buy a car and then get insurance?

It is usually best to buy car insurance before you get your new vehicle. If you already have car insurance for another vehicle, you may not yet have to buy another plan. Most insurance companies offer a short grace period in which your new car is covered.

How soon after getting insurance can you use it?

Usually, this waiting period is a minimum of 30 days.

Can you get car insurance online without talking to someone?

Yes. You can get car insurance online without talking directly to an agent. Many reputable insurance companies offer online quote tools, including GEICO and Progressive. Or, you can choose to use an insurance calculator or online quote-comparison tool.

Do dealerships ask for insurance?

Proof of auto insurance

Almost every state requires that drivers have auto insurance. The dealership will ask for proof of your auto insurance policy.

Do I need to call my insurance when I get a new car?

If you already have a policy, you can show your insurance card at the dealership as proof of coverage. This will allow you to buy a car, but you'll still need to contact your insurance carrier about your new purchase. Most insurers offer a grace period of seven to 30 days to inform them of a new vehicle.

When to tell insurance about a new car?

Get around 7 to 30 days to officially add the car to your policy. On Screen Text: How long can I wait to add car insurance to my policy? Around 7 to 30 days.

Do you have to register your car before getting insurance?

In some states, you can get a license plate without insurance, but you cannot drive the car until it is insured. However, most states require you to get insurance before registration. In every state except for New Hampshire, you must have a minimum amount of liability insurance to drive your car.

Does car insurance take effect immediately?

Many situations cause drivers to need car insurance quickly. The good news for drivers is that car insurance doesn't take long to get. For most drivers, it only takes a few minutes and the policy will go into effect the same day.

Do I need insurance to finance a car?

If you have an auto loan, the lender will likely require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage, in addition to liability and other legally required coverages, which your lender may refer to as "full coverage." Lenders may also require additional coverages, such as uninsured motorist coverage or gap insurance ...

Can I get insurance and use it right away?

Many, but not all, short term health insurance plans can take effect the day after your application is received.

What are the three biggest mistakes you should avoid making when applying for an insurance policy?

Avoid these big mistakes to save money and get the coverage you need.
  • Setting your deductible too high or too low. ...
  • Not having enough home or auto insurance. ...
  • Knowing when to drop your car's comprehensive or gap coverage. ...
  • Not knowing about health care networks and referrals. ...
  • Not telling your family about your life insurance.

What happens if I hit a car but no damage?

* Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. * Document the incident: Take photos of both vehicles, even if there's no visible damage. * Report the incident: If required by law in your area, report the incident to the police.

Do you buy the car or the insurance first?

You'll need to secure auto insurance coverage before you can take your new car home if you're a first-time car buyer without insurance. Once you pick a specific vehicle and have a VIN, pick an insurance provider and set up your policy to begin the same day you plan on picking up your new car.

How long does it take to get a car registered?

Registration stickers are typically issued immediately at the DMV or local municipal office. If not, an official registration sticker will arrive in the mail within 30 days. If you moved to a state that's different from where the car was registered, you will be issued a new license plate.

Do I need to have insurance before buying a used car?

Technically, you can buy a vehicle without insurance. However, whether you're buying a new or used car, you need auto insurance to drive it home — specifically, a policy that meets your state's minimum amount of liability insurance. Most car dealerships won't allow you to leave with the car unless it's insured first.

How soon can I get a new car after a total loss?

After filing the claim, your insurance company might take several weeks or several months to issue a payout, depending on whether you have a loan. Once you receive the settlement, you can go out and purchase a new car.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?

Rate increases will go up even more if there are injuries and property damage. If you are not at fault, however, the rate increase is less severe. On average, drivers who are not at fault will only have their rates go up by about 4%.

Should I call my insurance first?

If you or the other driver involved in a collision are injured, you need to contact your insurance company. The bodily injury liability portion of an insurance policy typically covers injuries to the other driver in an at-fault accident.