How to get car insurance with no money down?

Asked by: Kristoffer Schumm  |  Last update: August 6, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (3 votes)

Reputable, zero-down auto insurance doesn't exist. Insurance companies require money upfront before selling a policy, so you cannot get car insurance without a down payment or deposit. Your car insurance "deposit" or "down payment" is typically some percentage of your total car insurance premium.

Which insurance doesn't require a down payment?

Car insurance with no deposit or down payment doesn't exist, as insurers don't want to take on the risk of insuring you without some sort of payment. The misconception of no-deposit car insurance may come from the differences in down payment amounts among companies and for different drivers.

Can I get car insurance and pay later?

But did you know auto insurance companies offer payment plans too? Perhaps you don't have all the money just yet to pay in full and you want to secure the coverage you need quickly. So, setting up a monthly payment plan with a car insurance down payment will make your coverage more affordable.

Does GEICO require a down payment?

You can pay in full or low down payments and convenient payment plans. Coverage options to fit your personal insurance needs.

Does Allstate ask for a down payment?

In July 2022, the Northbrook, Illinois-based Allstate began requiring 50% down payments on new auto policies. While a down payment is a standard requirement for new car insurance policies, most insurers either accept the first month's premium as a down payment or charge a low percentage of the annual premium.

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15 related questions found

Is there zero down auto insurance?

No. Reputable, zero-down auto insurance doesn't exist. Insurance companies require money upfront before selling a policy, so you cannot get car insurance without a down payment or deposit. Your car insurance "deposit" or "down payment" is typically some percentage of your total car insurance premium.

Why did Allstate reject me?

Common reasons for denial may include the following: Insufficient Coverage: Your insurance policy might not cover the type of claim you submitted, or the policy limits might have been exceeded. Policy Exclusions: Your policy may contain specific exclusions that prevent your claim from being covered.

How to avoid paying down payment on car insurance?

Some companies may offer a low deposit option where the deposit amount is less than a full month's premium. Companies allow two main ways of paying insurance premiums under the no down payment arrangement. You can pay a six-month or annual premium, or split your payments into equal monthly installments.

Who typically has the cheapest car insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

Who is cheaper, GEICO or Progressive?

GEICO is cheaper and has better ratings than Progressive. Your experience with GEICO and Progressive will vary based on individual rating factors.

Does State Farm have a down payment?

State Farm will allow you to pay only the first month's premium with no additional amount down. And if you want the policy to start 17 days or more in the future you can get it going with no money at all (your first payment/draft will happen on the policy start date).

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.

Does Progressive make you pay upfront?

We give you the option of paying monthly or in full, whichever fits your budget best. However, you'll earn a nice discount if you pay for your six-month policy up front.

How to get insurance when you have no money?

If you do not have health insurance, Covered California can help you determine if you qualify for Medi-Cal or federal subsidies, and can provide you with coverage options and plan costs. You can contact Covered California by phone at (800) 300-1506, TTY: (888) 889-4500 or by visiting their website at www.coveredca.com.

What car insurance does not require a deposit?

Key insights 💡 There is no such thing as no-deposit car insurance. All insurers require payment before activating coverage. You can lower your initial payment by taking advantage of discounts, only purchasing coverage you need and comparing rates to find the cheapest insurance company for you.

Does Geico make you pay upfront?

GEICO offers a number of flexible ways to pay your car insurance bill, from paying all at once to paying with installments. Just determine the best car insurance payment option for you and we'll provide the details.

How do I get lower car insurance?

Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs
  1. Shop around. ...
  2. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs. ...
  3. Ask for higher deductibles. ...
  4. Reduce coverage on older cars. ...
  5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer. ...
  6. Maintain a good credit record. ...
  7. Take advantage of low mileage discounts. ...
  8. Ask about group insurance.

Is Allstate cheaper than Geico?

GEICO is much cheaper and has better ratings than Allstate. Your experience with GEICO and Allstate will vary based on individual rating factors.

Who is the #1 insurance company in the USA?

State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the U.S. based on written premium, or the total amount it bills customers. Progressive is the second-largest car insurance company, followed by Geico and Allstate.

What insurance company does not require a down payment?

Zero-down car insurance doesn't exist.

Instead, lower your initial payment with a cheaper policy from companies like GEICO, Progressive, and more. No sales pitch.

What happens if you can't make your car insurance payment?

If you haven't made your payment by the end of the grace period, your policy could lapse, leaving you uninsured. Having a lapse in coverage can result in fees, penalties and other costly consequences that can haunt you for years. Here's how a car insurance grace period works.

How much is a deposit for car insurance?

The amount of a down payment for car insurance varies depending on several factors, including the insurance company, the type of coverage, and the driver's history. Typically, a down payment is a portion of the total premium, and it can range from 10% to 30% of the annual premium.

What to do if I can't get car insurance?

If you're denied insurance, the first step is to call another insurer—different companies have different parameters. However, if several insurers have denied you, you may need to consider these options: Join a state assigned risk pool – Auto insurers participate on a voluntary basis in state assigned risk pools.

What is the Allstate insurance scandal?

The lawsuit, which has been in proceedings since August 2015, alleged that Allstate violated multiple California laws, including the Unfair Competition Law, Business & Professions Code, False Advertising Law, and Insurance Code, by improperly using price optimization to inflate consumers' auto insurance premiums.

Why is my Allstate quote so high?

Some factors that may affect your auto insurance premiums are your car, your driving habits, demographic factors and the coverages, limits and deductibles you choose. These factors may include things such as your age and your driving record.