Whether you’re a new or existing car owner, securing auto insurance is an important part of driving your vehicle.
But how long does it take to get a car insured? And what are the steps involved?
While the amount of time ultimately depends on every unique driver or situation, there are certain steps that need to happen throughout the car insurance buying process.
SHOP FOR QUOTES
Shopping for quotes is probably the most time-consuming part of your car insurance journey. You could accomplish your auto insurance research in a matter of an hour or two, or it might take several days to a week or more to feel like you have a good understanding of what’s available to you.
There are a few different options available to you when it comes to shopping. You can fill out an online application or have an insurance broker get quotes on your behalf. Getting your quotes all at once will also make it easier to compare your options and see which company can offer you the best coverage at the lowest rates.
Another option is to use an online quote comparison tool. This will allow you to enter your information once and receive multiple quotes from different companies, which can save you both time and money.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to compare apples to apples when looking at your quotes. Make sure each company offers the same coverage before making your final decision.
PREPARE WITH THE RIGHT INFORMATION
If you have all the information you need on hand before you start shopping for car insurance quotes, it will make the process go much smoother. In other words, it will take longer to complete the process if you don't have all the required information before you start getting quotes.
Before you can get a car insurance quote, you'll need to know:
- Your vehicle's make and model
- Your vehicle manufacture date
- Your license number Having this information readily available will help to ensure that you get accurate quotes in a timely manner.
APPLY FOR AUTO INSURANCE
Applying for car insurance is a process that usually takes around 20 minutes to complete. This estimate includes the time it takes to gather all of the required documents, fill out the application, and submit any necessary supporting materials. However, the actual time it takes to complete the process may vary depending on the insurer and the specifics of your situation. For example, if you have a complex driving history or need to provide additional documentation, the process may take longer. Ultimately, though, 20 minutes is a reasonable estimate for how long it will take to apply for car insurance.
You’ll need to have some information on hand than with a quote. In addition to the details mentioned above, you’ll need:
- Name and date of birth for all drivers
- Drivers license numbers for all drivers
- Vehicle VIN
- Declaration page of your previous policy
- Address of where the car will be housed
WHEN DOES CAR INSURANCE GO INTO EFFECT?
Once you've selected a company, you'll need to choose when you want your coverage to start.
In most cases, you can get covered the same day you sign up. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that could impact the start date of your coverage.
If you're signing up for a new policy, your coverage will typically start at 12:01 am on the selected date. If you're switching from one company to another, your old policy will end at midnight on the day before your new coverage starts.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE THE PROCESS MOVE QUICKLY?
When it comes to getting car insurance, there are a few things you can do to make the process move quickly.
First, it's essential to understand how much coverage you need. This will help you get an accurate quote and avoid any delays in coverage. You can do this by reviewing the declaration page of your current policy or speaking to a qualified agent.
Second, get to know the companies you're considering. Read reviews and compare rates to find the best policy for your needs.
Finally, have all your personal information ready before you start the process. This includes your driver's license number, vehicle registration, and current insurance card.
By taking these steps, you can be sure that you'll get car insurance as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The total amount of time it takes to get car insurance can vary depending on a number of factors. However, in most cases, it should only take about twenty minutes to get a quote and purchase a policy after doing your initial research.
If you find that the process is taking longer than expected, it may be worth checking to see if there are any steps you can take to speed things up. For example, ensure you have all the required information before beginning the application process.
Additionally, if you're comparing quotes from different insurers, be sure to use the same set of details so that you're comparing the same coverage details. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that the process of getting car insurance is as quick and painless as possible.
If you need help finding the best car insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.
