How to Get Same-Day Car Insurance
Written by Team Clearcover
As a driver, you know how important it is to have the right car insurance policy. After all, you can’t predict the future. Nobody wants to get a ticket or end up in an accident, but it happens. The stakes of having the right insurance policy are higher than ever. In general, traffic fatalities are trending upward.
When you need help, it’s better to work with a company that will stick by you. So if your current car insurance situation isn’t working for you, it’s a good idea to make a change as soon as possible—especially if you’re uninsured or don’t have enough coverage.
You can switch to a better insurance policy today. So why stay stuck in the wrong situation? You have more options than you may realize.
Is It Possible to Get Same-Day Insurance Coverage?
The short answer is yes. Most insurance companies should be able to provide same-day coverage. If you’re not sure, just ask.
Every driver is different and will have different coverage needs for their unique situation. There’s no need to procrastinate in choosing the right auto insurance plan. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find a plan that’s right for you, so why take risks on the road?
If you have an existing policy, it’s a good idea to call your insurance company and ask about ending your contract early. Otherwise, you may risk paying extra premiums. To save money, you can ask your present insurance company to end your contract (once your new policy begins). No matter your situation, it’s important to have an insurance plan that’s right for you.
Note: Clearcover generally does not offer same-day car insurance, but other carriers may be able to get you covered today.
Documents Needed for Same-Day Insurance Coverage
When you apply for same-day insurance coverage, you’ll need certain documentation on hand, and it’s a good idea to gather these materials before filling out your application. Keep in mind that missing information is one of the most common reasons for getting rejected. You can always reapply, but you’ll save time by completing the process correctly the first time.
Here’s what information you’ll need to apply for your same-day insurance policy:
Vehicle ownership information
General vehicle information
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Personal information
Vehicle Ownership Information
You can obtain your vehicle ownership information from the vehicle registration form you received when you purchased your car. If you’re not sure where to find this document, it’s commonly kept in the passenger-side glove compartment.
If you’ve misplaced your registration, it’s a good idea to contact your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) as soon as possible to resolve the issue. Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to retrieve your vehicle ownership information online.
In general, you will need to prove that you are the rightful owner of your vehicle and that you have been staying up to date with DMV registration policies.
General Vehicle Information
Your insurance company will need to learn about your vehicle. This information will help your insurer provide you with the right level of coverage as a driver.
At the very least, you should expect to share your vehicle’s year, make, and model from your registration documents. This information may be used to determine your premium costs, as some vehicles are known to be higher risk than others. In addition, high-end luxury cars tend to be more expensive to insure due to the anticipated costs of repair. Typically, the more expensive your car is, the more it will cost to insure.
Other factors that influence car insurance rates may include:
Body style
Size of the vehicle
Standard, sport, or luxury trim option
If you’re looking to understand how an insurance company calculates your policy rate, you can always ask! Every driver deserves to work with a company that exhibits values of transparency and open communication.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Every manufactured vehicle has its own unique code called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can think of a VIN as a unique tracker for every vehicle in the world. Your VIN maintains a record of your vehicle, including information related to accidents and maintenance. Typically, this information is retrievable using a barcode scanner, as information about your car gets stored in a database.
A VIN is a 17-digit “name” made up of numbers and characters. VINs are assigned to individual cars by manufacturers. VINs contain important information such as airbag type, vehicle recalls, accident repairs, country of origin, assembly plant name, and more.
In the United States, the VIN system started back in 1954 and included a variety of styles. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized the 17-digit VIN system.
Your car’s VIN communicates information that is important to insurance companies. Let’s say you purchased your vehicle from a family member and are unsure of its accident history. When you apply for an insurance policy, you will likely need to answer questions about whether or not your vehicle has been in an accident. Your VIN can help retrieve this information and includes an ownership record for your vehicle. This information will be important, especially if your vehicle has been involved in any serious accidents in the past.
Personal Information
Every insurance company needs your personal information to make an underwriting decision. At a minimum, insurers will need the name, address, birthdate, and driver’s license number of every driver on your policy. Your insurer may also check public records to verify your personal information, identify any property you own, and collect other information.
It is important to answer questions honestly, as your auto insurer may be using this information to calculate your insurance policy premium. For instance, rates may be lower in some regions than in others.
Does Everyone Qualify for Same-Day Car Insurance?
Car insurance companies have the right to deny coverage for a variety of reasons. If you receive a denial decision without a reason, it is a good idea to reach out to the insurance company. You can ask the company that rejected you to explain why you don’t qualify. A few reasons why you might be denied an insurance policy include:
A criminal record
A history of being a high-risk driver
The type of car you own
A poor credit history or previous bankruptcy
When Should Drivers Get Same-Day Car Insurance?
Choosing an insurance policy is a personal decision. It’s important to select the right option for your unique situation and budget. Here are a number of reasons why you may want to get same-day car insurance:
Your driving habits are changing (i.e., you’re commuting further for your job or taking a road trip), and you need to make sure that you have the right policy.
You’re not sure whether or not you have the right level of coverage for your driving situation.
You may be eligible for lower premiums.
There’s been a recent change in your driving history and you need to find a new policy immediately.
A new plan would offer substantial cost savings in comparison to your current one.
You are uninsured.
A same-day policy is especially important for drivers who are currently uninsured. Driving without insurance is dangerous—even if you have a perfect record to date. With so many options available online, there’s no excuse for not having insurance.
When Shouldn’t Drivers Get Same-Day Insurance?
In some situations, same-day insurance won’t be your best option. If you have a complicated driving record, it’s a good idea to do some research in order to fully understand your options. If you anticipate that your insurance policy will be expensive, you may want to search around before committing to an insurer. If you think you may have more specific or individualized questions that might require more than a standard answer, it’s a good idea to wait until you can speak with a representative.
If you have an existing insurance policy that’s already a good fit, you have time to shop around and do your due diligence. You shouldn’t feel pressured to switch from an insurance policy that you already like.
Keep in mind that when you switch insurance plans, everyone on your policy will be affected, so it’s important to check in with all members of your policy.
Get Car Insurance Through Clearcover
If you still have questions after reading this article, you can always reach out to the team at Clearcover. We’re on a mission to make car insurance as affordable, transparent, and hassle-free as possible. It’s important to our team that you find a policy that’s right for you.
At Clearcover, we want you to feel in control of your coverage. With our award-winning app, we make it easy for you to manage your policy, understand your coverage, file a claim, and more. Get a free, no-obligation quote with Clearcover today!