After getting quotes, how long until my auto insurance is active?
The answer to how long does it take to get auto insurance after getting quotes depends on the method you choose to get your quotes and the car insurance company or insurer you're shopping with. Going to an insurance agency will take the longest to get auto insurance after getting quotes, while shopping online is the fastest. If you want to get your auto insurance quickly after getting car insurance quotes, make sure you have all the information you need to get the most accurate auto insurance quote possible.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 3, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 3, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- There are three ways to get quotes: online, in-person, or over the phone
- Online is always the fastest method, as you can fill in information easier and have instant activation of insurance
- While you can buy insurance instantly after getting a quote, make sure you chose the right insurer and rates before committing to a purchase
How long does it take to get auto insurance?
Once you’ve checked on the states with the cheapest car insurance, and the best roadside assistance programs and companies, you should ask: how long does it take to get car insurance?
The length of time it takes to have your auto insurance policy activated depends on several factors, including the auto insurance company or car insurance provider that you are working with, the method that you choose to get a quote, and whether or not you have all of the information that is needed to provide you with an accurate quote when getting a quote.
While it is easy to get instant auto insurance quotes, it is less clear how long does it take to get insurance registered after a quote.
Read on to learn about the different methods you can use to get vehicle insurance, and how long does auto insurance coverage take to get with each method. If you want to jump right into finding the best auto insurance rates in your area, enter your ZIP code in our free tool above.
The Three Ways to Get Auto Insurance Quotes
Auto insurance is one of the simplest types of insurance to get, whether you choose an annual policy or monthly auto insurance. Unlike health insurance, you don’t have to take a medical exam and have the results assessed. Unlike homeowner’s insurance, you don’t have to have a myriad of factors taken into consideration, such as the size, age, condition, and location of your home.
All that is needed to get auto insurance is your credit score, driving record, and some details about your motor vehicle. With that information, a carrier can determine what type of policy they can offer you and provide you with a quote. And, usually, quotes can be given online or over the phone, which certainly helps speed up the process.
If you are shopping for auto insurance coverage, it goes without saying that you want to get the best rates possible, and you want to have it activated as soon as possible.
The better the rate, the more money you keep in your pocket, and the quicker it’s activated, the sooner you can start driving with the security of knowing that if something happens, you are protected.
With one in eight drivers uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), it is vital that you have protection while on the road.
But, you may be wondering how long it takes to actually have your insurance take effect once you find a quote that you approve of and an insurance carrier that you want to cover you. Read on to learn about the three main ways to get auto insurance quotes and which way is fastest.
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#1 – In-Person Auto Insurance Quotes
How long does it take to insure your car if you go in person to an agency? Actually going to an insurance agency to get a quote will take the longest to get your insurance activated.
Why? Because it takes time to actually go to the company and it will take some time for the insurance agent to process your information.
You will either need to walk, bike, drive, or take public transportation to get to the agency, and then once you are there, you might need to wait a minute in the waiting room before being spoken to.
Does car insurance take effect immediately once you’ve visited in-person? As long as you have all of the information needed, it should take about an hour – give or take – to get a quote and have your insurance activated.
#2 – Auto Insurance Quotes by Phone
If you are worried about wasting time in-person and want to know how quickly can you get car insurance without leaving home, phoning an insurance agency will result in getting a faster quote and faster activation of your auto insurance.
Why? – Well, because you eliminate the need to actually go to the company.
Additionally, if you don’t have to remember to bring all of your information with you (though you should certainly have it on-hand to make the process of getting a quote and having your insurance activated as fast as possible).
How quickly does car insurance take effect once you’ve bought it over the phone? It can take just a few minutes to get a quote over the phone and once you accept that quote, it takes just a few minutes to have your insurance activated.
#3 – Auto Insurance Quotes Online
How long does it take to get insurance if you get a quote online? Without a doubt, the fastest way to get a quote and get your auto insurance activated is finding auto insurance quotes online. (read our, “How accurate are online auto insurance quotes?” for more information).
Why? – Because all you have to do is input the necessary information to get a quote, such as through Geico auto insurance online activation. How long does insurance take to kick in? Once you accept the quote, your insurance will be activated almost immediately.
Read more: How long does it typically take for Geico to process an auto insurance claim?
Fortunately, there are many websites, including this one, where you can compare auto insurance quotes. Simply enter your zip code above, or click the banner below, follow the instructions, fill out the brief questionnaire, and you can be insured in no time.
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Getting a Car Insurance Quote With Geico
When it comes to securing reliable and affordable auto insurance, Geico stands out as a top choice for many drivers. To get a Geico quote, the process is straightforward and convenient. You can easily obtain an Geico auto insurance quote by visiting their website or contacting their customer service.
If you want to get a quote for Geico car insurance, simply provide some basic information about your vehicle and driving history. This will allow you to receive an accurate auto insurance quote with Geico tailored to your needs.
Additionally, Geico offers various discounts and coverage options, making it even more appealing to get a car insurance quote with Geico. Don’t hesitate to get Geico quote today and ensure you have the coverage you need for peace of mind on the road.
Quotes for Average Auto Insurance Rates
Even if you are trying to get auto insurance quickly, it is important that you take the time to find the best rates possible. Otherwise, you could be stuck with terrible rates for a policy period. To give you an idea of what different insurers charge, we partnered with Quadrant to bring you rate data.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by Company| Companies | Average Annual Rates with Low Coverage | Average Annual Rates with Medium Coverage | Average Annual Rates with High Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $4,628.03 | $4,896.81 | $5,139.02 |
 | $3,368.49 | $3,544.37 | $3,416.40 |
 | $3,922.47 | $4,166.22 | $4,494.13 |
 | $3,001.91 | $3,213.97 | $3,429.14 |
 | $5,805.75 | $6,058.57 | $6,356.04 |
 | $3,394.83 | $3,449.80 | $3,505.37 |
 | $3,737.13 | $4,018.46 | $4,350.96 |
 | $3,055.40 | $3,269.80 | $3,454.80 |
 | $4,223.63 | $4,462.02 | $4,619.07 |
 | $2,404.11 | $2,539.87 | $2,667.92 |
While you may be tempted to go with low coverage to save money, keep in mind that you will be paying more after an accident.
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How to Get the Fastest Auto Insurance Quotes from Geico
When you’re in the market for auto insurance, speed and efficiency can make a significant difference. Geico, known for its user-friendly approach, offers multiple ways to obtain a fast insurance quote. Whether you need coverage for a car or a motorcycle, here’s how you can quickly get the insurance you need.
Steps to Get a Geico Car Insurance Quote
- Geico Insurance Quote Online
- The fastest way to get a quote is through Geico’s online platform. Visit the Geico website and use the “Geico starts a quote” feature.
- Input the required information about your vehicle, driving history, and personal details to receive a Geico instant quote.
- This method not only saves time but also provides an opportunity to compare different coverage options instantly and get a Geico insurance quote.
- Geico Vehicle Insurance Quote
- For those looking to insure multiple types of vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, Geico offers a streamlined process.
- Start by visiting the specific sections for car or motorcycle insurance on the Geico website. For instance, you can easily get a Geico motorcycle insurance quote or Geico automobile insurance quote by navigating through the relevant sections.
- Free Insurance Quotes From Geico
- Geico provides free quotes to help you understand potential costs without any obligation to purchase. Use the Geico auto insurance free quote feature to explore various policy options.
- To get a Geico car insurance quote, you can either use the online tool or contact their customer service for assistance.
- Request a Quote From Geico
- If you prefer personalized service, you can call Geico’s customer service to request a quote. This is especially useful if you have specific needs or questions.
- By calling, you can get a quote from Geico car insurance directly from a representative who can assist you with customized options.
- Activate Geico Account
- Once you receive your Geico policy quote and decide to proceed, activating your Geico account is straightforward.
- This allows you to manage your policy online, make payments, and access your insurance documents conveniently.
Specialized Insurance Quotes
- Motorcycle Insurance Quote USAA: While Geico is known for its comprehensive auto insurance if you are also considering motorcycle insurance, USAA is a notable competitor. Compare the motorcycle insurance quote from USAA with Geico’s offerings to ensure you are getting the best rate and coverage.
- Geico Motorcycle Insurance Quote: For motorcycle enthusiasts, obtaining a specific Geico motorcycle insurance quote is easy and fast. Use Geico’s dedicated motorcycle insurance page to input your details and get an instant quote.
Getting the Best Rates
- Compare Multiple Quotes: To ensure you are getting the best deal, compare your Geico car insurance quote with other providers. This can be done quickly online, and many platforms allow you to compare several quotes side-by-side.
- Discounts and Bundles: Geico offers various discounts that can significantly reduce your premium. When you get a quote Geico, ask about discounts for good drivers, multiple policies, or bundling home and auto insurance.
Getting a fast and accurate auto insurance quote from Geico is straightforward and efficient. Whether you use the Geico insurance quote online tool or contact a representative for a Geico instant quote, the process is designed to be user-friendly and quick.
For those looking to insure multiple vehicles, including motorcycles, Geico provides comprehensive options that can be tailored to your needs. Remember to compare quotes and inquire about discounts to get the best possible rate.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Long Does It Take to Get Insurance on a Car After Quotes
If you still have questions about how long does it take to get car insurance, keep reading. We are going to go over some of the most frequently asked questions about how fast can I get car insurance.
#1 – What should I keep in mind when getting auto insurance quotes?
No matter what method you choose to get an auto insurance quote, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that you have all of the information that is needed to get a quote on-hand.
Read more: What information do I need to provide to get an auto insurance quote?
You will need a record of your driving history, including any tickets you have gotten, the year, make, and model of your car, the vehicle identification number (VIN), whether or not you have a loan on your car or if you own it outright (if you own it outright, you will need to have proof of ownership), your license and your credit score. Read our guide to your credit score and auto insurance quotes to learn why you need it.
Additionally, if you want to set up automatic payments, make sure that you have your bank account information handy.
It’s also important to note that even if you have all of the information needed to get a quote and process your request for insurance coverage once you accept a quote, there are some factors that could slow the process.
For instance, if you aren’t sure what type of insurance you would like, or if you want to customize your insurance coverage, it will take some time to do so.
Also, bear in mind that it will take a few minutes to fill out the application, no matter what method you have chosen to attain your quote.
Additionally, the company you choose to get your insurance from will also impact the amount of time it takes to get a quote and to have your insurance activated.
#2 – How long does it take to get an auto insurance card?
Your auto insurance card is proof that you have insurance. Usually, insurers will mail it to you within a week of purchasing insurance. Until your car insurance card comes in, you will have a temporary proof of insurance (you can print this off as soon as you purchase your insurance).
#3 – How long does it take to change auto insurance?
If you are getting a quote because you want to switch insurers, you can change your car insurance quickly through the phone, online, or in-person. Just make sure that once you get your new insurance policy, you remember to cancel your old policy. Otherwise, you will be stuck paying for two insurance policies.
#4 – How long do I have to get insurance?
Are you wondering how fast to get car insurance if your insurance is about to end? The bottom line is that you need to get auto insurance before your policy ends.
Even a day or two of driving without auto insurance can result in higher rates if your insurer finds out. If your policy is expired, then you need to get insurance as soon as possible.
Driving without insurance is illegal and isn’t something you should ever risk. Luckily, insurers make it easier than ever to get
From the beginning to the end, it can take an hour or so, or just a few minutes, to get your auto insurance activated after getting and accepting a quote.
Therefore, depending on your time restraints, make sure to choose the method of receiving your quote wisely. If you want to start comparison shopping for auto insurance quotes today, enter your ZIP code in our free tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to activate auto insurance after getting quotes?
The time it takes to activate auto insurance after getting quotes varies depending on the method you choose and the insurance company. In-person visits may take an hour or more, while phone quotes can be done in minutes. Online quotes are usually the fastest, with insurance activation almost immediate.
What information do I need to provide to get an accurate auto insurance quote?
To get an accurate auto insurance quote, make sure you have your driving history, vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN), information on any existing loans, proof of ownership, license, and credit score. Having this information readily available will expedite the quote process.
How long does it take to receive an auto insurance card?
Typically, insurers will mail your auto insurance card within a week of purchasing the insurance. In the meantime, you’ll have a temporary proof of insurance that you can print as soon as you purchase the policy.
Can I change my auto insurance quickly if I want to switch insurers?
Yes, you can change your auto insurance quickly through phone, online, or in-person methods. Once you purchase a new policy, remember to cancel your old policy to avoid paying for two policies simultaneously.
How soon do I need to get auto insurance before my current policy ends?
It’s crucial to get auto insurance before your current policy ends to avoid driving without insurance, which is illegal and can result in higher rates. Even a day or two without insurance can have consequences. Act promptly to secure coverage before your current policy expires.
Are Geico online quotes accurate?
Yes, Geico online quotes are generally accurate as long as the information provided is correct.
Can I get car insurance instantly?
Yes, you can get car insurance instantly through some insurance providers, especially if you opt for online quotes and purchasing.
How fast can you get car insurance?
The speed of getting car insurance depends on the method you choose. It can range from a few minutes for online quotes to a few hours for in-person visits.
How long does it take for car insurance to be active?
Car insurance can be active almost immediately after purchasing a policy, especially with online quotes and purchases.
How long does it take for car insurance to kick in?
Car insurance typically kicks in immediately upon activation, providing coverage as soon as the policy is effective.
How long does it take to get a car insurance?
The time it takes to get car insurance varies depending on the method you choose, ranging from minutes to hours.
How long does it take to get a car insured?
It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to get a car insured, depending on the method of obtaining insurance.
How long does it take to get a quote?
Getting a quote for car insurance can take just a few minutes, especially with online quote tools.
How long does it take to get an auto insurance quote?
Obtaining an auto insurance quote can be done quickly, usually within minutes, especially if done online or over the phone.
How long does it take to set up car insurance?
Setting up car insurance can be done relatively quickly, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the method chosen.
How quickly can I get car insurance?
You can get car insurance quickly, often within minutes, if you opt for online quotes and purchase.
How to get a quote from Geico?
To get a quote from Geico, you can visit their website or contact their customer service for assistance.
How fast can I get car insurance coverage?
Car insurance coverage can be obtained quickly, sometimes within minutes, especially with online quotes and purchases.
How long are insurance quotes valid for?
Insurance quotes are typically valid for a limited time, usually around 30 days, but this can vary depending on the insurance provider.
How long does a car insurance quote last?
Car insurance quotes usually last for a specific period, typically around 30 days, after which they may need to be refreshed for accuracy.
How long does it take to get an insurance quote?
It typically takes just a few minutes to get an insurance quote, especially with online tools provided by insurance companies.
How long does it take to get Geico car insurance?
Getting car insurance from Geico can be done quickly, often within minutes, if you opt for online quotes and purchases.
How long does it take to insure a car?
Insuring a car can be done relatively quickly, usually within a few hours, depending on the method of obtaining insurance and the insurance provider.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.