Quick Facts About Adding Car Insurance on the Weekend
- Your current policy may automatically cover a newly purchased vehicle for several days.
- You can add the car before purchase if you have the VIN and effective date.
- Many insurers offer 24/7 hotlines and online portals for weekend updates.
Overlooking insurance during the car-buying process can delay taking delivery, since most dealers require proof of coverage. Here’s how to avoid that.
How to Add Car Insurance Over the Weekend
Most states require auto insurance to drive (New Hampshire is an exception, though proof of financial responsibility may still be needed). If buying over the weekend, you have three options: call your insurer, use its online portal or app, or add the car beforehand.
First, confirm whether your policy automatically covers new purchases. Also factor the premium increase into your budget — luxury or high-performance models typically cost more to insure.
Check Your Policy First
Review your current coverage before visiting the dealership. Many insurers automatically cover newly purchased vehicles for a limited time.
Ask your agent about grace periods and request documentation — such as a temporary proof-of-insurance card — to show the dealer. If relying on a grace period, call your agent when the office opens on the next business day.
Note: dealers may still require proof of active coverage before releasing the car, especially for financed vehicles, since they or the lender need to verify insurance.
Add Insurance Before Buying
If you know which vehicle you’re purchasing, add it to your policy beforehand. Call your agent, share the VIN, purchase price, and other details, then set the effective date for delivery day.
This works best when the deal is final. If still negotiating, wait until you’ve decided. (Many online listings include VINs in vehicle descriptions.)
Does Car Insurance Cover Test Drives?
Your policy generally covers your own vehicle. Dealerships typically carry test-drive coverage, but confirm beforehand.
Buy Insurance Online or Over the Phone
Most major insurers offer 24/7 service, so you can add a car over the weekend through hotlines, online portals, or mobile apps.
Do You Need Insurance Before Buying a Car?
Rules vary by state, but you generally need active coverage before you can legally drive the vehicle. Dealers typically require proof of insurance before completing the sale.
Documents Needed to Purchase Insurance
- Driver’s license or ID
- Information for additional drivers (if adding them)
- VIN
- Purchase agreement or proof of ownership
- Current policy information (if switching insurers)
- Payment details
Bottom Line on Getting Insurance on the Weekend
Arranging insurance ahead of buying a car prevents delivery delays. Most states require drivers to have coverage, and dealers need proof of coverage before handing the keys to you.
Get covered quickly by calling your insurer, using a 24/7 hotline, or updating online. You’ll need the VIN, purchase price, and effective date. If your policy includes automatic coverage for new purchases, confirm terms and get documentation.
Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.
