You may find yourself in a situation where you need car insurance on the weekend. Maybe you’d like to buy or lease a car and you need proof of insurance. Or perhaps you want temporary coverage. Even though many major car insurance companies aren’t open on the weekends, it’s still possible for drivers to lock in coverage on Saturday or Sunday.
Here’s how you can get car insurance on the weekend.
Can you get car insurance on the weekend?
Yes. You can secure a car insurance policy on the weekend in a few different ways. Many car insurers offer online services and 24/7 customer support that can help you buy a policy on Saturday or Sunday, outside of normal business hours. This is a huge plus, especially if you have a busy weekday schedule.
The following national insurance companies offer weekend services:
Allstate
GEICO
Liberty Mutual
Nationwide
Progressive
State Farm
How to get car insurance on the weekend
The best ways to buy car insurance on a weekend include purchasing coverage online or over the phone, adding it the week before, and contacting your existing auto insurer before the weekend to determine the best course of action.
The fastest option is to get coverage through an insurer’s website or mobile app.
Follow these easy steps to find and purchase coverage:
Decide on the right coverage. First, think about the type of coverage you need. You may want basic liability coverage to meet the minimum requirements in your state, or you might prefer a more comprehensive policy.
Research insurers. Do your research so you can determine the ideal insurers and type of auto policy for your unique needs. Consider premiums, coverage options, discounts, and reputation.
Compare quotes. When shopping for coverage, you should always compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. Comparing all quotes at once can provide a good perspective on your average insurance cost options.
Apply. After you decide on an auto insurance company and policy, it’s time to apply online or through a mobile app. You’ll have to share general information, like your ZIP code, home address, driving history, and Social Security number. You might also need to submit a copy of your driver’s license.
Best insurance companies for weekend coverage
If you’re in the market for car insurance on the weekend, these three insurance companies are worth learning more about.
Nationwide: Best for online service
GEICO: Best for mobile service
State Farm: Best for personalized service
How to get car insurance for the weekend only
Also known as short-term car insurance, temporary insurance is an auto policy that lasts for a short period of time, like a few days, weeks, or months.4
Keep in mind that most reputable car insurance companies don’t offer coverage shorter than six months, so advertisements you might see about shorter policies might be scams.
If you’re interested in temporary car insurance, a pay-as-you-go insurer like Hugo may be a good fit. The company focuses on temporary, usage-based programs. You can secure a liability insurance policy for as little as three days and stop and start your short-term coverage as you need to.5
A short-term car insurance policy might make sense if you want to drive the car of a friend or family member during a short road trip or test-drive a vehicle. It may also be worthwhile if you plan to put your car into storage.
Car insurance on the weekend FAQs
The following information can help answer your remaining questions about weekend car insurance.
Can you get car insurance online without talking to someone?
Yes. In some cases, you can get a car insurance policy online without talking to an agent. Many companies offer this option on their website or through their mobile app.
Are car insurance companies open on weekends?
Most car insurers have limited hours on the weekends. But you may still be able to buy an auto policy online or through their mobile app or a local agent.
Do you need auto insurance before purchasing a car?
Yes. You need a car insurance policy before you take home a new car. It’s a good idea to shop for auto insurance coverage before you buy one. This way, you can start your policy as soon as you get your new vehicle.
What is the cheapest day to look for car insurance?
Car insurance rates don’t change based on the day of the week. Auto policies don’t go on sale based on what day it is, so you can’t expect a lower rate and a chance to save money on a certain day.
Is there a grace period for car insurance in California?
Yes. California does have a grace period for car insurance. Once you buy a car, you have 30 days to lock in car insurance coverage and provide proof of it.6 You should always avoid a lapse in car insurance.
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