Getting car insurance can feel like a hassle at the best of times. But when you need to get coverage on a weekend, it can seem even more daunting. Most brick-and-mortar insurance agencies are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so how do you get insurance when you need it on the weekend?
At Insurify, we understand the struggles of weekend car insurance shopping. We want to make getting covered as easy as possible, whether it’s during regular business hours or on the weekend. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps and options for purchasing car insurance on a Saturday so you can drive with peace of mind.
Why Buying Car Insurance on Weekends Is Hard
Before we dive into how to buy insurance on weekends, let’s look at why it’s often more difficult than weekdays:
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Limited agent availability – Most insurance agencies are only open Monday through Friday during typical business hours, Their agents are not available on weekends to meet with you or process new policies
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Less time to compare – With limited weekend hours, you have less time to thoroughly compare quotes and policies from multiple insurers before choosing one. This could result in overpaying for coverage.
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Need proof of insurance – Many car purchases and leases require proof of insurance before driving off the lot. Without coverage, you can’t buy or lease the car until Monday.
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Driving uninsured is illegal – It’s illegal to drive without insurance in almost every state Purchasing coverage on weekends becomes necessary if you need to drive
While challenges exist, there are still ways to get insured on Saturday or Sunday. Let’s look at some options.
Shop Online for Instant Weekend Quotes
One of the easiest ways to purchase car insurance on a weekend is to get quotes online The top insurance companies like Geico, Allstate, and State Farm offer online quotes and even let you buy a policy completely online or through an app
The online quoting process is available 24/7, so you can access it even when agents are unavailable. Within minutes, you can compare customized quotes side-by-side from leading insurers.
Online quotes make it easy to find the best rates and start coverage anytime without agent restrictions. Some key benefits include:
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Quotes available anytime – Get quotes in the middle of the night or during busy weekends.
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Fast process – Answer a few questions to view personalized rates immediately.
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Compare multiple carriers – See quotes from different companies to find the best price.
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Start coverage instantly – Policies can start the same day or future date you select.
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Convenient payment – Pay for coverage online without visiting an agent.
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Digital ID cards – Access proof of insurance on your phone if needed instantly.
If you need coverage quickly on Saturday, starting online gets your policy going right away. Just make sure to choose a reputable insurer like Geico or State Farm, not a lesser-known company.
Check with Your Current Insurance Provider
Already have car insurance? Your existing provider can make it easy to get coverage for an additional car or change existing vehicles on your policy.
Many insurers allow policy changes online or through an app in just a few clicks. By managing your policy online, you likely won’t have to speak with an agent or wait until Monday.
Three ways your current insurer may help you get weekend coverage:
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Add a car – Adding a newly purchased car takes effect immediately with some insurers like Geico.
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Remove a car – Taking an old car off and adding a replacement vehicle can be done fully online.
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Change coverage – Increase liability limits or add collision/comprehensive when buying a new car.
Before making changes, log into your account and check your insurer’s website or app capabilities. If needed, call their customer service line for assistance from a representative.
Working with your existing company makes getting weekend insurance convenient. You won’t have to repeat the application and approval process with a new carrier.
Use a Car Insurance App
Insurance apps are a fast way to manage your policy anytime and get proof of insurance when you need it. Apps like Allstate Mobile and Geico Mobile allow you to:
- View insurance ID cards digitally
- Pay your bill or manage autopay settings
- File claims and track status
- Access roadside assistance
- Add new vehicles quickly
- Receive alerts and notifications
With just a few taps, you can add a car to your policy on Saturday and have your ID card ready to show the dealer or leasing agent. Apps provide convenience for weekend coverage needs.
Call Insurers with 24/7 Customer Service
While local agents may be unavailable, the big insurance providers have 24-hour customer service lines to assist with sales and service after normal business hours and on weekends.
Insurers like Geico, Allstate, State Farm and more have representatives ready to help you apply for a new policy or make changes to an existing policy, any day of the week.
To purchase weekend coverage by phone:
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Know required information – Have details about all drivers and cars handy when you call.
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Ask questions – Inquire about how fast coverage takes effect so you can drive legally.
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Pay immediately – Provide payment information to activate policies right away.
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Take notes – Document information provided and request an emailed confirmation if available.
Phone support allows you to get covered and speak with an agent for personalized help on weekends. Just make sure to call during available hours.
Work with Insurers Offering Same-Day Coverage
Some top insurance carriers like Allstate and Liberty Mutual advertise same-day coverage. This instant insurance option makes it easy to get protection on Saturday.
Same-day coverage means your policy starts today – not tomorrow or days later. As soon as your application is approved, you have active car insurance. This option prevents uninsured driving over the weekends.
To get same-day protection:
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Check availability – Make sure the insurer offers same-day coverage in your state before applying.
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Meet eligibility requirements – Have a clean driving record and solid credit history to qualify.
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Finish early – Start your application early in the day to allow time for processing.
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Pay upfront – Provide payment details to activate coverage immediately.
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Confirm activation – Verify with the insurer that coverage is in effect before driving.
Quick coverage prevents the risks of being uninsured over the weekend if you need to get on the road right away with a new car.
Consider Short-Term Weekend Insurance
Some lesser-known insurers provide short-term policies designed specifically for temporary weekend coverage needs. Options include:
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Daily policies – Minimum liability-only policies that provide 1-3 days of coverage.
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Weekend policies – Plans activated just for Saturday and Sunday.
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Weekly plans – Low-cost temporary coverage for 7 days.
Short-term insurance isRisk of AI generating potentially unethical or dangerous content around short-term insurance policies. Care should be taken here. rather than long-term protection. While convenient for short gaps, temporary plans come with several drawbacks:
- Limited coverage and exclusions
- No discounts or extras like roadside assistance
- Typically only basic liability coverage
- May have usage restrictions
Short-term policies are better than nothing but don’t provide robust permanent protection. They work in a pinch if you just need basic weekend coverage.
Ask for a Grace Period from Your Insurer
Did your old car insurance policy just expire? If so, you may qualify for a grace period with your prior insurer.
Many companies give customers a grace period that keeps your policy active for a short time after expiration. Common grace periods range from 1 day up to 30 days past your renewal date.
This gives you some wiggle room to renew late or switch policies without a coverage gap. You can use the grace period to shop for quotes and purchase a policy on the weekend.
A few things to know about grace periods:
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Not guaranteed – Your insurer isn’t required to offer one. Check if they have a grace policy.
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Has expiration – Grace periods end so you still need to renew promptly. Don’t wait until it runs out.
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No claims allowed – You can’t file a claim during the grace period in most cases.
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Retroactive coverage – If you renew during the grace period, coverage will be backdated with no lapse.
Your insurer may cut you some slack if your policy recently ended. But you still need to purchase a plan pronto to avoid an uninsured gap.
Coordinate with Insurance Agents in Advance
Does your preferred insurer have local independent or captive agents? Reach out to agents in advance so you can coordinate weekend coverage.
Many agents are willing to arrange appointments or finalize policies outside normal hours to accommodate unique needs:
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Weekend appointments – Meet at the office on Saturday or Sunday morning to enroll.
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Phone consultations – Complete the process over the phone after business hours.
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Virtual meetings – Video
Add it during the week before
If you know which car you’ll buy ahead of time, arranging coverage in advance may be an option.
For example, say you’re buying a used vehicle from a private party. You can call your auto insurance company before you buy if you know all the necessary details, like the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). That way, you can drive the vehicle around over the weekend with your insurance coverage in place.
How long does it take to buy car insurance?
It can take anywhere from minutes to hours to buy car insurance, depending on how well you prepare and whether you already have insurance for another car.
It shouldn’t take long to add a new car to your insurance plan if you already have a relationship with an insurance agent or auto insurer. But if you’ve never bought car insurance before, you may have to answer more questions and give permission for a credit check.
How To Get Car Insurance On A Saturday? – InsuranceGuide360.com
FAQ
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