How to Get Car Insurance on a Saturday: A Complete Guide

Buying a car is an exciting experience. But it can also be stressful, especially if you need to arrange insurance coverage on a weekend when many insurance companies are closed. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about getting car insurance on a Saturday.

Why You Might Need Weekend Car Insurance

There are several common scenarios that require arranging auto insurance on a weekend:

• Buying from a dealership – Most dealers require proof of insurance before they will let you drive off the lot. If you purchase on a Saturday, you’ll need to arrange coverage that same day.

• Buying from a private seller – When you buy a used car from an individual, it’s smart to get insurance in place as soon as possible. You don’t want to risk driving uninsured, even for a single day.

• Adding a new vehicle to your policy – If you trade in your old car for a new one, you’ll likely need to update your insurance right away to avoid a lapse in coverage.

• Getting insurance for the first time – New drivers who pass their road test and receive their license on a Saturday will need to purchase a policy before hitting the streets.

No matter the circumstance, driving without insurance is illegal. Having coverage in place is essential for protecting yourself financially.

Challenges of Weekend Car Insurance

Arranging car insurance on a weekend poses some unique challenges:

• Limited options – Many insurance companies and local insurance agencies are only open Monday through Friday. Your choices are more restricted on weekends.

• Difficulty comparing quotes – With fewer companies to choose from, it’s harder to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurers when buying on a weekend.

• Need to act quickly – Unlike shopping on a weekday, you don’t have the luxury of taking your time to explore all your options. Weekend car buyers need to get insured ASAP.

• Less personalized service – Connecting with an agent who can walk you through the process and answer your questions is harder on weekends when offices are closed.

Fortunately, some workarounds make getting weekend auto insurance possible.

How to Get Car Insurance on Saturday

Despite the challenges, you have several options for obtaining car insurance on a Saturday:

Check With Your Current Insurer

• See if you can easily update your policy online or through a mobile app. Many insurers allow customers to make changes anytime.

• Call your insurer during weekend business hours. While limited, many companies offer some weekend availability.

• Find out your grace period for adding a new vehicle. Policies often automatically cover new cars for 1-2 weeks.

Shop With National Insurers Offering Weekend Quotes

• Getting quotes from national companies like GEICO, Allstate, and State Farm is quick and easy online or via mobile apps.

• You may also be able to speak with a customer service agent and complete the purchase over the phone.

Consider Buying Short-Term or On-Demand Insurance

• Short-term policies from insurers like Safeco provide immediate coverage for as little as a week.

• On-demand insurance from companies like Metromile lets you activate coverage only when you need it.

See If Local Agents Offer Weekend Hours

• Some local insurance agencies have Saturday hours or meet with clients on weekends by appointment.

• An independent agent who knows you and your situation can expedite the process.

Purchase Earlier in the Week

• If you know you are buying a car on Saturday, start the insurance process earlier in the week when you have more options.

• That way, coverage will automatically be effective when you take ownership.

Tips for Getting Cheap Car Insurance on Saturday

Weekend car insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips for keeping costs down:

• Compare quotes from insurers open on weekends – Even just checking rates from 2-3 companies can save you hundreds per year.

• Raise your deductible – Opting for a higher deductible lowers your premiums. Make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket expense in the event of a claim.

• Ask about discounts – Inquire about discounts you may qualify for like good student, safe driver, anti-theft device, and more.

• Bundle policies – You’ll usually save when you buy multiple policies like home and auto from the same insurer.

• Enroll in usage-based programs – Pay-per-mile insurance charges you based on how much you drive rather than a fixed rate.

• Maintain a good driving record – Drivers with clean records and no claims generally receive the lowest rates.

What You’ll Need to Get Insured

To make the insurance application process fast and easy, have these items ready:

• Your driver’s license

• Social Security Number

• Vehicle information like the VIN

• Your previous insurance details

• Information about your driving history

• Credit card to set up payments

With all your documentation prepared in advance, you can obtain coverage in as little as 15-20 minutes on a Saturday.

Can You Drive Without Insurance on Weekends?

Driving without insurance is illegal in almost every state. The penalties for uninsured driving include:

• Fines – $500+ in most states

• Loss of registration

• License suspension

• Mandatory community service

• Required enrollment in SR-22 insurance

In addition, you are financially responsible for any damages or injuries to others if you cause an accident without insurance. The risks are simply too great.

FAQs about Saturday Car Insurance

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about obtaining weekend auto insurance:

Can you get temporary insurance on a Saturday?

Yes, many insurers offer short-term policies that provide immediate coverage. These temporary plans last anywhere from a week to a month.

How long does it take to get insured on Saturday?

It can take as little as 15 minutes if you have all your documentation and shop with a national insurer. Allow 1-2 hours if applying through an agency.

Is car insurance more expensive on weekends?

Not necessarily. Weekend rates are not higher, but you may have fewer low-cost options to choose from when comparing quotes.

Can you drive a new car home without insurance?

Generally no – dealers will not let you drive off the lot uninsured. It’s also illegal to drive without coverage.

What if I cannot get insured until Monday?

Leave the new car parked and don’t drive it until coverage starts. You can have the seller drop it at your home until the policy is active.

The Bottom Line

Obtaining car insurance on a Saturday is absolutely possible. With preparation and an understanding of your options, you can seamlessly arrange coverage – even on a weekend. Don’t drive home your new wheels until you have insurance in place.