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How do I insure a car so I can drive it home after I buy it?
I'm buying a car from a local dealership, but the dealer told me I couldn't drive the car off the lot without showing proof of insurance. My first car was a gift from my big sister and she helped with all of the insurance-related stuff, so I've never really done this before. How do I insure a car before I buy it?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Congrats on your new car, and on your willingness to learn! If you already have a
car insurance
policy, you should have a grace period of between seven and 30 days to get a new policy or transfer the policy from your old car to your new car. During that time, you’ll be covered under your current policy.If you’re not sure what model of car you’re buying yet, you can still get everything in order before you buy the vehicle—whether or not you have the the vehicle identification number (VIN), you can still get an idea of the amount you’ll pay. When you go to close on your car, simply call the insurance company with the details and they’ll get your policy ready within a few minutes!
If you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the coverage for your car, try shopping around with
Jerry
! We’ll get you multiple customized quotes from dozens of providers instantly so that all you have to do is choose the plan that works best for you. And once you choose one, we’ll even help you switch!Congrats again, and enjoy your new ride!”
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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