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How long do I have to insure my car after I purchase it?
I have insurance on my car, but I’m in the process of buying a second one. I know I need to insure it; I’m just not sure of the timeline. How much time do I have to insure my car after I purchase it?
Chloe Jenkins · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations on the new car! Since you already have insurance on your previous car, you typically have a grace period of seven to thirty days before you have to report your new car to your insurance company. Some insurance providers require notification within 24 hours, and your current policy should extend automatically to your new vehicle, but check with your provider for confirmation.
It is illegal in nearly every state to drive a car
uninsured
and without proof of insurance. The consequences of not having insurance while driving become much more severe if you get into an accident, so make sure that you set your new policy to begin the same day that your old policy ends.If you find that your new car is driving up the price of your policy, it might be time to look at
switching insurance companies
. To easily find the best deal on the coverage you need, check out the Jerry
app—we’ll get you customized quotes from over 50 competitive companies in minutes, so that you can easily find your new policy before you drive off the lot. And once you find a plan you like, we’ll even help you switch!Congrats again on the new ride!
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- Gregory R.
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