First-time car owner seeking insurance advice
Hi everyone! I’m a 22-year-old male about to purchase my first car. Since my parents don’t have cars or auto insurance policies for me to join, I’m looking for some guidance. The car I’m interested in is located 150 miles away from my home in California, and I want to know if there are options for short-term insurance, like by the day or by the mile. My goal is to legally drive it back from the dealer to my place, and then I’ll arrange for a longer-term policy.
I’m planning to make the purchase within the next few days, and I know that many major insurance companies have a processing time, so I need something that can go into effect the same day. Any recommendations or advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Congrats on being a first-time car owner! It’s exciting to get your own vehicle. For your situation, here are a few options to consider:
Temporary Insurance: Some providers offer temporary car insurance policies that can cover you for a few days. Companies like Geico, Progressive, or Esurance may provide short-term coverage. You can often get same-day coverage, and many allow you to set it up online.
Dealer Insurance: Check with the dealer where you plan to buy the car. Some dealerships offer temporary insurance coverage for the drive home. This way, you can legally drive your new vehicle without having to set up your own policy immediately.
Non-owner Car Insurance: If you’re planning to drive the car but don’t have a permanent policy yet, some companies offer non-owner car insurance, which can sometimes provide coverage for borrowing or using someone else’s vehicle and might work for your situation.
State-Specific Options: Since you’re in California, make sure to check with the California Department of Insurance or look up any state-specific options they may have for temporary vehicle coverage.
Day-By-Day Insurance: There are innovative insurance providers like ZipCoverage or Trov that offer pay-as-you-go or day-by-day coverage if you’re looking for something very flexible.
Make sure you have the necessary paperwork, like the bill of sale and proof of the car’s registration, when setting up the insurance. Good luck with your purchase, and drive safely!