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How Long Does It Take to Get Car Insurance?

how long does it take to get car insurance

It doesn’t matter where you live. In most states, you’re going to need car insurance to drive your vehicle on public roads. Of course, you don’t need the most expensive policy that covers all the bells and whistles, but you will need some sort of insurance to operate your motor vehicle. 

This fact is especially true if you don’t want to pay the fees associated with an accident you’ve caused. Those expenses can add up quickly, which is why it’s great to have auto insurance, even if your state doesn’t require it. 

But how exactly do you get this insurance, and how long does it take to get car insurance? If these are questions you’re asking yourself, don’t worry. This article provides the answers you need. 

How to get car insurance

Getting car insurance is one of the easiest things you can buy. It only requires you to take a handful of steps, which you can accomplish in a day if you stay focused. 

1. Gather all the necessary information

When shopping for car insurance, you need a few things. Without these items, you’ll have no luck in purchasing a policy, so make sure to gather all the necessities before you start looking for insurance.

The information you’ll need to have on hand include the following: 

  • The driver’s license information for every driver on the policy 
  • The name, address, and birthdate of everyone on the policy 
  • The make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), annual mileage, current odometer reading, and safety features of your vehicle. 
  • The driving history for every driver on the policy (including violations, tickets, and accidents)
  • Your current auto insurer (if you have one) 

Once you have this information, getting car insurance will be an easy and straightforward process. 

2. Choose what type of coverage you need 

Every state lists its minimum car insurance requirements. However, you may need more than the bare minimum. There are several types of policies that might be a better fit for your needs, such as: 

  • Comprehensive coverage: It covers the repair costs from events outside of your control, like natural disasters. 
  • Collision coverage: This type of policy covers the repairs from traffic-related accidents. 
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: This insurance covers the property damage and medical expenses after you get into an accident with a driver who has little to no insurance. 
  • Bodily injury and property damage liability: It covers the costs of injuries, property damage, or deaths from an accident you’ve caused.
  • Personal injury protection insurance: This type of policy handles the medical costs, child care, lost wages, and funeral costs incurred from an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.  
  • Medical payments coverage: It pays for you and your passengers’ medical costs after an accident. 

Again, the type of coverage you buy will depend on your needs. Just make sure to consider what’s best for you instead of jumping to get the most basic policy. 

3. Determine how you’ll shop for car insurance 

There are various ways to shop for coverage, but you should look for policies online if you need insurance quickly. Most people take this route because it’s convenient. Most people take this route because it’s convenient. 

Even looking for car insurance on your smartphone is an option many consumers enjoy. In fact, research indicates that more than 50 percent of people have shopped for insurance using their smartphones. 

However, if you’d prefer to speak with someone, that’s always an available method. You can call an agent to get the car insurance you need. Or, you can visit an agent’s office if you prefer in-person interaction. 

4. Compare car insurance companies 

When looking for car insurance, you may immediately consider purchasing from household name brands like Geico or State Farm. But don’t be afraid to compare quotes and different car insurance companies before you make a final decision. 

You want to take time to evaluate prices and see which brand offers the better deal. Additionally, it’s also helpful to read reviews and ratings about each insurer to see which ones have worked well for other consumers. 

5. Purchase your new policy

Once you’ve found an insurer and policy that fits your needs, the next step is simple: buy the insurance. Typically, you can pay the entire amount at once, but oftentimes, companies will let you set up a consistent paying schedule. For example, you may make monthly payments for your car insurance. 

However, one thing to keep in mind is whether or not you already have a policy. If so, you must cancel it before you move forward with purchasing a new one. 

How long does it take to get car insurance?

how long does it take to get car insurance

Once you provide all of the necessary information, you can get a car insurance quote immediately. Whether you’re speaking with an agent or shopping for a policy online, getting a quote is a quick process when you have all the pieces of information on hand.

But the time it takes to activate your car insurance policy will depend on a couple of things, including: 

  • The method you use to get your insurance quote 
  • Which car insurance company you’re purchasing from 

If you’re doing everything online and working with a reputable company, activating your car insurance will only take 10 to 15 minutes. Handling this process over the phone or in-person could make the process last an hour, but that time frame can get even longer if you’re speaking to an agent who isn’t knowledgeable about car insurance. 

Where can you buy car insurance? 

Maybe you want to keep things quick and convenient and would prefer to shop for car insurance online. In that case, you should go with our team at Barry Risk Management. 

We have over 30 years of experience in the DMV and insurance industry. Our representatives know how to meet your insurance needs and give you the best deal possible. However, what’s even better is that everything happens online. 

At Barry Risk Management, we pride ourselves on being a simple and convenient option for customers. Our online platform makes it easy for you to purchase the right insurance policy for you. 

All you have to do to get started is give us a call. One of our insurance agents will help you get set up so that you have car insurance in little to no time. 

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to get your car insurance online through Barry Risk Management! 

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Why Is Auto Insurance So Expensive?

Auto insurance is such an essential part of life that you never really question anything about it until you see how much it costs. All the years leading up to your first car never require you to think heavily about auto insurance. The only thing you know is that one day you’ll need it. 

But when that day comes and you’re the one paying for it—instead of someone else footing the bill—you suddenly realize that auto insurance is incredibly expensive. Sometimes, you may even wonder if you really need auto insurance. Is it truly that necessary, or is it something you can bypass for a while and get away with it?

Well, the simple answer is that auto insurance is definitely useful and worth having if you own a motor vehicle. Many insurance companies charge big bucks to provide it simply because they know how beneficial it is for drivers. However, there are other valid reasons why car insurance can be pretty costly. 

So, if you’re constantly asking yourself why is auto insurance so expensive, don’t worry. This article will give you the exact answers you’re looking for and explain how to find cheaper rates. 

Types of auto insurance coverage

Before discussing why auto insurance is expensive, it’s important to understand the types of coverage that are available. Overall, there are six common types of car insurance coverage. 

Depending on where you live, some of these coverages may be mandatory, regardless of how expensive they are for you. However, other coverages may be optional. The best thing to do is find out your state’s rules and guidelines regarding auto insurance. That way, you know what to pay for and what’s up for debate. 

Keeping that in mind, here are six types of car insurance coverage that you may need or want to consider. 

1. Liability Coverage

In most states, there’s one type of coverage that you usually need: liability coverage. Typically, your state will ask you to buy the minimum liability coverage required by its law. 

Additionally, this coverage will contain two key components: 

  • Property damage liability: this component pays for any damages you cause to another person’s car or property while driving. 
  • Bodily injury liability: this aspect handles the costs for any injuries that another person has because of an accident you cause. 

Of course, both these facets of liability coverage are extremely important. They cover the costs of two things—property and bodily damage—that typically occur during a car accident. 

2. Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage 

While auto insurance is vital and oftentimes required, not everyone has it. And if you get into an accident with someone who doesn’t have car insurance, it’ll be nice to have uninsured and underinsured coverage. 

This type of insurance helps pay for any of your medical expenses that resulted from an accident. Also, in some states, this coverage pays for the repairs to your motor vehicle.

If you’re dealing with someone who has insurance, but they’re underinsured, meaning their liability limits can’t cover your medical bills, then uninsured and underinsured coverage can also help.  

3. Comprehensive Coverage

Accidents aren’t the only unfortunate things that can happen to your car. Motor vehicles can also catch on fire or experience hail damage, and someone can steal or vandalize them. In these scenarios, comprehensive coverage is excellent. 

It helps pay for repairs or the replacement of your motor vehicle. Additionally, this coverage includes a deductible, which is the total amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your insurer reimburses you for the claim. 

4. Collision Coverage

Maybe you collide with another vehicle or hit an object, like a fence. When this happens, collision coverage can benefit you. It may help pay for the repair or replacement of your car. 

5. Medical Payments Coverage 

If you or anyone driving your insured motor vehicle gets injuries from an accident, medical payments coverage can help pay for the bills related to your bodily injuries. For example, the coverage might pay for your X-rays, surgery, or hospital visits. 

6. Personal Injury Protection

This coverage is only available in some states. Personal injury protection is similar to medical payments coverage because it helps pay for the medical expenses that you incur from an accident. However, personal injury protection can also cover other costs that accumulate because of your injuries, such as lost income and childcare expenses.  

The reasons auto insurance is so expensive

Why is auto insurance so expensive? Here are the exact reasons.

Regardless of the type of coverage you choose, there are five reasons why your auto insurance may be costly. Some of these reasons are inescapable, but others are up to your control. So, without further ado, here are the main reasons why auto insurance is so expensive. 

1. Your credit history 

One of the leading factors determining your auto insurance rate is your credit history. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests that drivers with poor credit scores file more claims than those with high credit scores, and they file them more frequently. 

For car insurance companies, drivers with poor credit history come with more risks, leading to a higher rate. Research indicates that, on average, companies will increase insurance rates by 76% for drivers with poor credit scores, a price hike that’s around $1,180 annually. 

2. Your driving record

If you’ve started raking in DUIs, at-fault accidents, and speeding tickets, you can bet that your auto insurance premium will be expensive. Insurance companies will up-charge you for three to five years after any claim or violation. 

3. Your age

One thing you can’t control is your age. Auto insurance companies will use it to determine the best rate for your policy. Typically, drivers younger than 25 will pay more than drivers who are older. 

In fact, a driver who’s 16 years old will have an average annual premium of $3,343, while a 25-year-old driver will have one that’s $862. This difference is usually attributed to the fact that younger drivers are perceived as having less driving experience than others. 

4. Your location

While you can’t control your age, you can control your location. Auto insurance companies look at your zip code to help determine your rate. If you stay in an area with a higher claim frequency, your auto insurance may be more expensive than someone who lives in a different neighborhood. Additionally, because states regulate car insurance, legislation can impact your price. 

5. Your insurance company 

Your car insurance company will play a significant role in the rate that you receive. Depending on who you choose, your insurance will either be cost-effective or just costly. Some companies will also try to scam you, but others will simply be more expensive, regardless of your driving profile or credit history. 

How to decrease your auto insurance rate

Moving to another state or zip code to get a better auto insurance rate isn’t always possible or even desirable. In the same vein, you can’t change your credit score overnight, and you can’t change your age even if you try to lie about it. That means it’s not easy to decrease your auto insurance fee, especially if your driving record isn’t pristine. 

However, assuming you have a good record, you can reduce the cost of your auto insurance by looking for a quality and cost-effective insurer. For example, Barry Risk Management is a great option. 

With over 30 years of experience, Barry Risk Management knows how to find ways to provide cheaper rates. And it doesn’t matter where you live. If you’re looking for excellent car insurance for a reasonable price, Barry Risk Management can help. All you have to do is get in touch, and a representative will take care of everything online. 

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to speak with a representative about getting a good auto insurance rate!

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How to Get the Best High-Risk Auto Insurance

how to get high-risk auto insurance

Getting car insurance is easy. You research different providers, learn about their policies, and determine the best one for you. But what if you need high-risk auto insurance? Is the process still so simple? 

Buying high-risk auto insurance isn’t the hardest task ever. In fact, it’s pretty similar to purchasing regular car insurance. You’ll have to take the same steps in both scenarios. However, for high-risk auto insurance, your research process might be a little lengthier than usual. 

If you’re a high-risk driver, it’s not easy to find a great provider to insure you. What’s even harder is finding one when you’re shopping on a budget. But if you want the best high-risk auto insurance at a cost-effective rate that makes sense for you, it’s not impossible to find.  

What is high-risk auto insurance? 

Before you start looking for high-risk auto insurance, it’s essential to know what it means to be a high-risk driver. While the term sounds frightening, it doesn’t have as bad a connotation as you might assume. In fact, it doesn’t directly even mean that you’re a terrible driver.  

Insurance companies consider many people as high-risk drivers, and the reason for this varies. You might need high-risk auto insurance in the following scenario: 

  • Your insurance coverage has lapsed in the past
  • You have received speeding tickets or tickets for traffic violations
  • You have DUI convictions
  • You’re at fault for accidents
  • You just got your license
  • You’re a driver with poor credit
  • You’re elderly
  • You own a high-powered or exotic vehicle

The reasons for getting high-risk auto insurance can fall anywhere on a broad spectrum. 

You might need it because of a circumstance you can’t avoid, like growing older or getting your license for the first time when you’re 16. Or, you might need high-risk auto insurance because you’ve found yourself in a situation that you could’ve avoided like buying an exotic vehicle.  

Either way, the question always comes down to whether or not you’ll ever have an opportunity to get regular car insurance. Will you always be a high-risk driver?

How long are you considered a high-risk driver?

Just because you’re a high-risk driver today doesn’t mean you’ll be one tomorrow. Each U.S. state allows a certain amount of time for driving penalties to stay on your record. And sometimes your auto insurance company will suggest tips to help you decrease the points on your record. 

For example, your provider might reward you for attending a defensive driving course or a traffic safety class. You might also reduce the points on your driving record by having a car with more advanced safety features and obeying traffic and parking rules. 

Either way, you can encounter ways to strip the label of “high-risk driver,” which is welcome news if you’ve made a few mistakes on the road. However, if you love to buy exotic, high-powered vehicles or drive as an elder, you might not escape the high-risk category. Still, that might be a small price to pay to have your favorite cars or continue driving as a senior. 

Who provides high-risk auto insurance?

Regardless of why you’re a high-risk driver, you’re going to need high-risk auto insurance. Some major car insurance companies offer this type of coverage. Geico and Progressive are two great examples. 

But as with any major insurance company, you’re going to come across steep prices. Big providers like to use industry algorithms to determine their rates, but these algorithms are exploitative and usually increase your policy’s price. 

What’s worse is that nonstandard auto insurance companies that are willing to cover the riskiest drivers also charge higher rates. These nonstandard businesses know it’s hard to find high-risk auto insurance at standard providers, and they take advantage of this information by demanding high prices. 

How much is high-risk auto insurance?

The cost of your high-risk auto insurance will depend on various factors, including your location, driving history, gender, age, and the type of coverage that you want. However, the national average for high-risk auto insurance is $1,427 per year. That’s about $118 per month. 

If you want full coverage, that price can double, especially once major and nonstandard providers consider other factors. But if you want minimum coverage, that price will decrease, but not significantly enough to brag about it. 

NerdWallet found the average rate for high-risk auto insurance if you want full coverage and minimum coverage. The media outlet also examined why you might be a high-risk driver to better predict the price you’d pay. Here’s what their research suggests. 

The average rate for high-risk auto insurance for a 25-year-old with poor credit is the following: 

  • Full coverage: $2,894 per year
  • Minimum coverage: $1,195 per year

The average rate for high-risk auto insurance for a 40-year-old with poor credit is the following: 

  • Full coverage: $2,506 per year 
  • Minimum coverage: $1,078 per year

The average rate for high-risk auto insurance for a 25-year-old with an at-fault accident is the following: 

  • Full coverage: $2,451 per year 
  • Minimum coverage: $1,008 per year 

The average rate for high-risk auto insurance for a 40-year-old with an at-fault accident is the following: 

  • Full coverage: $2,146 per year
  • Minimum coverage: $910 per year

The average rate for high-risk auto insurance for a 25-year-old with a DUI is the following: 

  • Full coverage: $2,911 per year
  • Minimum coverage: $1,204 per year

The average rate for high-risk auto insurance for a 40-year-old with a DUI is the following: 

  • Full coverage: $2,531 per year 
  • Minimum coverage: $1,079 per year

Regardless of the situation, high-risk auto insurance is typically expensive, making it imperative to find the best rate possible. And while options are few, you can find great coverage for a reasonable price. 

Who offers the best high-risk auto insurance?

If you want high-risk auto insurance at a fair rate, you shouldn’t use a major provider or a nonstandard agency. 

For the best coverage, use Barry Risk Management, Inc. Our parent company is Barry Risk Management, a business that specializes in helping people find and purchase the proper coverage for all of their everyday essentials.

With their help, Barry Risk Management, Inc. finds the best rates and coverage for high-risk drivers. Instead of relying on manipulative industry algorithms to find a policy, Barry Risk Management, Inc. manually reviews yours needs to match them with the ideal coverage. 

You don’t have to worry about paying ridiculously high prices or spend all of your shopping around for a fair deal. With Barry Risk Management, Inc., you can get high-risk auto insurance at a great rate in no time. 

If you need high-risk auto insurance, contact Barry Risk Management, Inc. today to discover a policy and auto insurance quote that works for you!