Home » Car Insurance 101 – Commons Questions » When does auto insurance coverage begin

Written by:

Marissa Hayes

Insurance Writer & Expert

Marissa Hayes is a technical editor and contributing writer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in history, and she was the editor of the literary magazine, The Bluestone Review.

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Written by Marissa Hayes

Insurance Writer & Expert

Reviewed by:

Daniel Walker

Licensed Insurance Agent

Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...

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Reviewed by Daniel Walker

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Mar 10, 2024

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When does Car insurance coverage start?

Auto insurance begins the moment the policy number has been issued by the insurance company. Before a policy number is issued, you have to sign the policy document which should indicate your preferred date. If you do not request a deferred date, then the assumption of the insurance company would be to make it effective immediately. (For more information, read our “Car Insurance 101 – Commons Questions“).

People can request a deferred date in cases when they are buying a new car and it has yet to be delivered to them. However you cannot retract the date when the policy takes effect. The best way to find out is to call your insurance agent.

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