What Do You Need to Get Car Insurance?

Whether it’s your first time shopping for car insurance or you’re considering switching to another insurer, it’s essential to know what information and documents you need to provide to purchase car insurance.

Typically, your information and documents are used to verify if you’re eligible to obtain auto insurance and determine your premiums. So, it’s important to provide the required documents and precise information to get an accurate quote on your car insurance policy and to avoid delays with the application.  

In this article, you will learn what information and documents you need to get car insurance, along with step-by-step instructions on how to buy a policy.

What Information Do I Need to Provide to Get Car Insurance?

While shopping for car insurance, you will be prompted to provide certain information to verify if you’re eligible for coverage and to determine your premiums. Understanding these requirements in advance helps you stay prepared and makes the quoting process smoother.  

Keep in mind that providing accurate information to a reliable insurance provider will improve your chances of securing affordable auto insurance coverage within your budget. Here’s a detailed overview of the information generally required by most insurers.

Personal Information

A significant part of your car insurance premium is directly tied to your personal information, which makes your personal information a key component when it comes to determining your policy’s rate. Here’s the list of personal information that you need to provide to get a car insurance quote: 

• Full name 
• Date of birth (age) 
• Gender (where permitted by state law) 
• Home address 
• Marital status 
• Contact number 
• Email address 
• Social security number (or alternative identification, if required) 
• Driver’s license number 
• Driving history 
• Insurance claims history

If you would like to purchase auto insurance for anyone else in your household, or if they’re listed in your current car insurance policy, you will have to provide their personal details as well based on the list above.

Vehicle Information

In most cases, car insurance follows the vehicle, which means insurers require specific details about your car when providing a quote. You will need to provide the following information about your car to get a quote and purchase a policy. 

• Your car’s make and model 
• VIN (vehicle identification number) 
• Number of miles driven per year 
• Name of registered owner/owners 
• Address where your car will be parked (if it’s different from home address) 
• Car body style 
• Built-in anti-theft features, or external anti-theft devices  
• Car’s safety features 
• Vehicle modifications (if any), like custom rims, upgraded exhaust, and suspension, etc. 
• Current or previous car insurance information (if any)

Just like insurers evaluate personal information, they also closely examine vehicle-related information to determine auto insurance rates, depending on your choice of coverage. Your car’s make and model play a major role, in particular, as repair and replacement costs vary significantly between vehicles. 

Note: You can find most of this information on your vehicle title or registration documents, which can help speed up the application process.

Insurance History (If Applicable)

If you currently have car insurance, or if you had one, your insurer may ask you to provide details about your auto insurance history. This can include information like: 

• Duration of your current/previous auto insurance policy  
• Whether there was any policy lapse, if so, for how long 
• Auto insurance claims in the past 3-5 years 
• Tickets, legal penalties, or any policy violations

When providing your insurance history, it’s important to be honest and accurate. Insurers verify this information through tools such as claims databases and motor vehicle reports, including records of past claims and driving violations. 

Providing incorrect or incomplete information may result in higher premiums, delays in policy approval, or, in some cases, denial of coverage.

Financial Information

When you move to the purchasing phase, you will be prompted to provide your method of payment, which includes the required banking information or credit card details.  

In this step, you need to fill out the payment information, and once you submit the form, your auto insurance should get activated immediately or within a few hours if all the required information and documents are properly provided.  

What Documents Do I Need to Provide to Get Car Insurance?

When completing a car insurance application, you may be asked to upload or submit certain documents to verify your information. Let’s take a look at the documents you’ll need to provide to get car insurance. 

Driver’s License

You will need to provide a clear photo or a scanned copy of both sides of your driver’s license and attach it to your car insurance application form. The front side of the driver’s license includes your name, photo, license number, and expiration date, while the back side contains barcodes or other identifiers insurers may use to verify your information. 

If you don’t have a driver’s license yet, you can use a learner’s permit to apply for car insurance instead. On the other hand, if your driver’s license got suspended or revoked, you may need to apply for an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate, depending on where you’re located.  

Vehicle Registration

You will need to attach a scanned copy of your vehicle registration in the car insurance application form. Typically, this is required to verify car ownership and to cross-check information based on your VIN (vehicle identification number). If your vehicle is leased or financed, the registration may list the leasing company or lender as the owner, which insurers generally accept. 

Proof of Current Residence

As part of the car insurance application process, insurers may require proof of your current residence to verify your address. This typically involves uploading a scanned copy or clear photo of one of the following documents listed below. 

• Utility bills  
• Lease agreements  
• Mortgage statements  
• Bank statements 
• Pay stubs  
• Government-issued ID/driver's license

Documents usually need to be recent, typically issued within the last 30 to 90 days.

Proof of Current or Former Car Insurance

If you’re switching to a new insurance provider, you may be asked to provide proof of your current or previous car insurance, such as a copy of your insurance ID card. Insurers use this information to verify how long you’ve been insured, identify any coverage lapses, and review your claims history, especially to evaluate factors that can influence your premium. 

Additional Documents to Qualify for Lower Premiums or Discounts

In some cases, you may be able to lower your auto insurance premium by providing additional documents that qualify you for specific discounts. While these documents aren’t required to purchase coverage, they can help reduce your overall insurance cost.

• Student ID and Grade Sheet: If you’re in high school or college, you may qualify for the good student discount if your grade is B and above, or the student away at school discount if you're attending school 100 miles away from home, by providing your current student ID and grade sheet.    
• Military Discount: If you’re currently serving in the military, or if you’re a veteran, you need to provide your military ID to qualify for the military discount on auto insurance.    
• Completion of Defensive Driving Course: If you have recently completed a defensive driving course, you need to provide a copy of the certificate to qualify for lower premiums, or discounts by proving you’re committed to safe driving practices.    
• Membership Discount: Some insurers offer discounts to members of certain organizations, professional groups, or employers. You may need to provide an employee ID or membership card to qualify.

How to Get Car Insurance?

When you’re prepared with the required information and documents, getting car insurance is pretty much a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step process to purchase and activate your auto insurance policy. 

• Gather the required personal, vehicle, and insurance information 
• Decide on the coverage types and limits you need 
• Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers 
• Choose a policy that fits your budget and coverage needs 
• Complete the application and upload the required documents 
• Select your payment method and submit the first payment 
• Receive confirmation and download your proof of insurance

Still Need Help? Get Expert Guidance to Find the Right Car Insurance

If it’s your first time purchasing car insurance or you’re running into challenges finding the right policy, getting guidance from a trusted insurance provider can make the process much easier. 

If you need help or personalized advice, you can connect with a licensed insurance agent near you or contact us to receive expert guidance and a free quote for an auto insurance policy that fits your coverage needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What vehicle information is needed for car insurance?

To get car insurance, you’ll typically need to provide details such as your vehicle’s make and model, VIN (vehicle identification number), estimated annual mileage, registered owner’s name, where the car is parked, safety and anti-theft features, any vehicle modifications, and your current or previous insurance information (if applicable). 

What personal information is required for car insurance?

Insurers typically ask for your full name, date of birth, address, driver’s license number, driving history, and insurance claims history to calculate your premium. 

What vehicle information is needed for car insurance?

You’ll usually need to provide your vehicle’s make and model, VIN, estimated annual mileage, registered owner details, parking location, safety features, modifications (if any), and prior insurance information. 

Do I need prior car insurance to get a new policy?

No, prior insurance isn’t required. However, having previous coverage may help you qualify for lower premiums, while a lapse in coverage could affect your rate. 

How long does it take to get car insurance?

Once you submit the required information, documents, and payment details, coverage is often activated immediately or within a few hours. 

What happens if I provide incorrect information when applying?

Providing inaccurate or incomplete information may lead to delays, higher premiums, or denial of coverage, as insurers verify details before issuing a policy.