Buying a new car is exciting—but don’t forget to update your insurance! Whether you’re replacing an old vehicle or adding a second one to your policy, it’s critical to notify your insurer within a specific time frame to avoid gaps in coverage. Here’s what you need to know about the new car timeline for updating your auto insurance.
1. How Long Do You Have to Notify Your Insurance Company?
The new car timeline for notifying your insurance provider depends on your existing coverage:
- If you already have full coverage (liability + comprehensive/collision): You typically have 14 days from the date of purchase to inform your insurance provider and get the new vehicle officially added to your policy.
- If you only have liability coverage: You may have as little as 4 days to notify your insurer for the new vehicle to be covered—especially if you’re expecting comprehensive or collision coverage to apply.
Failing to update your insurance in time could leave you uncovered in the event of an accident, even if your previous vehicle was insured.
2. Why You Should Act Immediately
Even though you may have a grace period, it’s always best to:
- Call your insurance agent right away after buying the car.
- Provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and any updated driver or usage details.
- Review your coverage limits to make sure they’re still a good fit for your new car.
For more details, check out this guide from FMNE on new car purchases.
3. What If You’re Financing or Leasing?
If you’re financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage from day one. Failing to provide proof of insurance can result in your lender adding expensive force-placed insurance to your loan.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming automatic coverage without confirming your policy details
- Waiting until your first payment is due to notify your insurer
- Driving uninsured if you’re outside of the notification window
Conclusion
Don’t let your excitement over a new car result in an insurance oversight. Understanding the new car timeline for reporting your purchase ensures you stay protected from the start. When in doubt, call your insurance agent as soon as you finalize the sale.For fast, reliable policy updates, contact Nebraska’s Insurance.
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