When you buy car insurance, you are offered options: pay it monthly, every six months or annually. For many, paying their policy monthly is the most cost-effective option for their budget. However, if you don’t pay it in full, you’re likely required to pay a car insurance down payment.
Car insurance companies typically require a down payment to start a policy. Learn more about what that insurance down payment is, whether you can get auto insurance with no down payment and some expert tips on making your car insurance more affordable.
- Insurance companies will require you to pay at least one month’s premium as a down payment.
- You cannot get car insurance without paying a down payment. This means you pay your first monthly installment or you can pay the entire annual premium.
- The national average for car insurance is $158 per month or $1,895 per year for full coverage for a driver with good credit and a clean driving record. You can anticipate paying a similar down payment as a good driver.
- You may find cheaper car insurance premiums by shopping around, asking for discounts and reassessing your coverage.
What is no down payment car insurance?
When you sign up for car insurance, your agent will ask you to pay for the first month at the bare minimum. This first payment is your down payment, or sometimes called a deposit, if you’re not paying your policy in full.
It may be easier to think of the down payment is a prepayment on your premium. This allows the insurer to activate your policy for monthly payments instead of requiring you to pay the entire annual premium upfront.
Expert Tip: If you can afford to pay the full premium upfront, you will save money over the year by avoiding installment fees and possibly getting a discount for paying in full.
How do I pay my car insurance down payment?
Insurance companies aim to make payment processes convenient and simple for their customers. In general, insurers accept premium payments via credit card, debit card or check. Most insurers also offer automatic payments that can be set up during your policy purchase process or through an online portal on their website.
When purchasing car insurance, ensure you’re prepared to pay for the first installment or the policy upfront. It’s a good idea to be prepared to provide your banking or credit card information as necessary.
Expert Tip:Most insurance companies offer discounts if you set up automatic electronic payments. When asking about car insurance discounts, inquire about others you might qualify for — it can save you quite a bit on your annual premium.
Can I buy instant car insurance with no deposit?
The quick answer is no. Whether you pay an installment of one month in advance or the entire year, you are still paying a deposit or down payment. There is no such thing as no down payment car insurance.
Be cautious if you see an insurance company advertising, “no deposit car insurance.”It’s not common for insurers to offer car insurance policies without at least a one-month down payment installment. Insurance companies are businesses based on risk assessment, so it’s highly unlikely they’ll offer services without payment.
How much is a car insurance down payment?
For many insurers, the down payment is simply the first month’s payment. For example, for a driver with good credit and a clean record, the national average for car insurance is $158 per month or $1,895 per year for full coverage. If you fit this driving profile, your deposit would be $158 at the policy signing.
Down payments are often determined by rate, which is determined after an insurance company evaluates of several factors. These include factors such as driving record, age, gender, location, vehicle type and credit score.
Since down payments are determined by insurance company’s polices, you may end up paying more than a typical monthly premium payment. When shopping around for car insurance, ask about down payment requirements and discounts offered when you pay your premium in full.
How can I get cheap car insurance without a down payment?
Car insurance can be pricey. It’s important to consider any moving violations or accidents on your driving record, your budget and credit score before you begin shopping around. Between the down payment, the monthly payment and occasional installment fees, you could end up paying quite a bit for your premium.
There are several things you can do to get cheaper car insurance and a more affordable down payment. Our experts offer several recommendations for saving on car insurance:
- Ask your insurer about discounts you may qualify for but aren’t currently receiving.
- Increase your deductible to lower your premium. This is only a good idea if you can afford to pay the increased deductible if needed.
- Shop around. It is easy to get with one company and never re-evaluate, but it’s advisable periodically shop around to ensure you’re getting the best rate.
- Reassess your coverage. Depending on what you’re driving and what your financial situation is like, you may have more coverage than you need. Ask your insurance agent to reassess your coverage to ensure you’re getting the best rate.
- Keep a clean driving record. Continue improving your credit score and maintaining a clean driving record. This can help keep your premiums as low as possible.
- Consider a usage-based plan. This can be a good option for people who infrequently drive and maintain low mileage and want to save money on car insurance. A usage-based plan is also great for with good driving habits.
- Go for the minimums. Though this approach is highly discouraged in most circumstances, there may be times when lowering coverage to your state’s required minimum liability is your best option. It is essential to remember that liability insurance does not cover your own injuries or damage to your property, which can lead to significant financial hardship. Be sure to speak with your insurance agent about other ways you may be able to save money and keep comprehensive and collision coverage, too.
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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.