New Car Insurance

Buying a new car can be both exciting and overwhelming. But making sure you have the right car insurance for a new car is simple with The Hartford. We’re here to help protect you before you drive off the lot.
Author:
Lily DiGregorio
Lily DiGregorio,Staff copywriter
Lily DiGregorio
Staff copywriter specializing in auto and home insurance for The Hartford.
Reviewed By:
Ben Ewbank
Ben Ewbank,Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing
Ben Ewbank
Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing at The Hartford.
LinkedIn Profile
Updated: 03/18/2025
Read Time: 7 minutes
woman pleased with New Car Insurance from The Hartford
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Key Takeaways

  • If you’re buying a new car, you’ll want to make sure you have insurance coverage as soon as you’re ready to drive home.
  • The amount of protection you’ll need on your new vehicle depends on different factors, like where you live and whether you’re leasing, financing or buying outright.
  • The Hartford is happy to help you determine how much coverage you’ll need to have peace of mind behind the wheel. Plus, we offer exclusive benefits and discounts to help you save on new car insurance.

How Long Do You Have To Get Insurance After Buying a New Car?

Typically, dealerships will require you to have car insurance before driving away in your new vehicle. In certain states, it's illegal to drive without car insurance coverage. If your car insurance lapses, it means you don't have coverage for that period of time. Even if you go one day without coverage, you might run into serious issues.
 
Some car insurance companies do offer a grace period anywhere between 7-10 days, but this is mainly around missing a payment as opposed to having no coverage. So, it’s best to make sure your new car is protected the moment it’s yours. Your insurance provider can work with you during the car buying process, so you’re prepared and protected.
 

How To Insure a New Car

Knowing how to insure your newly purchased vehicle is a critical step in the car buying journey. In fact, making sure you don’t have a gap between vehicles may save you time and money in the long run. (Remember, not every car insurance company may offer a grace period.)
You’ll want to:
 
  1. Gather all the information needed for an accurate quote. Make sure you have your new car’s information handy, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN). Knowing the mileage will also be useful, even if it’s low.
  2. Start shopping for insurance. Buying a new car is a great opportunity to compare quotes and make sure you get coverage that fits your needs and budget. You may review your current coverages and decide you want more protection, especially if your new car has enhanced features or technology that may be more expensive to repair or replace.
  3. Purchase a new insurance policy or update your existing one. After you decide which option is best for you, you’ll be ready to drive your new car home with peace of mind.
woman happy after getting car insurance for new car

How Much Is Car Insurance for a New Car?

Whether you’ve just purchased a new car or you’re still considering it, we know what you’re probably thinking: “How much is car insurance for my new car?” With AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford,1 you can get the coverage you need to drive with confidence without breaking the bank.
Here are the average costs The Hartford’s customers pay for auto insurance:2
Age The Hartford Avg. Annual Premium The Hartford Avg. Monthly Premium
50-59 $1,942 $162
60-69 $1,517 $126
70+ $1,450 $121
However, it’s important to know that car insurance rates are complex. Your personal car insurance cost will vary based on factors unique to you, like your:
 
  • Location
  • Driving history
  • Safety features in your new vehicle
  • Type and amount of coverage on your policy
Car insurance requirements for your new car can vary depending on where you live. That’s because each state may have different minimum required amounts for liability, collision and comprehensive coverage, to name a few.
 
When it comes to new car insurance coverage, the amount you need may also depend on your vehicle ownership status. If you are financing or leasing your new car, both comprehensive and collision coverages are usually required by the financing or leasing company. If you purchase your car outright and don’t have a loan, you may not have the same coverage requirements, but it’s still a good idea to protect your investment.
 

Types of Car Insurance for a New Car

The Hartford offers various types of coverages that protect new car owners, including:
Full coverage car insurance generally refers to an auto insurance policy that meets state requirements for liability insurance and includes comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage can help pay to fix your new car if it’s damaged from theft, vandalism, collision with an animal or natural disasters, while collision coverage helps cover the cost of repairs to your car if you hit another vehicle or object.
 
Additional types of car insurance coverage include:
 
Your typical auto insurance policy helps pay to repair or replace your car based on the actual cash value. But if you owe more on your loan than your car is worth, gap insurance will fill in where your regular insurance isn’t enough. So, in the unfortunate event that your new car is stolen or totaled, gap insurance will help pay the difference.
If you total your new car in a car accident, you don’t have to be without it for long. New car replacement coverage will help replace it with a new vehicle of the same make, model and equipment, without subtracting anything for depreciation.§§
Find the coverage that works for you. Get an online quote for new motor insurance or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.
couple happy after getting new motor insurance from The Hartford

New Car Insurance Coverage From The Hartford

Through every step of the car buying journey, The Hartford is here to help. We’re happy to answer any of your questions about new car insurance and help you determine the right coverage for you. Get your free quote online or call 888-546-9099 today!

Frequently Asked Questions About New Car Insurance

If you’re wondering how to save on new vehicle insurance, The Hartford offers a number of car insurance discounts and exclusive benefits for AARP members – like up to 10% savings† just for having a membership. Additional discounts include:
 
  • Bundle car and home insurance to save over $800** with AARP Auto and Home Insurance from The Hartford.
  • Start your quote online and you can save up to 8% on your car insurance quote, just for starting digitally.
  • Sign up for The Hartford’s TrueLane Program,^ a usage-based smartphone app that recognizes and rewards safe driving. You’ll save up to 15%^ when you sign up within 60 days of your first policy. Plus, you can earn a renewal discount of up to 40%, depending on your safe driving habits.
  • Complete approved driving courses, such as the AARP Driver Safety Course. You can enjoy a defensive driving discount of up to 5% on your car insurance for the next three years.
  • Pay your bill on time and you can save up to 10%. Extra discounts apply if you pay your bill in full instead of making monthly payments.
        You should never drive a car without making sure it has insurance coverage. Dealerships will usually require you to have car insurance before you drive off the lot with your new car. Plus, depending on where you live, it may be illegal to drive without car insurance coverage.
To protect your new car, you’ll want to either update your existing policy with your new vehicle information or shop for a new policy from a different provider. The Hartford is happy to help in either case. Speak to a representative today at 888-546-9099.

Related Articles

 
 
2 Auto insurance rates by age range from 9/1/22 to 8/31/23.
 
^ Not available in all states, terms and conditions apply.
† Average savings amounts are derived from 6-month policy terms and based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford's newest rate plan between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. This data is also used to determine the number/percentage of individuals who saved money when they switched. Your savings may vary. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure.
** Average savings amounts based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford from other carriers between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. Your savings may vary. Average auto insurance savings is $577 and average home insurance savings is $236. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.
 
§ Availability of RecoverCare benefit and benefit levels vary by state. The Hartford RecoverCare Advantage® is a registered mark of The Hartford.
 
§§ Terms and conditions apply.
 
‡ Terms and conditions apply. Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible are not available to CA policyholders.
 
‡‡ Terms and conditions apply. Availability varies by state.
 
‡‡‡ Based on one car and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and characteristics of vehicle(s)/driver(s).
 
Additional disclosures below.
AARP® Auto Insurance
Quick Links
FAQs
For AARP® Members
Additional Resources
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. Home product is not available in all areas, including the state of FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.