Can You Buy Insurance Now and Pay Later?

The phrase “buy now pay later car insurance” is not usually used by auto insurance companies. It is commonly understood that insurance policies do not require a deposit when you sign up for coverage. What you will have to pay to begin auto insurance coverage will vary depending on factors such as the company’s policy, your driving record, and your location. The amount to pay for a car insurance deposit can range from what you would pay in a typical month to a third of your total annual bill. But in some cases, it could be even lower. Getting quotes from multiple insurers is the most effective way to find the smallest deposit and the lowest auto insurance price.

What is Buy Now Pay Later Car Insurance?

Buy Now Pay Later Car Insurance is not really a specific product that auto insurance companies offer. When purchasing auto insurance, you always have the option of dividing the total cost of your insurance evenly among the monthly payments for your policy’s life. The first payment is called a deposit or down payment.

For most drivers, this payment will be more expensive than the rest of the payments. The fact that this payment is larger makes it look like a deposit, making you feel compelled to maintain coverage with the company throughout your policy’s life. However, it is possible to qualify for no-deposit or low-deposit auto insurance if you have high credit scores and a safe driving record.

No deposit auto insurance does not mean the insurance is free.

The term “buy now pay later car insurance” is sometimes misused by companies with dubious reputations. One possible connotation is that you don’t have to pay any money to the insurer before starting your auto insurance coverage. But this is not the case: you always have to pay some amount before auto insurance companies begin to cover you. What insurance companies try to avoid is having to make payments before they know you will provide compensation. If your auto insurance is active without paying money, you could make a claim on your policy, and the company would be in a disadvantageous position. 

However, some companies offer to give you your first month free, especially without putting money in, although this is not a common practice.

No deposit is required to get a quote.

Buy now pay later car insurance sometimes means that you do not have to pay a deposit to get an auto insurance quote. Unlike a construction company, where collecting a deposit for a quote is acceptable, auto insurance companies do not require a deposit or payment to give you a quote.

Who is eligible for Buy Now Pay Later Car Insurance?

The amount a driver will have to pay as an insurance deposit to begin coverage depends on factors similar to what auto insurance companies use to set insurance prices. It does not mean that there is a fixed percentage or amount to pay for that deposit.

Factors that can affect your insurance deposit:

• Place where you live
• Your age
• The value of your car
• Your driving record
• Your credit history.

Depending on the insurer, your insurance deposit can cost up to 30% of your total premium or less than the equivalent of a month’s cost if you choose to pay monthly. But sometimes, if your driving record is good, you may end up paying less (or next to nothing) for your first month of coverage than subsequent months. Generally, a low-risk driver will also have lower overall auto insurance rates.