How to transfer old auto insurance to your new car

It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon and you plan to visit a dealership and get behind the wheel of a new car. But before purchasing that sweet ride, make sure your car insurance will cover any mishaps.

[Compare car insurance quotes now.]

Buyers who already have an auto insurance policy typically have automatic coverage on their new car for 14 to 30 days after their purchase. Some states require insurance companies to give new car owners even more time.

But instead of "gambling on the 14 to 30 days," contact your insurance agent and find out if you have adequate coverage before driving off with the new car, says Tully Lehman, a spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California.

Doing so can help you uncover possible coverage gaps. For example, in Wisconsin the new car automatically has the same coverage as the car it is replacing, according to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

So if your trade-in only has liability coverage, your new car's coverage will be limited to liability insurance. If that's the case, it's wise to make sure your new car has collision and comprehensive insurance coverage before driving it off the lot.

Auto insurance when there is no trade-in

It's doubly important to ensure coverage on the new car if you don't already have insurance. Shoppers who don't own a car already likely will need a policy before driving a new car off the dealer's lot.

If the car dealer is financing your purchase, you'll likely need proof of insurance before driving the car home.

Talk to an agent before shopping, especially if you're buying a car for the first time and don't have a history with a car insurance company. In such cases, the insurance company requires you to fill out an application and to offer details about the car, such as the year, make, model, mileage and safety features.

"Needing to have insurance in place before driving away will require a little leg work on your end, especially if making a first car purchase," Lehman says.

Car insurance rates are based in part on your driving record, credit report and insurance history. Other factors that impact car insurance rates include the year and make of the car, its overall safety record, how often thieves target that model, and the likely cost of repairs for that make and model.

Getting a car insurance policy on weekends

If you're buying on a weekend, your insurance company will probably have a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week phone service you can call to notify the company you are driving a new car, Lehman says.

Just make sure you have all the specifics the car insurance company will need - vehicle identification number, safety features, and the make, model and year of the car. The insurer needs this information to establish a new policy and set a premium.