Start Car Insurance with Checking Account

Every driver needs insurance coverage because, in nearly every state, it’s the law. However, not every motorist has a credit card to purchase an auto insurance policy. So how do you start car insurance with checking account or cash? The good news is almost every major insurer accepts checks. 

This includes standard paper checks, online checks, and cashier’s checks. Starting your auto insurance coverage by paying with a check will take a few days longer, in most cases, while the payment processes. If you pay with an online check, things will go faster since you don’t need to mail it in.  

Let’s go over some strategies to get covered with a low-down payment using cash or your checking account.

Like many industries, auto insurance is going online fast these days. People don’t want to drive to an agency and sit around waiting to get a quote from an agent that might not have the lowest rate. More and more people are turning to the internet for quotes and even buying coverage on their smartphones. While this has made shopping for car insurance with checking account faster and easier than ever, not everyone has an easy time getting insured.

Buying Car Insurance With Checking Account 

Some people don’t have a credit card or a checking account but still need to buy a policy. There are many people in this situation, and thankfully there are insurers that meet this group of consumers. Those people without a credit card want to buy a policy online like everyone else. The truth is that people who don’t have a charge card will be restricted in their buying choices. Many large insurers like Progressive or Esurance are set up to take credit card payments and automatically charge for installment payments each month thereafter. 

Taking cash is a cumbersome task that most companies are not set up to handle. In today’s society, people and businesses do most financial transactions by credit or debit card. Many consumers don’t have bank accounts or credit cards. For this group of motorists getting cheap auto insurance with a low down payment can be really difficult.

However, there are some payment options that you can use.  

• Money Order
• Prepaid Money Card
• Mail a Cash Payment (if accepted) 
• Use a Cash Payment App (if Accepted)

Money Orders are a Great Way to Start Paying for Car Insurance  

Money orders are a safe and secure type of payment you can use to pay your insurer. Most insurance providers like Liberty Mutual, Travelers, and Progressive, among others, accept payments via money orders. This might be your best option if you don’t have a bank account. 

You might get a money order from your regional convenience store, like 7-11. Also, the post office offers them, along with many grocers, banks, and even Walmart offers, money orders. Depending upon the company supplying the money order and the dollar amount, you’ll likely need to pay a small fee for the cash order.

Walmart charges about $.88, while the U.S. Postal Service charges between $1.25 and $1.75 per money order. Western Union charges the most, $1.25 and $1.50. Wal-Mart is the cheapest and probably the most convenient of these options since most people shop there regularly. 

You can send out a money order both online or in person. If you make a payment at a local insurance agency, you’ll more than likely have to physically go to a Walmart, grocery store, corner store, or post office to get the money order.

Purchase a Pre-paid Card

Most pharmacies and retailers like Best Buy carry a wide choice of gift cards you can buy with cash. While a gift card from Macy’s undoubtedly won’t assist you in getting your vehicle covered, you can get pre-paid Visas or MasterCard by simply putting cash on them. Once your Pre-paid debit card is activated, you can make the down payment on your auto insurance policy. 

The process is pretty easy, and you’re not required to get a credit check or a bank account to get a prepaid card. You can get a pre-paid Visa or Mastercard from most stores that sell gift cards, like your local pharmacy. Just add cash to the card, and you are set. You can typically re-load the pre-paid card at numerous places. 

Try to pay for the whole policy if you can afford it because almost all insurers won’t let you use a prepaid card to make automatic payments using your pre-paid debit card. If you can’t pay the entire policy amount, make future payments with a money order or other approved methods. Compare free auto insurance quotes online now. To get started, enter your zip code.  

Mail-in Money Payments

If none of the above choices suit your preference, you might consider mailing cash to your insurance company. This way isn’t ideal for paying your bill, and most insurers advise against consumers from mailing in cash payments due to the risky nature of this type of deal. First, contact your insurer before sending them cash and make sure they will accept that payment form. Many providers won’t accept it.

Major Insurers Accepting Cash Payments

Currently, there are only 5 major insurers that accept cash payments:  

• Progressive
• Nationwide
• MetLife
• Personal Lines Group
• Mercury General 

Payment options have expanded in recent years and some insurers now accept payments through PayPal. Met Life, Mercury General, and Progressive all allow PayPal payments. 

Contact your local agent or company representative to clarify all of the payment options that are currently accepted. Rules occasionally alter, and another insurer, small and big, might change their policies. It never hurts to ask. When paying in cash, be sure to obtain a receipt. Make the payment before the due date, and after that, call the insurance provider’s primary customer service number to ensure payment was processed. 

Now that you know how to start your auto insurance coverage with a check or cash, it’s time to compare quotes. Enter your zip code now and compare up to 10 quotes in about five minutes. Get the coverage you need today at the best possible rates.