I recently got my VIN, and Tesla is asking for proof of insurance. My estimated delivery date is July 1 to July 8. Should I get the insurance now or wait until the delivery date is confirmed? Tesla suggests having insurance active for over 30 days from the delivery date, but I’m not sure what to do since the date isn’t finalized.
I uploaded my current insurance policy since it automatically covers new purchases until you formally update it.
Florian said:
I uploaded my current insurance policy since it automatically covers new purchases until you formally update it.
That worked for me too. Tesla’s app is misleading—you don’t need a new policy, just proof of existing insurance. I called my agent on delivery day to activate the coverage. Some states may vary, but this was my experience in PA.
@Adi
Good to know. I added my VIN to my policy ahead of time, but it seems that wasn’t necessary.
@Adi
It depends on the state. Some states require specific VIN coverage with no grace period. Also, if this is your first car, you’ll need to get a policy beforehand.
ExaminerElla said:
@Adi
It depends on the state. Some states require specific VIN coverage with no grace period. Also, if this is your first car, you’ll need to get a policy beforehand.
Do you happen to know which states require this? I’m in Texas.
Florian said:
I uploaded my current insurance policy since it automatically covers new purchases until you formally update it.
I did the same. I provided proof for my current car and updated the policy with the Tesla VIN once I had a delivery date. That way, coverage for my old car ended as I traded it in.
I waited until I got a confirmed delivery date, then set up insurance to activate the day before. Once I had the updated card, I uploaded it to the Tesla app.
Whit said:
I waited until I got a confirmed delivery date, then set up insurance to activate the day before. Once I had the updated card, I uploaded it to the Tesla app.
You can upload proof of insurance anytime, and your policy won’t start charging you until you activate it. My provider (Erie) required the VIN for an accurate quote, so I handled everything early to avoid last-minute issues.
@Noor
My insurer doesn’t send updated documents until the policy change is active. In my state, the insurance card must list the VIN.
Whit said:
@Noor
My insurer doesn’t send updated documents until the policy change is active. In my state, the insurance card must list the VIN.
Same here. I gave Erie my VIN, and they emailed me a 6-month policy document before the delivery. Tesla won’t let you pick up the car without valid proof of insurance, so I made sure everything was ready ahead of time.
Whit said:
I waited until I got a confirmed delivery date, then set up insurance to activate the day before. Once I had the updated card, I uploaded it to the Tesla app.
This is exactly what I did for mine.
The easiest way is to call your insurance agent and explain the situation. Don’t wait until the last minute—it’s not worth the stress.
Tate said:
The easiest way is to call your insurance agent and explain the situation. Don’t wait until the last minute—it’s not worth the stress.
Agreed. Start shopping for the best rate and coverage now. You can set the policy to activate on your delivery date, but having proof of insurance ready will make the process smoother.
If you already have car insurance, that proof should be enough to show Tesla. Most policies give you a grace period of 7–30 days to add a new car.
Your current policy likely has a grace period that extends coverage to a new car without extra charge. Call your insurer to confirm. If this is your first car, just wait for a confirmed delivery date before buying insurance.
Tesla required my policy to be valid for at least 60 days from the delivery date. My existing policy was set to renew 45 days after delivery, so they didn’t accept it. I ended up switching to Tesla Insurance since it was cheaper than Progressive for me.
Use your current insurance card. That worked for me when I bought my Tesla. I got a quote ready from my insurance company and activated the policy on the delivery day.
Galen said:
Use your current insurance card. That worked for me when I bought my Tesla. I got a quote ready from my insurance company and activated the policy on the delivery day.
Did Tesla let you take the car with just your current insurance card, or did you have to activate the new policy at delivery?
I always get a quote before shopping for a car. Most insurance companies allow a 10-day grace period to transfer your existing policy to the new car.