What Is the Progressive New Car Grace Period?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
If you already have auto insurance with Progressive and you buy another vehicle, you may have a short “new car grace period” (often called newly acquired vehicle coverage) before the car must be officially added to your policy.
Progressive’s own guidance says you typically have up to 30 days to officially add a newly purchased vehicle to your policy (terms and conditions can vary by state and policy). During that time, your new vehicle is generally covered at the same level as your current insured vehicle. You can read Progressive’s explanation here: https://www.progressive.com/answers/new-car-insurance/
- Progressive Typically Allows 30 Days: Progressive’s published guidance says you generally have up to 30 days to officially add a newly purchased vehicle to your policy.
- Coverage Usually Mirrors Your Current Car: During the grace period, the new vehicle is typically protected at the same level as your existing insured vehicle—so missing comp/collision can be a problem on financed cars.
- Financing Changes the Rules: Lenders and leasing companies commonly require comprehensive and collision (and may require specific deductibles and lienholder paperwork right away).
- Add the Car ASAP to Avoid Gaps: The grace period is temporary protection—not a best practice. Updating your policy immediately helps prevent billing mistakes and claim headaches.
- Progressive New Car Grace Period At a Glance
- How the Progressive New Car Grace Period Works
- When You Should Add the Car Immediately
- How To Add a New Car to Your Progressive Policy
- Insurance Requirements for New Vehicles
- How a New Car Can Change Your Premium
- Final Word
- FAQs on the Progressive New Car Grace Period
Progressive New Car Grace Period At a Glance
| What You’re Doing | What Usually Happens During the Grace Period | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing an existing car | Your policy typically extends to the replacement vehicle at the same coverage level as the vehicle it replaces. | Add the new VIN ASAP, confirm coverages/deductibles, and remove the old vehicle when appropriate. |
| Adding an additional car | Your policy may extend temporary coverage, but you still need to officially add the vehicle within the grace period. | Add the vehicle immediately so underwriting and billing are correct. |
| Financing or leasing | Lenders/lessors usually require comprehensive and collision (and may require specific deductibles and proof of coverage). | Confirm your “full coverage” requirements before leaving the dealership. |
| Buying outright (no lender) | You only need the coverages required by your state, but higher limits and physical damage coverage may be worth considering. | Choose limits based on your risk and budget—not just the state minimum. |
Quick tip: Even if you have “up to 30 days,” it’s smart to add the vehicle the same day (or next business day). Waiting increases the odds of a paperwork mistake, a coverage mismatch, or a claim dispute.
How the Progressive New Car Grace Period Works
Most insurers offer a limited window after a purchase where your current policy can temporarily cover a newly acquired vehicle. That grace period is commonly 7 to 30 days, depending on the company and your policy language.
With Progressive, the grace period is typically 30 days for customers adding a new vehicle—meaning you generally have up to 30 days to update your policy details and make sure the vehicle is correctly listed (and billed) on your declarations page.
What Coverage Carries Over During the Grace Period?
During the grace period, your new vehicle is usually protected at the same coverage level as your current insured vehicle. In plain English, that means:
- Liability limits generally follow your existing policy limits.
- Comprehensive and collision typically carry over only if you already have them on the policy (and your lienholder/lessor may require them).
- Optional coverages (like rental reimbursement or roadside assistance) may or may not automatically carry over—confirm in your account or with a representative.
Because policy details and state rules vary, treat the grace period as “temporary protection,” not a reason to delay updating your policy.
When You Should Add the Car Immediately
Some situations can require more than “whatever you had before.” Add the vehicle right away if any of the following apply:
- You’re financing or leasing: you may need to show proof of comprehensive and collision before the dealer lets you drive away. (More on that here: proof of insurance for a new car purchase.)
- Your new vehicle is worth significantly more: keeping low liability limits can put your savings (and future wages) at risk after a serious accident.
- You need a lienholder listed: Progressive explains that you may need to provide lienholder details shortly after adding the vehicle, especially on financed vehicles.
- You’re changing how the car is used: commuting changes, business use, or rideshare activity can affect underwriting and coverage.
Quick tip: If you’re financing, have your lender’s name, address, and loan account number handy. Progressive notes you may need to provide lienholder info shortly after adding the vehicle. Learn what a lienholder is here: https://www.progressive.com/answers/what-is-a-lienholder/
How To Add a New Car to Your Progressive Policy
You can typically add a vehicle through your online account, the Progressive mobile app, or by phone. If you need the current Progressive customer service number and other contact options, see: Contact Progressive.
To add the vehicle quickly, be ready with:
- VIN (vehicle identification number)
- Purchase date and whether it’s a replacement or additional vehicle
- Garaging address (where it’s kept overnight)
- Annual mileage and primary use
- Lienholder/lessor details (if financed or leased)
Insurance Requirements for New Vehicles
Requirements depend on (1) your state’s minimum insurance rules and (2) whether a lender or leasing company has an interest in the vehicle. State requirements vary, and you can find your state insurance department through the NAIC directory: https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments
Financing or Leasing a New Vehicle
If you’re financing a vehicle, the lender usually requires comprehensive and collision (and may set maximum deductibles). Many drivers also consider gap-style protection if they owe more than the car is worth—see Progressive gap insurance for how Progressive’s loan/lease payoff coverage typically works.
For a deeper explanation of lender rules, here’s our guide on full coverage on a financed car.
Buying a New Vehicle Outright
If you buy a vehicle with cash and there’s no lender, you can legally carry just the coverages your state requires (typically liability). However, many drivers still add comprehensive and collision on newer vehicles because repairs and replacements can be expensive.
How a New Car Can Change Your Premium
When you swap vehicles, your driver profile may stay the same—but the vehicle rating factors change. Your premium can go up or down based on:
- Model year and trim
- Repair costs, safety features, and theft risk for that make/model
- How much coverage you carry (limits, deductibles, and optional coverages)
- Whether the car is financed/leased (and any required coverages)
Even if your rate rises, you may be able to manage the cost by adjusting deductibles, confirming discounts, and making sure the policy matches how you actually use the vehicle.
Final Word
Progressive’s new car grace period is typically 30 days, but the safest move is to add your vehicle immediately and confirm your coverages match the new car (especially if you’re financing or leasing). For more context on how grace periods work across insurers, see grace periods for getting insurance on a new car.
Insurance rules vary by state and policy, and coverage is always subject to your contract terms, exclusions, and underwriting requirements.
