It depends upon state laws and the insurance company's guidelines of the insurance provider with whom you purchased your policy from. With some insurance companies your coverage starts immediately upon purchase of the auto insurance policy. With other auto insurance carriers it can take a certain amount of time for the policy to become effective. If you have a binder or proof of when the insurance contract starts and it is before the accident then you won't have a problem.

Most policy language sets policies effective the next day at 12:01 AM, while other policies allow the policy to become effective immediately. Your new insurance agent should be able to advise you if your policies and the associated coverages were in effect at the time of the accident or not.

If your accident took place mere minutes after your purchase your car insurance policy you can expect your insurance company to investigate the accident, especially the time of the incident, to make certain that your policy was bought and in effect before the accident took place.

If you have concerns regarding your insurance policy or need consumer information regarding state insurance laws contact your state's Department of Insurance for consumer help.