
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated
Most insurance companies offer several payment methods, including non-banking options. But you may find that some methods — like cash payments — require extra steps and time for processing.
Ask your insurer or check its website to find out what payment options are available, typically on the contact page, payment info page or FAQs. Most insurance companies offer several ways to make a payment, including:
Be aware that some companies cater to an online audience, so certain payment methods may not be accepted or processed as quickly. You may need to send your payment well before its due date to allow extra processing time.
Discover coverage that’s broader than competitors, valuable discounts up to 30% off and perks like shrinking deductibles that reward no claims.
Making a payment with a debit, credit or prepaid card offers an easy alternative to a bank account. Like a bank account, you can pay for your bill with plastic in a variety of ways:
Keep in mind that you’ll have to keep adequate funds on your prepaid card, and your credit card charges interest if you don’t pay off the total every month. But it may be worth it if you always pay your credit card bill on time and want to earn credit card points for everyday bills.
PayPal provides a secure way to make online payments. It also offers a quick cash payment method if you tap into funds sent directly to PayPal or add cash through a PayPal Cash Card. With the PayPal Cash Card, you can add money from partner stores like CVS and Walmart.
One downside to using PayPal is that smaller providers may not offer it as an option online, making it a less convenient method. The company would have to add PayPal to its online system. In addition, you may incur a fee when adding money to your PayPal account.
Money transfers work similarly to PayPal payments. Depending on which service you use, you can send money bank-to-bank, online, with a card or with cash.
This method may add several more steps to your payment, especially if paying in cash or setting up a first-time online account. Many providers also charge a fee. However, you might benefit from the speed of a money transfer if wiring cash, which can be an almost instant process.
Paying for your premium in cash is a less common method and requires extra time for mailing and processing. To send payment this way, confirm the correct mailing address beforehand. Companies often have several addresses, and sending to the wrong one could delay payment.
You may also want to ask a representative about required forms or helpful information that can speed up the process, such as including an attention (ATTN:) on the letter.
To make the cash payment more secure, consider sending a cashier’s check or money order instead. These methods require both you and the recipient to sign before cashing out, and they’re backed with a guarantee by the company providing the check.
You can get a cashier’s check or money order from your bank, post office or some grocery and convenience stores.
Using a bank account does offer several benefits when using it for car insurance payments, including:
You may find that different banks offer a variety of options and benefits and may have differing requirements. Some banks require steep deposits and minimum balances, while others need little more than your personal information and a few dollars. Shop for banks to compare rates, services and customer reviews.
If a lackluster financial history is preventing you from getting a bank account, credit unions or second chance banks could be options. Credit unions often work with higher risk groups, such as those with low credit or unemployment.
Second chance banks offer similar services, but you may need to secure the account with extra money upfront. A few alternative bankers offer accounts with no opening deposit or minimum balance.
You can easily bypass a bank account to pay for insurance by using a credit card, money transfer or cashier’s check. However, it may be more difficult to send and process payments when using less common methods like cash payments.
Compare car insurance providers with flexible payment options that meet your needs.
You can pay for car insurance in Bitcoin, even if your insurer doesn’t accept it yet.
CIT Savings Connect combines aspects of a checking and savings account in one product.
Compare pros and cons of selling on Poshmark vs. Tradesy to help you get the most for your secondhand clothing, shoes and accessories.
Find unusually low face values for a whole life policy, ideal for supplemental insurance.
Use your death benefits to help pay for medical expenses while you’re still alive.
Here are our top balance transfer picks for 2021.
Sigue offers speedy money transfers to 50+ countries, but you have to set up a transfer to see the transaction fees.
The fee-free Upgrade Card offers 1.5% cash back, but it lacks many standard benefits.
Chat with your therapist via text, phone or video for $80/week with this app.
Learn which short- and long-term add-ons are free and why others might be worth the extra cost.