Do you have to have insurance to register a car

If you want to drive on public roads, you must register your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Every state has its own set of regulations. If you recently moved or you're buying a new car, it's your duty to learn the process. If you're wondering can you register a car without insurance, this guide will describe registration and state requirements.

Do You Need Coverage to Register a Car?

Most states require that you purchase insurance coverage before you register your car. An insurance card or a printout detailing your coverage is typically adequate. Your DMV agent will verify the proof of insurance is valid, lists the vehicle you want to register, and provides the state minimum coverage.

Depending on the state, drivers must renew their registration every one to five years. Most states offer an online renewal system, and you can sign up for automatic renewal reminders. By tying registration and auto insurance obligations together, states hope to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road. However, statistics show that most cases of uninsured drivers are due to lapsed policies.

New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't require drivers to purchase liability insurance to operate a car. However, it does require proof of financial responsibility — enough to cover the cost of an at-fault accident, says ValuePenguin.

DMV Registration Requirements

Each state's DMV requires different forms for vehicle registration. For example, Nevada requires an insurance card, a title, a valid emissions inspection, and an application. Indiana doesn't require proof of insurance before registration. You need the title, your driver's license, and payment for registration fees. Many states, such as Vermont, require a physical vehicle inspection. Others, including Arizona, require emissions testing.

Proof of Insurance Time Limits

If your state doesn't require proof of insurance when you register your vehicle, you have 30 to 45 days to provide the DMV with a copy of your insurance card. If you fail to provide proof of insurance, your vehicle registration and even your driver's license could be suspended, as is the case in Missouri, according to AutoInsurance.org. To avoid fines and penalties, use an insurance comparison quote tool to locate a new policy quickly.

Registration Requirements

Depending on how you purchased your vehicle, the registration requirements vary.

When you purchase a car from a dealership, you don't need to go to the DMV to register your new car. The sales staff handles the registration requirements for you and gives you a 30-day temporary plate. Get insurance before you drive the car off the dealership lot to avoid having your temporary registration canceled.

When you purchase a vehicle from an individual, you need to title and register the car yourself. Bring proof that you own the vehicle, such as a bill of sale and the original title, signed over to you by the previous owner. You might have to provide proof of the purchase price and proof of insurance.

Car Insurance Requirements of a State

Every state requires some form of compulsory insurance or financial responsibility. These laws are essential to keep drivers and pedestrians safe on the road. Take the time to learn your area's insurance requirements.

Some states require basic liability insurance, while others require more depending upon the system they use for accident injury claims. Driving without insurance is an offense that can lead to costly fines or even jail time for repeat offenders. If you let your insurance policy lapse, expect a suspension of your registration.

Systems in the United States

The U.S. uses two types of insurance systems. Most states operate under the tort auto insurance system. This system is fault-based, meaning the person who causes the accident is responsible for paying medical bills and repair costs. In these states, all drivers must have at least bodily injury and property damage coverage. Some states mandate additional coverages, such as for uninsured motorists and medical payments.

Twelve states, including Michigan, operate with a no-fault car insurance system, according to the Insurance Information Institute. With this approach, each person pays for his or her own medical bills when injured in a collision. This is why all policyholders are required to purchase personal injury protection that pays for medical transportation and treatment costs.

Optional Coverage Types

Meeting the state minimum limits won't always ensure that you are protected. Shop around to compare coverage types, and build a policy that works for you. While the DMV doesn't verify optional coverages, you can choose to add more protection to your policy, such as:

• Higher liability limits.
• Medical payments.
• Comprehensive.
• Collision.
• Uninsured motorist.

Electronic Verification System

Proof of insurance isn't always necessary at the DMV counter. Agents have other ways to verify your coverage, including different database systems. Many states have laws requiring insurance companies to report each driver's policy standing to the DMV electronically. If the agency finds out you don't have insurance, it quickly updates your registration status. If you think you can cancel your insurance without DMV notice, think again.

Car Insurance Registration FAQs

If you're taking a trip, your insurance covers you wherever you go. However, when you move, you need to re-register your vehicle in your new state within 10 days. Find out the requirements in the new state before you get there. You might need to provide proof of liability coverage from the state you currently reside in.

In most states, you can get your car registered even if you don't have a driver's license. Elderly or disabled persons might own a vehicle and employ someone else to drive them around. In that case, you just need a form of photo ID and proof of insurance.

Maintaining appropriate car insurance is a legal responsibility, and most states take car insurance very seriously due to the skyrocketing cost of car accidents. Almost all states will immediately suspend a car's registration once they determine a lapse in coverage, says Car Insurance Comparison.

New York gives drivers a short window in which to turn in their license plates after a canceled policy. If you don't, the DMV might suspend your driver's license, levy punitive fines, or assess a penalty period in which the car can't be insured or registered.

While no system of verification is foolproof, some experts believe turning over the registration and licensing responsibilities to insurance providers would vastly improve the system. This process might reduce the number of uninsured drivers. However, privatizing the registration and licensing process won't prevent drivers from allowing coverage to lapse while leaving invalid plates on the vehicle.

Sources:

https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/is-proof-of-insurance-needed-for-car-registration

https://www.carinsurancecomparison.com/can-a-car-be-registered-but-not-have-car-insurance-coverage/

https://www.autoinsurance.org/do-i-need-proof-of-insurance-to-register-a-car/

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15078827/toyota-concept-i-ride-and-walk-photos-and-info-news/

https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g28156288/audiobooks-road-trips/

Hearst Autos Research, produced independently of the Car and Driver Editorial staff, provides articles about cars and the automotive industry to help readers make informed purchasing choices.

This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

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