Do I get tags or insurance first?

Question

I'm buying a car from someone, but to register it under my name I have to have new tags. In order to get new tags I have to drive the car to the DMV, but that would mean driving the car without insurance, and I have no other means of transportation. Is it even possible to buy insurance for a car that isn't registered under my name? I'm wondering in what order I should do what I need to do.

Answer 1

Yes, you can get insurance on a car that isn't in your name yet. You do have to have insurance to get tags. Call your insurance company and explain situation and they'll walk you through it.

Answer 2

you are making a simple task difficult.
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1) Buy the car. Get the paperwork in hand

2) Call your insurance company and outline what you did, what you want, and give them the info on the car.

3) They will issue you a binder for a small down if you are a new client or will bill you if you are a past client (ie: family insurance)

4) Go down and register the car. Your insurance will show up on the DMV records.

Some states also give you a 30 - 60 day grace period and issue you a temporary tag (a window sticker). But that means more work for you and a second trip to the dmv.

easy eh? (must be your first car)

Happy motoring.....

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Answer 3

You didn't say what state you are in, but the answer is pretty general and applies to most, if not all states.

When you buy the car the seller will give you a signed title and perhaps a bill of sale, showing that they are signing off on the car and giving you the 'right' to get insurance. Take those documents to your agent, and get insurance on the car. Now it's perfectly legal for you to drive it to the tag office and change it into you name and get your plates. In most states you need to show proof of insurance to get plates anyway, so that would be the sequence of events. Enjoy your car.

Answer 4

You need to get insurance first. You can not register the car without insurance. Just call your insurance company and get a binder. You can go on line and get insurance from a number of companies. All you need for the insurance companies is the make, model, serial number (VIN) and the mileage. Most insurance companies will issue a binder for a temporary amount of time until they get payment. If they don't get payment, they will immediately cancel you. Just a word to the wise. If you get a binder, and don't pay and it is canceled, they will tell the state that your car and those plates no longer have insurance, and that could cause all sorts of problems, including not being able to get another insurance policy for your car.

Answer 5

You need the insurance to buy tags. All you need to buy insurance is the VIN number, the make, year and model of the car. In most states , you can get a temporary 30 or 60 day tag to drive on until you get permanent tags.

Answer 6

Call your insurance agent. Once you have verbally accepted a policy over the phone, the car is covered. Drive to the agent's office, sign the paperwork, and he will give you the proof of insurance card you will need at the DMV. Then go get your title and tags.

Answer 7

When I moved to a different state, I had to provide proof of insurance before I could obtain the tags. Not sure that helps, but call your insurance agent and find out.

Answer 8

The insurance company gives you 30 days to get the car reregistered in your name. You need proof of insurance before you can register the car.

Answer 9

You need insurance first because you need to show proof of insurance to DMV. Most insurance companies will let you add a new vehicle by phone. Call your agent, have your VIN number ready and any lien information if applicable, and give him/her the info they need to insure the car. Once you've given your agent the info, you are insured and you are safe to drive to DMV. Don't forget to stop by the insurance office to get your proof of insurance! Or have the agent fax it to DMV for you.

Answer 10

Insurance, because you have to have proof of insurance before you get your tags