Does your car need to be registered to get auto insurance? (2025)

Can you get car insurance without registration? Insurers won’t require registration to sell you policies, especially for non-operational storage, pending sales, or new car purchases.

While auto insurance policyholders can get temporary coverage to drive their newly purchased car home, they’ll eventually need a policy meeting their state’s minimum car insurance requirements since driving without insurance is illegal.

We’ll help you understand how to insure a new car without registration and more below. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to find rates from the cheapest auto insurance companies near you for your unregistered vehicle.

Insurers Will Sell You Car Insurance Without Registration

Registering a Car Without Insurance

While a majority of the states require you to submit proof of insurance before you can register your car, there are a few states that don’t need any evidence.

It’s important to note that while these states don’t require proof of insurance while registering your vehicle, it’s mandatory to eventually get your insurance. Check out the table below to learn what types of auto insurance you need in each state:

Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Requirements by State

Why does auto insurance vary from state to state? As you see above, each state has different minimum requirements, meaning rates will vary.

So, does your car have to be registered to get insurance? Generally, insurers don’t need proof of registration to issue a policy, and they’ll usually allow you to get a policy without registration if you recently bought a car.

When You Should Register a Car

Regardless of the reason, it’s always recommended to register your car as soon as possible. If you have valid insurance for your car but it isn’t registered, you’re not legally permitted to drive it. If you’re wondering how to register your car, it’s fairly easy. All you need to do is go to your local DMV and submit relevant documents.

Learn More: Vehicle Registration Fees by State

So, in most cases, newer models often need fewer renewals, whereas older vehicles may require renewals more frequently. Moreover, when it comes to how much to register a car, it’s important to note that first-time owners will have to pay a higher sum. Many states now allow you to renew your registration online, so you don’t have to go to the DMV to do it.

You may even be able to sign up for automatic renewal notifications.

Can I get insurance without registration? Yes, most insurers will sell you a policy without registration, but you’ll have to give them your VIN. However, driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal, so you’ll need to eventually get it registered.

States Where You Can Register a Car Without Insurance

While a majority of the states require you to submit proof of insurance before you can register your car, there are a few states that don’t need any evidence. The following states don’t require insurance to register your car: 

• New Hampshire
• Washington
• Mississippi
• Virginia
• Tennessee
• Arizona
• Wisconsin
• North Dakota

It’s important to note that while these states don’t require proof of insurance while registering your vehicle, it’s mandatory to eventually get your insurance. This is because in most of these states, except New Hampshire, driving without insurance is illegal.

How to Get Proof of Insurance

Proof of insurance is a document that verifies you carry a current, legitimate vehicle insurance policy that fulfills your state’s minimum necessary coverages. All states except New Hampshire need automobile insurance before drivers may lawfully drive on public highways. This regulation helps drivers pay for property damage and personal harm following an accident.

If you’re pulled over by local law enforcement, they may ask for your proof of insurance. When applying for a new insurance policy or renewing an expired policy, you may also be required to provide proof of prior insurance.

Insurance providers often send evidence of insurance shortly after your initial premium payment. They may send it through the mail, fax, or as an electronic insurance card.

Many insurance carriers enable you to view your insurance ID via a mobile app. They can also send you a digital copy of your card, which you may view on your smartphone. Those are helpful methods that protect you from losing your insurance ID.

Learn More: How to Get a Copy of Your Auto Insurance Card

If you do lose your insurance card, most insurers enable you to access your account online. By going to their website, you may download and print out a new insurance ID. Additionally, you may call your agent and ask them to send you a replacement card in the mail.

How to Handle an Insurance Lapse After Car Registration

Don’t drive if your insurance has expired after you’ve registered your vehicle. It is illegal to drive without insurance, and the consequences may be severe. Without insurance, you run the risk of facing severe penalties and perhaps even prison time, similar to using an unregistered vehicle.

Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance by State

If your insurance lapses, call your existing provider and ask them if they’re willing to reinstate your coverage. However, if your insurance is canceled, you could also consider getting multiple auto insurance quotes to find a policy that might give you better benefits while insuring a car.

You should keep in mind that if you let your insurance coverage expire, you’ll likely have to pay a higher premium going forward.

More About Registration and Auto Insurance

Does your car need to be registered to get insurance? In the majority of circumstances, the answer is “no.” However, some insurers will issue you a temporary policy if you recently bought a new car and need to drive it home.

When deciding whether to first get auto insurance or focus on registering a car, the answer is usually insurance. This is because in most of the states, except New Hampshire, driving without insurance is illegal. You will be able to avoid any expenses or legal troubles in the future as a result of this.

To get the best auto insurance coverage at affordable rates, get as many online quotes as you can and make comparisons. Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool below to find the best auto insurance quotes for the coverage you need before you register your car.