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

A top question readers ask is, “Can you insure a car without registration?” Yes, most insurance providers will allow you to insure an unregistered car, especially if you recently bought it and need to drive it home from the dealership. They’ll usually ask you for your VIN, or vehicle identification number.

However, driving a vehicle without registration is illegal, so it’s essential to register your car as soon as possible.

Car registration can be necessary for several reasons when obtaining auto insurance:

• Legal requirement: Registering your car is a legal requirement imposed by government authorities. It establishes ownership and ensures that the vehicle meets the necessary standards for road use.
• Vehicle identification: Car registration provides a unique identification number, such as a license plate, which is essential for identifying your vehicle. Insurance companies use this information to accurately identify the insured vehicle and ensure that the policy covers the correct vehicle.
• Verification of ownership: Registering your car helps verify your ownership of the vehicle. Insurance companies require proof of ownership to ensure that the policyholder has an insurable interest in the vehicle and to prevent fraud or improper insuring of vehicles.
• Compliance with insurance laws: Many jurisdictions have laws that require drivers to carry auto insurance coverage. Registering your car is a way of demonstrating compliance with these insurance laws.

Can a car be insured without registration for a short period? Yes, most insurance companies will insure unregistered cars, particularly if the car was recently bought. However, it’s still important to register your car as soon as you can.

Can you insure a car that isn’t registered while waiting to register it? Some insurance companies may offer insurance coverage while you are in the process of registering your car. However, it’s important to note that this may be a temporary solution, and you will usually be required to provide proof of registration within a specified time frame.

Contact your insurance provider to inquire about their specific policies regarding coverage during the car registration process.

Can I insure a car without registration if I just bought it? Yes, most insurers will allow you to get temporary coverage to drive your new car home from the dealership.

If you have just purchased a car and need insurance coverage before registering it, follow these steps:

1. Contact insurance providers: Reach out to different insurance companies and explain your situation. Some insurers may offer solutions or provide guidance on obtaining insurance coverage for an unregistered car.
2. Gather necessary information: Insurance companies will typically require specific information about the vehicle, such as make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), to provide an accurate quote.
3. Explore temporary coverage options: In some cases, insurance companies may offer temporary coverage for a short period until the car is registered. This allows you to meet insurance requirements while completing the registration process.
4. Register the car promptly: Once you have obtained insurance coverage, proceed with registering your car as soon as possible to ensure compliance with legal requirements and maintain continuous coverage.

Now that you know the answer to, “Can I insure an unregistered vehicle if I just bought it?” enter your ZIP code below to compare rates from the top providers near you.

So, can I get insurance with expired registration? Yes, you can usually purchase auto insurance coverage with expired registration since auto insurance is often a requirement to register your car.

California drivers may wonder, “Can you get insurance on a car without registration in California?” Yes, in California, you’re allowed to purchase car insurance without registration. You’ll need to meet minimum California auto insurance requirements to register a car.

Generally, insurers ask for a vehicle identification number (VIN) rather than registration.

Can you drive a car with insurance but no registration? Usually, it’s illegal to drive an insured car without registration. If caught driving without registration, you could face fines, penalties, and even vehicle impoundment.

However, do you have to register a car before getting insurance? No, usually you’ll obtain insurance coverage first before registering your car.

Yes, your insurance will still be valid on an unregistered car. However, driving a vehicle without registration is illegal in most states.

Usually, insurance is a requirement to register your car, meaning you’ll want to secure your state’s minimum car insurance requirements first.

So, if you’re wondering, “Can you have car insurance without registration?” the answer is yes, but you’ll want to register your car as soon as possible.

Does a car have to be registered to get insurance? No, registration is generally not a requirement to get auto insurance. Most insurers will ask for your vehicle identification number, driver’s license, and other personal information.

If you’re driving around with an insured car that isn’t registered, you could face fines, penalties, or vehicle impoundment if caught.

So, does a car have to be registered to be insured? No, you don’t need registration to get auto insurance. However, it’s still illegal to drive around without registration.

Can you insure a car without it being registered if it’s an off-road vehicle? Yes, you can get auto insurance for off-road vehicles without registration if you don’t plan to drive it on a public road.

You might wonder, “Can you insure a car without registration if it’s stored and not being used?” Yes, you can insure an unregistered card even when stored and not in use.

If you plan to move, you may wonder, “Does a vehicle need to be registered to be insured if I’m moving out of state?” No, you won’t initially need to register your car to get insurance if moving out of state. Buy insurance coverage first, then visit the DMV to register your car.

So, can I insure my car without registration if it’s a classic car being restored? Yes, you can still get insurance for a classic car even if it’s not registered. You can find the best auto insurance companies for classic cars with specialized providers such as Hagerty.

Do you need registration to get insurance as a college student attending school out of state? No, college students won’t always need their car registered in the state they’re attending school in.

Read More: Best Auto Insurance for a Student Away at College