Insuring a car without registration can be a complex process, but it’s not impossible. There are several reasons why you might need to insure a car before it’s registered. For instance, you might have just purchased a new car, moved from another country or state, or you’re borrowing or lending a car. In these situations, it’s crucial to have temporary coverage until the registration process is complete.
Why You Might Need Insurance Before Registering Your Car
Purchasing a New Car
When you’ve bought a new or used car but haven’t completed the registration process yet, you may still want to get insured in case of an accident.
Moving from Another Country or State
If you’re moving from another country or state and planning on driving your car during this transitional period, it’s important that you have temporary coverage until your local registration process is complete.
Borrowing or Lending Cars
If someone lends you their uninsured vehicle for use or if you lend out yours, it could be useful to obtain temporary insurance coverage.
How to Insure Your Car Without Registration
Consider Non-owner Auto Insurance Policies
Non-owner auto insurance policies are an option since they allow borrowing of cars for occasional use while providing liability protection.
Speak with an Agent
Speak with an agent about potential options for insuring unregistered vehicles temporarily until one completes their registration process such as short-term policies offering sufficient liability protection.
Usage-based Tracking Technologies
Take advantage of usage-based tracking technologies which make sure discounted rates are provided based upon daily mileage driven which would apply only when owners drive their uninsured vehicles occasionally.
Insuring a Car Without Registering It
Whether you can insure a car without registering it will vary by insurance company since underwriting guidelines differ, as do state laws. In general, insurance companies will request a current registration for three reasons.
Proving Insurable Interest
First, it helps prove to the company that you have an “insurable interest” in a vehicle. A person has an insurable interest in something when loss or damage to it would cause that person to suffer a financial loss or certain other kinds of losses.
State Laws and Registration
Second, some insurance companies require a vehicle to be in a state for a certain period (such as 10 months). Registering a car with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicle helps prove that the car is used and garaged within that state. Third, there are usually state laws that require vehicles to be registered. There may be exceptions for project cars or cars that are being stored. Again, state laws differ regarding these situations.
Who is Insured to Drive Your Car?
Knowing who is insured to drive your car before you let them drive it is crucial. If you are ever in doubt, ask your insurance agent. Most insurers expect the following people to be listed as a driver on your policy:
- Licensed family members living in the household
- Unrelated licensed drivers living in the household
- Anyone driving your car and not insured under another policy
Conclusion
Insuring your vehicle might seem like unnecessary trouble in some instances where registering promptly isn’t feasible; however by utilizing these tips any person can make sure they’ve got adequate protection while respecting legal requirements and restricting liabilities associated with driving an uninsured automobile.
