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Yes, you need insurance before you buy a used car from a dealership, or else you will not be allowed to drive it off the lot. You technically don’t have to show proof of insurance if you’re purchasing the car outright from a private seller, but you would be risking serious consequences if you choose to drive uninsured.
If you already have car insurance, your insurer likely has a grace period during which your newly purchased used car will be covered, which gives you time to officially add the vehicle to your policy. This grace period typically ranges from 7 to 10 days, so check your state’s laws and insurer’s rules in order to make sure you’re following the guidelines.
If you don’t have an existing policy, you should get quotes prior to purchasing your car. Even without a specific vehicle identification number (VIN), you can give your personal information to an insurance agent and then officially activate your policy once you know the car’s details. However, if you’re buying the car on the weekend when most insurance offices are closed, you will have to either wait to drive your new car or purchase the policy online while you’re at the dealership.
People also ask
Do you need insurance to buy a car?
No, you do not need insurance to buy a car, but you will need insurance to drive the car home. Most dealerships require proof of insurance before allowing you to leave with a car, since almost every state requires drivers to have car insurance coverage whenever they are behind the wheel.
If you currently have a car insurance policy, most insurers will cover a new car up to your existing policy limits for 7-30 days. However, state...
read full answerCan I drive a car without insurance if I just bought it?
No, you cannot drive a car without insurance even if you just bought it because driving without insurance is illegal. Whether you bought the car from a dealership or a private seller, you will need insurance coverage to drive it home legally.
If you have an existing car insurance policy for another vehicle, however, you may have a grace period that allows you to drive the new car home without having it explicitly listed...
read full answerHow long do you have to get insurance on a new car?
You may have anywhere from 2 to 30 days to tell your insurance company that you bought a new car if you are already insured, depending on financing and coverage details. If you don’t have car insurance already, you’ll need to get a new policy before you can legally drive your new car. Most car dealerships require proof of insurance to drive off the lot, so you’ll have to do some planning.
Either way, it’s wise...
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