Question

Do you need insurance to register a car?

To register your car with the DMV, you must have at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by your state. However, in a few states, you do not need to provide evidence of insurance to complete your car registration.

The criteria for registration and insurance differ by state, so it’s a good idea to find out what they are in yours. While most states require insurance to register a car, there are a few exceptions. In the following states, you do not need insurance to register your car: 

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

Except for New Hampshire and Virginia, all of these states require insurance if you intend to drive your car after registering it. Both states, on the other hand, have financial responsibility legislation. Some—but not all—drivers in New Hampshire may be required to file an SR-22 form to demonstrate that they have insurance to meet the financial responsibility requirement. 

Nearly every state in the US requires drivers to obtain liability insurance. Other coverages, like personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or medical payments (MedPay), are necessary in some states.