When you get your car registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in most states, you must present insurance evidence. There are, however, some exceptions. Learn where you may register your car without insurance and what documents you’ll need to complete the process.
Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car?
The majority of the time, the answer is yes. 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.
Get Your Insurance to Drive Your Car
Before getting behind the wheel, 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.
To drive legally in New Hampshire and Virginia, you don’t need car insurance right now. 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.
Requirements to Drive in Virginia
You can meet the financial responsibility requirement in Virginia by purchasing liability insurance. You must have at least $25000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $50000 per accident if you get insurance. Property damage liability coverage of $20000 per accident is also required. In addition, you should obtain a surety bond or a certificate of self-insurance from the DMV.
In Virginia, if you want to drive a car, you will have to pay a fine for driving an uninsured car. The charge is set at $500. Paying for it will allow you to drive legally in Virginia, but it will not cover your expenses if you are involved in an accident.
What Happens If My Car Insurance Is Allowed to Expire?
Driving without insurance is a wrongdoing that can result in penalties and possible jail time if it is committed repeatedly. This can happen in some states if you’re detected driving without insurance, such as when you’re pulled over for speeding. Suppose your state uses an electronic filing system. In that case, your insurance provider will inform the DMV as soon as your policy expires, and you’ll be notified that you need to renew your insurance to keep your registration current. If you do not renew your insurance policy, your registration will be suspended.
Consequences for Driving Without Car Insurance
It will depend on your location. The punishments vary from state to state. Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor in many jurisdictions, and you could face the following penalties: Fines, which can range from $25 to $2500 and are usually higher for repeat offenders. Your license and registration will be suspended. If your license or registration is revoked, you will almost certainly have to pay to have it reinstated. That’s on top of any other penalties you may be facing, including prison.
Have you heard the phrase ‘when it rains, it pours’? Well, that can happen to you. While you serve prison time for driving around in an uninsured car, your car will be impounded. You might even face prison time if you drive around in an uninsured car.
You will have to file an SR-22 to prove you have insurance. In New Hampshire, there is no punishment for driving without insurance. If uninsured Virginia drivers wish to register a car and drive without insurance, they must pay a $500 charge.
The Requirement to Drive a Car
The requirements for driving a car differ depending on your state. However, in general, you’ll require the following:
- A valid driver’s license
- Insurance documents
- Current vehicle registration
- Inspection for safety (requirements vary based on the type of vehicle you purchase)
- Emissions analysis (requirements vary based on the type of vehicle you purchase)
Steps to Register Your Car
When you buy a car from a dealership, they usually take care of the registration for you. However, you will be responsible for registering your vehicle if you acquire it from a private party or relocate and need to register it in a new state. The procedure for registering a car differs depending on where you live, so check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
What You Can Expect in Most Cases.
1. Have your car examined: You might be able to skip this stage if you buy a new car. If you buy a second-hand car or need to register it in a new state, you’ll almost certainly need to get it inspected.
2. Pass a test for emissions: You may be allowed to register a new vehicle without having to pass an emissions test. However, if you buy a used automobile, you may require one.
3. Gather all of the required documentation: State requirements vary, but you’ll almost always need evidence of insurance, a driver’s license, a bill of sale, a title, and a registration cost.
4. Make an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles: Some states allow you to register entirely online, but many others require you to go in person to complete the procedure. However, you may be able to complete much of the paperwork online, allowing you to spend less time at the DMV. You can prevent long wait times by scheduling an appointment ahead of time.
Your license plates and registration card will arrive after your car has been registered.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
