Auto Insurance: Getting Your Tags Sorted

Getting auto insurance is a prerequisite for getting your tags in most states. However, there are a few states that don't require proof of insurance to get your tags. These states include Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. It's important to note that even in these states, you'll still need a minimum level of car insurance coverage to drive legally.

Most states require proof of insurance to get your tags

Most states require proof of insurance or financial responsibility to register your vehicle and get your tags. However, there are seven states that do not require proof of insurance for registration: Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.

In all states except New Hampshire, you need at least basic liability coverage to operate a vehicle. In New Hampshire, drivers must provide proof of financial responsibility, meaning they can cover the cost of an accident if they cause one. Most drivers in New Hampshire purchase liability insurance to meet this requirement.

State laws differ, but most states require car insurance to register a vehicle, even if you only have temporary plates. When you register your vehicle and get your license plate, you are attesting that your car is insured and will remain insured for the entire registration period.

If you are getting a paper plate from a dealer, you may need to check your state laws and the dealership's guidelines. Even if your state does not require proof of insurance, the dealership may require you to show proof of insurance before driving the car off the lot.

It is important to note that even in states that do not require proof of insurance for registration, you will still need car insurance to drive legally.

Seven states don't require insurance to register a car

In most states, you need to present proof of insurance to register your vehicle and get your tags. However, seven states don't require insurance for registration. These states are:

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

Even in these states, you'll need at least the state-required liability coverage before you can legally drive. All states except New Hampshire require basic liability coverage to operate a vehicle.

In most cases, you'll need to register and insure your vehicle in the same state. This is because your car insurance rates are based on where you live and drive, and insurance companies need to be aware of the state-specific regulations that apply to their customers.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you're a member of the military, you can usually keep your vehicle registered and insured in your home state, even if you're stationed elsewhere. Similarly, if you're a college student attending school out of state, you may be able to keep your vehicle registered and insured in your home state as well.

It's important to note that the requirements for registering a vehicle and obtaining insurance can vary from state to state, so it's always best to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an insurance expert to understand the specific rules and regulations that apply in your state.

You can get insurance without a license plate

Yes, you can get car insurance without a license plate. While most states require proof of insurance or financial responsibility to register a vehicle and get license plates, there are a few that don't. In fact, there are eight states that do not require insurance for the registration process:

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

Even if you live in one of these states, you'll still need to show some financial responsibility by paying an uninsured motorist fee or getting a surety bond. Additionally, all states except for New Hampshire require basic liability coverage to operate a vehicle.

When it comes to getting car insurance without a license plate, most insurers will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) and other personal information, rather than a plate number, to get a policy. It's important to note that you can't drive your car without valid insurance, even if you have a license plate. So, if you're in the process of getting your license or registration sorted out, you'll need to make sure you have the necessary insurance coverage in place.

You need insurance to get temporary tags

Whether you need insurance to get temporary tags depends on the state in which you live. While most states require proof of insurance to register a vehicle, seven states do not: Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. However, even in these states, you will need at least the state-required liability coverage before you can drive.

State Laws Differ

State laws differ, and most states require car insurance to register a vehicle, even if it is only temporary. The temporary plates are just a placeholder until you get a permanent set, and the same registration rules usually apply.

Some states require you to show proof of car insurance when you title and register a car and get your paper or real license plates (tags). In other states, you do not have to show actual proof of auto insurance when you get your paper or permanent plates, but you are expected to have at least the state-required liability coverage on the vehicle.

Signing Your Registration

When you sign your registration and license plate paperwork in many states, you attest that the car is insured and will remain covered by car insurance for the whole registration period.

Dealership Requirements

If you get the paper plate from a dealer, it will depend on state laws and the dealership's guidelines. Even if the law does not require that you show proof of insurance, the rules of the dealership may require you to show proof of insurance to drive the car off the lot with the paper plates.

Check with Your Local DMV

Since state procedures differ significantly, it is recommended that you check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out your state's process for obtaining paper plates and if you must already have car insurance in place to get this type of tag for your vehicle.

Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor

In most states, you need to get car insurance before registering your vehicle. However, there are a few exceptions. In Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, registration doesn't officially require car insurance. Even in these states, you'll still need a car insurance policy with minimum coverage before you can drive. All states except New Hampshire require basic liability coverage to operate a vehicle.

Driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor in most states and can lead to fines, license suspension, and even jail sentences in more severe cases. The penalties for driving without insurance vary depending on the state and the circumstances. Fines for a first offense can range from \$50 to \$5,000, and repeat offenses can result in higher fines and more severe punishments. In some states, driving without insurance can lead to a suspension of your driver's license and increased insurance rates. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while uninsured, you may be held liable for any personal and property damage caused.

To avoid penalties and legal repercussions, it is essential to have at least the minimum required level of financial responsibility, which is usually around \$20,000 to \$50,000 in liability coverage. Other types of coverage, such as personal injury protection or collision insurance, may not be required by your state but can provide valuable protection in the event of an accident.

It is worth noting that the requirements and penalties for driving without insurance may differ depending on the state and local laws. It is always a good idea to review the specific regulations in your state to ensure compliance and avoid any legal consequences.

Frequently asked questions