In most states, you need to have auto insurance to get a license plate. However, the amount and type of insurance coverage required vary from state to state. For example, in Massachusetts, insurance policies care about where your vehicle is registered, whereas in California, you need to have insurance to get a license plate but not the other way around. In the UK, you can buy a new number plate from the DVLA or a private dealer, but you must follow design restrictions and update your insurance company.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Auto insurance required for license plates | Yes, in 42 states |
Exceptions | New Hampshire, Virginia, Arizona, Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin |
Requirements | Proof of insurance or financial responsibility |
Examples of financial responsibility | Surety bond, self-insurance, uninsured motorist fee |
Insurance for temporary plates | Yes, in most states |
Time to register a vehicle in a new state | 30-60 days |
Consequences of driving without insurance | Fines, vehicle impoundment, license suspension |
Insurance before or after license plates | Insurance is typically required before getting license plates |
What You'll Learn
- In most states, you need insurance to get a license plate
- You can get a license plate without insurance in eight states
- You need to update your insurance company when you get new plates
- You need to update your insurance company when you get a new car
- You need to get insurance before getting temporary plates
In most states, you need insurance to get a license plate
In most states, you need auto insurance to get a license plate. In 42 states, you must prove that you have insurance on your vehicle before you are allowed to put a license plate on that vehicle, which involves meeting state minimum auto insurance requirements. The amount and type of auto insurance coverage required for license plates vary depending on the jurisdiction. However, the most common requirement is liability insurance.
Some states require you to show proof of car insurance when you title and register a car, and thus get your paper or real license plates. 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. 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.
There are only eight states that do not require insurance to obtain license plates: Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. However, you'll still need to show some financial responsibility by paying an uninsured motorist fee or getting a surety bond.
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You can get a license plate without insurance in eight states
In most states, you need auto insurance to get a license plate. However, eight states do not require insurance when registering a car: Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Even if you live in one of these states, you will still need to show some financial responsibility by paying an uninsured motorist fee or getting a surety bond.
In most states, you must prove that you have insurance on your vehicle before you are allowed to put a license plate on that vehicle. This involves meeting the state's minimum auto insurance requirements.
The amount and type of auto insurance coverage required for license plates vary depending on the jurisdiction. However, the most common requirement is liability insurance.
License plate laws differ from state to state. In thirty states and Washington, D.C., you are required to have a front license plate mounted on your vehicle in addition to the rear license plate.
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You need to update your insurance company when you get new plates
In most states in the US, you need auto insurance to get a license plate. However, you may be able to insure your car without a license plate in states that offer alternatives to traditional coverage. For example, some states allow you to show financial responsibility by paying an uninsured motorist fee or obtaining a surety bond.
In the UK, insurance companies have strict rules about being notified of any modifications to your vehicle. This is so they have an accurate record of the parts on your car and can reflect the value of your vehicle with these modifications. If you're changing the registration on your vehicle and putting a private plate on the car, you'll need to let your insurer know so they can insure the correct car and have a record of the vehicle. However, if you're just buying a new set of standard printed number plates, you don't need to inform your insurance company.
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You need to update your insurance company when you get a new car
When you get a new car, you need to update your insurance company. In most states, you need to have insurance to get a license plate, and you need to show proof of insurance before you leave the dealership with your new car. If you don't already have car insurance, you'll need to purchase a new policy before driving your car home. You can't back-date insurance to apply retroactively.
If you already have insurance for another car, you usually have a period of time, often between seven and 30 days, to add the new car or transfer the policy. This is called a grace period, and it lets you use your current auto insurance policy to have temporary coverage for your new car. However, even if you're eligible for a grace period, it's a good idea to shop for insurance for your new vehicle during the car-buying process to ensure your new car is fully covered for its value.
When you transfer insurance to a new car, you'll need to provide your insurance company with details about the vehicle, such as its VIN, make, model, and year. You may also need to increase your coverage limits or add other types of insurance, such as collision and comprehensive insurance, to protect your finances in case of an accident.
It's important to remember that letting your insurance lapse is a serious offense in most states, and driving without insurance can result in fines and other penalties. Therefore, it's crucial to update your insurance company as soon as possible when you get a new car.
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You need to get insurance before getting temporary plates
In most states, you need auto insurance to get a license plate. However, there are eight states that do not require this for the registration process. These include Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Even if you have temporary plates, you will still need to get insurance. This is the case in most states, although there are some exceptions. For example, in some states, you do not need to show proof of insurance when getting your temporary plates, but you are expected to have at least the state-required liability coverage.
If you are getting a temporary plate in a state that does require insurance, you may be asked to show proof of insurance before you can drive the car off the lot. Therefore, it is a good idea to shop around for insurance and not leave it until the last minute.
If you are a Florida resident, you will need insurance to register your vehicle. You will also need to show proof of insurance before you can get a temporary tag.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in most states, you need auto insurance to get new plates. However, there are some states that don't require insurance when registering a car, including Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
You will need to re-register your vehicle in your new state, usually within 30-60 days. You will also need to update your insurance policy and get a new state driver's license.
Driving without insurance is illegal in most places and can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, license suspension, and other penalties. You will also be personally responsible for any damages or injuries caused in the accident.
The process may vary depending on your state, but generally, you will need to provide proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, proof of ownership of the car, any required inspection paperwork, and the application for the license plate.