In Alabama, you have 20 calendar days from the date of acquisition to obtain a license plate for your new vehicle. However, the state requires you to have car insurance before driving off the dealer's lot, so you will need to get insurance immediately after purchasing your new car. Dealerships will not let you leave without proof of insurance.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time to obtain a license plate | 20 calendar days from the date of acquisition |
Time to register a vehicle | 20 calendar days from the date of vehicle purchase or acquisition |
Time to verify liability insurance | 30 days from the date of the MLI verification notice |
Time to register a non-commercial vehicle from another jurisdiction | 30 days from the date the vehicle enters the state |
Time to add a new vehicle to an insurance policy | 7-30 days from the date of vehicle purchase |
What You'll Learn
- In Alabama, you must obtain a license plate within 20 calendar days of acquiring a new vehicle
- Dealerships require proof of insurance before you can drive your new car off the lot
- If you already have insurance on another car, you can show your insurance card and drive the car home
- You will then have a seven-to-30-day window to inform your insurer of your purchase
- If you don't add the new vehicle to your policy within the grace period, you risk having no insurance coverage
In Alabama, you must obtain a license plate within 20 calendar days of acquiring a new vehicle
To register a vehicle in Alabama, you must first complete a title application. If your vehicle is subject to Alabama title law, this application must be completed before registration can be processed. However, if a certificate of title is not required, only a registration is issued. In this case, a licensing official or their appointed deputy will need to inspect the vehicle before issuing a registration.
It is important to note that you are required to have car insurance to drive in the United States. Dealerships will not let you drive your new car off the lot without proof of insurance. If you already have car insurance, you can show your insurance card when you purchase the new vehicle and then add the new car to your existing policy within 7 to 30 days, depending on your state and insurance company.
In Alabama, when registering a vehicle, you must also provide proof of liability insurance. This can be done through the State of Alabama Online Insurance Verification System (OIVS). If insurance cannot be verified through OIVS, vehicle owners must provide evidence of insurance to the license plate-issuing official, typically in the form of an insurance card.
Insurance Write-Offs: What Happens When Your Car Is Totaled
You may want to see also
Dealerships require proof of insurance before you can drive your new car off the lot
If you are buying a car from a dealership, you will need to show proof of insurance before you can drive it away. This is a requirement in almost every state in the US, and dealerships will not let you take possession of the vehicle without it. You can show your insurance card as proof, or your insurance company can email or fax it to the dealership. If you are financing your car through a bank or other financial institution, they will also require proof of insurance.
If you don't already have insurance, you can purchase it at the dealership. However, it is recommended that you shop around for insurance before buying your car, as you may get a better price. You can also get a quote using just the make and model of the car you plan to buy, and finalise the details once you have chosen your vehicle.
In Alabama, you must obtain a license plate within 20 calendar days of acquiring a new vehicle. To register a vehicle, you must first complete a title application. When a certificate of title is not required, only a registration is issued, and an inspection is carried out. You must also have liability insurance, which can be verified through the State of Alabama Online Insurance Verification System (OIVS).
Is Your Vehicle Insured?
You may want to see also
If you already have insurance on another car, you can show your insurance card and drive the car home
In Alabama, you have 20 calendar days from the date of acquisition to obtain a license plate for your new vehicle. This is also the deadline to register your vehicle without penalty or interest charges applying. If the 20th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the next working day is counted as the last day.
To register a vehicle in Alabama, you must first complete a title application and have the vehicle inspected by a licensing official or their deputy. You will also need to provide proof of insurance, which can be done through the State of Alabama Online Insurance Verification System (OIVS). If insurance cannot be verified through OIVS, you will need to provide an insurance card or other evidence of current insurance.
It is always a good idea to contact your insurance provider and notify them of your new car purchase as soon as possible. Depending on your insurance company and the state you live in, you will typically have a grace period of 7 to 30 days to add your new car to your existing policy. During this time, your new car will be covered by your existing policy, but it is important to note that this is not free coverage. If you do not report the purchase to your insurance company within the grace period, your car will not be covered, and any claims during that time can be denied.
Insurance and BC: Vehicle and Person Protection
You may want to see also
You will then have a seven-to-30-day window to inform your insurer of your purchase
When you buy a new car, you'll need to insure it immediately. Dealerships will not let you drive your new car off their lot without an insurance policy. If you already have car insurance for another vehicle, you may not need to buy another plan. Most insurance companies offer a short grace period, typically ranging from seven to 30 days, in which your new car is covered. During this time, you will need to inform your insurer of your purchase. If you fail to notify your insurer in the given window, your car will not have coverage.
The grace period varies from one provider to the next, so it's important to read your policy and find out what your grace period covers. Even if you do have a grace period, this only includes the level of coverage you had on your previous vehicle. If you are buying a vehicle that is worth more, or if you're taking out a loan, then you may be required to have full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage.
If you are buying a vehicle from a private seller, they will not usually request proof of insurance before you leave with the car. However, it is illegal to drive without insurance and you could end up paying a lot in legal fees if you are in an accident.
If you are buying from a dealership, you will need proof of insurance before they allow you to leave with the car. In some cases, you may be able to call an insurance representative to find coverage right from the dealership. Also, if you already have insurance on a different vehicle, you may be able to show proof of that insurance.
Insuring a Salvage Vehicle: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
If you don't add the new vehicle to your policy within the grace period, you risk having no insurance coverage
If you already have an insurance policy, you may be allowed a grace period of 7 to 30 days to add your new vehicle to your existing policy. This grace period is critical as it ensures continuity of coverage under the terms of your existing policy. However, not all insurance providers or policies offer a grace period, so it is important to check with your insurance company.
If you do not add your new vehicle to your policy within the grace period, you risk having no insurance coverage. This means that if you are in an accident, you will be personally liable for any damages you cause. Driving without insurance is illegal in most states and can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even legal consequences. Additionally, once you reinstate your insurance, you may have to pay higher rates as lapses in insurance coverage are considered when determining insurance rates.
To avoid these risks, it is important to add your new vehicle to your policy as soon as possible. Dealerships will not let you drive your new car off the lot without proof of insurance, so it is a good idea to contact your insurance provider and make the necessary changes to your policy before purchasing your new vehicle.
RV Insurance: What Owners Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You must insure your new vehicle immediately after purchase. Dealerships will not let you drive your new car off their lot without an insurance policy.
When financing a new car, the lender mandates you to have comprehensive and collision coverage for the life of the loan. Your state requires liability coverage to cover any damages or injuries caused by an at-fault accident.
You'll need to prepare the following information to get quotes: the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), purchase price, and your contact information. Then, start shopping for free quotes and choose your insurance provider and plan.