Insuring An Unregistered Vehicle

It is possible to insure an unregistered vehicle, but this depends on the auto insurance company's underwriting guidelines and state laws. In most cases, insurance companies will ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN) rather than registration. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal, so it's essential to register your car as soon as possible.

Insuring a new car before registration

If you're buying a new car through a dealership, they will likely register the vehicle for you on the spot. However, if you're buying a vehicle through a private sale or receiving it from a family member, you may need to insure the car before registering it.

In most cases, you can insure a car without registering it, but this depends on the auto insurance company's underwriting guidelines and state laws. Some insurance companies may offer temporary coverage for a short period until the car is registered. This allows you to meet insurance requirements while completing the registration process.

Insurance companies request a current registration for the following reasons:

• To prove that you have an "insurable interest" in the vehicle. A person has an insurable interest in something when loss or damage to it would cause that person to suffer a financial loss or certain other kinds of losses.
• To verify that the vehicle is used and garaged within a specific state. Some insurance companies require a vehicle to be in a state for a certain period, such as 10 months.
• To comply with state laws that require vehicles to be registered. There may be exceptions for project cars or cars that are being stored, and state laws differ in these situations.

Insurance companies will typically require specific information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), to provide an accurate quote.

If you can't get an appointment to register your car, regularly check for all registry appointments, as new appointments become available all the time. Consider checking all available locations, not just those closest to you, as you may be able to get an appointment sooner at a different location.

Non-operational vehicles

If you don't plan to drive your car, or if you plan to store it during the next DMV registration renewal year, you may apply for non-operational status (also known as Planned Nonoperation or PNO). This status means that the vehicle will not be driven, towed, stored, or parked on public roads or highways for the entire registration year.

To apply for PNO status, you must file with the DMV. The DMV will accept PNO filings up to 60 days before registration expires or up to 90 days after registration expires. You will need to provide your license plate number and the last 5 digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN) or your vessel/boat hull identification number (HIN). There is a filing fee, which varies depending on when you request the filing. Filing for PNO up to 90 days after registration expiration will include late penalties in addition to the PNO filing fee.

It's important to note that if you have a PNO status, you cannot keep your vehicle parked on the street or public roads. It must be parked on your driveway or inside your garage, or the PNO becomes invalidated and you'll have to pay registration fees. Additionally, getting tickets while your vehicle is in non-op status will nullify your PNO status, and all registration fees will be due.

PNO status is a one-time fee. Once this fee is posted, you will receive a notification giving you the option to renew the tags or continue the status. If you elect to continue the status, you do not have to do anything further.

Long-term storage

Long-term vehicle storage is typically defined as storing a car for a minimum of three months. There are several steps you should take to prepare your car for long-term storage and to ensure it remains in good condition.

Firstly, it is important to consider where to store your vehicle. Ideally, you should store your vehicle in a garage, as this will protect it from the elements, pests, and thieves. If you do not have a garage, you could consider renting space at an indoor storage facility, or asking a friend or family member if they have space.

Before storing your vehicle, it is important to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned, inside and out. This includes washing the exterior, drying it, and waxing it. For the interior, you should vacuum up any crumbs, which can attract insects and rodents. You should also remove any valuables and store important paperwork, such as insurance and registration documents, in the glove compartment.

To prevent flat spots from occurring on your tyres, you should inflate them to the maximum pressure recommendation listed on the sidewalls. You could also place your vehicle on jack stands, which can help to mitigate the pressure and prevent tyre deformation.

It is also recommended that you change your oil and filter before storing your vehicle, as contaminants in used oil can damage your engine. Similarly, you should fill up your fuel tank, as a full tank will prevent moisture from getting trapped inside and causing damage. You should also add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel lines to protect your engine.

Finally, you should cover your vehicle with a weatherproof car cover, especially if storing it outdoors. This will help to keep the car clean and dry.

Preparing to sell it

If you're preparing to sell an unregistered vehicle, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that the process may be more complicated than selling a registered car, and you may need to take additional steps to prepare the vehicle for sale.

One of the most important things you'll need is proof of ownership. This can be in the form of a car title, bill of sale, or transfer of ownership form. These documents will likely need to be notarized and may need to be submitted to the appropriate government agency, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Keep in mind that the requirements for selling an unregistered car can vary depending on the state you're in, so it's always a good idea to check with your local DMV or licensing office for specific instructions and requirements.

In some cases, the buyer may be willing to purchase the car without registration and handle the registration process themselves. However, it's more likely that you'll need to provide documentation to show proof of ownership. If there is a loan on the car, you don't own it—the bank does. If you have the car's title but no registration, you might be able to apply for a temporary or specialty registration, such as for a non-operational vehicle.

You may also need to have a safety and emissions inspection done on the car before selling it, depending on the laws in your area. This can help reassure potential buyers that the car is safe and in good working condition. Being transparent about the car's condition, any defects or damage, and any other relevant information that could affect the sale is crucial for building trust with potential buyers and preventing misunderstandings or legal issues down the line.

When it comes to advertising your car for sale, you have a few options. You can create an online classified ad on websites such as Craigslist or Autotrader, post about it on social media platforms, or spread the word through friends, family, and coworkers. When creating your ad, be sure to include as much information as possible about the car, such as the make and model, year, mileage, and any notable features or modifications. Clear and well-lit photos from multiple angles will also help attract potential buyers.

Keep in mind that selling an unregistered car may attract fewer buyers and fetch a lower price. There may be additional preparation required, and buyers may be cautious due to the extra steps involved in transferring ownership and completing the necessary paperwork.

Insurance requirements by state

In the US, insurance requirements vary by state. While most states require proof of insurance before you can register a vehicle, there are a few states that don't require insurance to register your car. These include New Hampshire, Virginia, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Mississippi. However, it's important to note that even in these states, except for New Hampshire, driving without insurance is illegal.

In general, insurance companies will request a current registration for a few reasons. First, it helps prove that you have an "insurable interest" in the vehicle, meaning that you would suffer a financial loss if the vehicle was damaged or destroyed. Second, some insurance companies require a vehicle to be in a state for a certain period, and registration helps prove that the car is used and garaged within that state. Third, there are usually state laws that require vehicles to be registered, with some exceptions for project cars or cars being stored.

While you can get insurance without registration in some states, it's always recommended to register your car as soon as possible. If you have valid insurance but your car isn't registered, you're not legally permitted to drive it. The registration process is fairly simple and can be done by visiting your local DMV and submitting the relevant documents. Keep in mind that registration requirements and renewal periods may differ depending on the state and the age of your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions