Auto Insurance Without Registration: Which Companies Offer This?

While it is possible to get car insurance without registration, it is generally more challenging and expensive. Most insurers will ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN) rather than registration. However, there are certain scenarios where drivers may want to get coverage without registration, such as when buying a new car, for non-operational vehicles, long-term storage, or when preparing to sell a vehicle. In these cases, insurers will often issue temporary policies. It's important to note that driving without insurance or registration can result in serious penalties and fines.

Excluding yourself as a driver

It's important to note that not all states allow policyholders to exclude themselves from coverage. Some states prohibit excluding anyone of driving age in the household, while others may require excluded drivers to have their own insurance before being removed from a policy. Be sure to check with your state's regulations and your insurance provider before excluding yourself as a driver.

When you exclude yourself from your car insurance policy, your insurance company will update your policy by specifying that you are an excluded driver and outlining the conditions that will not be covered. You and your insurer will then sign an endorsement confirming that you will no longer be covered if you drive any of the insured cars. Your policy will still cover you as a passenger in those vehicles.

If you choose to exclude yourself from your car insurance, you must not drive any of the vehicles listed on the policy. If you do and are involved in an accident, both you and the insurance company may be held liable for damages. As a result, it is crucial to abide by the terms of your policy and refrain from driving if you have excluded yourself as a driver.

In summary, excluding yourself as a driver from your car insurance policy can be a way to save money on premiums, but it comes with the restriction of not being able to drive the insured vehicles. Be sure to understand the regulations and potential consequences before making this decision, and always follow the terms of your policy to avoid legal and financial issues.

Keeping your car parked

Find a Suitable Parking Spot

If you have a garage, use it! Garages are ideal for keeping your car safe and protected from the elements. If you don't have a garage, consider investing in a portable car shelter or a fitted car cover. Alternatively, look for shaded parking spots, such as under trees or in the shade of a building, to protect your car from direct sunlight.

Maintain the Exterior

Wash your car regularly, especially if it's parked outside. Use car-wash soap and microfiber cloths or mitts to clean the exterior gently. Avoid brush-style car washes, as they can scratch the finish. Consider using a windshield sun shade to block the sun's rays and reduce the temperature inside the car.

Care for the Interior

Cover up your dashboard, steering wheel, and seats to prevent them from getting too hot and potentially damaged by the sun. You can use a blanket or invest in custom-made covers that complement your car's interior. Tinting your car windows can also help keep the interior cool by blocking out the sun's thermal rays.

Prepare the Engine

If you're leaving your car idle for a long period, consider removing the spark plugs and spraying oil into the plug sockets. You can also use fuel additives to provide a protective coating to the engine. Fill up the fuel tank to prevent rusting and make sure it's sealed properly. Change the engine oil and air filters, as used oil can contain moisture and corrosive elements.

Maintain the Battery

It's a good idea to remove the battery if you're going away for an extended period. Smear petroleum jelly or grease on the terminals and wire ends to prevent rusting. Keep the battery fully charged and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Protect the Tyres

Tyres can develop flat spots when a car is stationary for too long. Consider using four jacks or blocks of wood to lift the car and take the weight off the wheels. Alternatively, sports cars with low-profile tyres can usually be left unsupported for up to two months without any damage.

Keep the Car Secure

Always lock your car, even if it's parked in a secure area. Close the windows and sunroof to prevent weather damage and reduce the risk of theft. Park in well-lit areas and hide or remove valuables from plain sight to deter thieves.

Regular Maintenance

Don't neglect regular maintenance, even if your car is not being driven frequently. Refer to your owner's manual for recommended service intervals. Check your tyre pressure and keep them properly inflated to prevent cracking and flat spots. Drive your car at least once a week for 15-30 minutes to keep the battery charged and the engine lubricated.

Buying SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have car insurance meeting the minimum coverage required by law. It is not a type of insurance but a document from your state's department of motor vehicles. An SR-22 is typically required if you've been caught driving without insurance or a valid license. Other reasons for needing an SR-22 include DUI or DWI convictions, driving without enough insurance, too many at-fault accidents or violations, and repeat offences in a short time frame.

The cost to file an SR-22 is relatively inexpensive and typically costs about $25, though the cost may vary by state and insurance company. Since some insurers consider SR-22 drivers as high-risk, your insurance rate could increase.

To obtain an SR-22, you need to have car insurance, and your insurer has to make the filing with the state. If your insurance company offers SR-22 form filings, you can call them and they will add the SR-22 endorsement to your existing policy and then file the SR-22 insurance document with the state. If your current insurer doesn't offer SR-22s, then you'll need to buy a new policy. It's a good idea to let potential insurers know upfront that you require an SR-22.

If you need an SR-22 but don't have a car, you can obtain a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy, which provides liability coverage when you drive a vehicle that you don't own.

Adding a licensed driver as co-owner

Adding a licensed driver as a co-owner of your vehicle can be beneficial, especially if you're unable to drive or are looking for insurance coverage for a car you own but don't drive. Here are some important things to know about adding a licensed driver as a co-owner:

Understanding Co-Ownership

In the context of car ownership, a co-owner is someone who shares ownership of the vehicle with another person. On the car title, both the owner and the co-owner are listed as equal owners. Joint ownership can be useful in household situations where family members share a car, as it only takes adding the co-owner to the existing owner's insurance policy. However, it can get tricky when sharing with non-family members, as some insurance providers may refuse to add non-relatives to existing policies.

Legal Basis for Co-Ownership

The legal basis for co-ownership can be established in two ways. Joint ownership implies that both individuals listed on the title own the car equally. If one of them dies, the other immediately becomes the sole owner, and the deceased's share can be passed on to someone else. This transfer process is relatively simple and quick, and it's common for the title to include a phrase like "joint tenants with the right of survivorship," ensuring the car passes to the surviving owner without probate court processes.

Pros and Cons of Joint Ownership

One advantage of joint ownership is the ease of sharing a vehicle with family members. However, the main downside is mutual responsibility. Both co-owners are equally accountable for any damage or missed payments, regardless of who caused the issue. Additionally, joint ownership may result in higher insurance premiums, especially if you own the vehicle with your child.

To add a licensed driver as a co-owner, you'll typically need to visit your local DMV, fill out the necessary forms, and pay a fee. By adding a licensed driver as a co-owner, you can address situations where someone else drives your car, such as a relative or caretaker. This arrangement ensures that the vehicle is properly insured, as vehicle ownership is a common requirement for obtaining car insurance. Keep in mind that both co-owners must consent to any changes in ownership, including removing one of them from the title.

Insurance Considerations

When adding a licensed driver as a co-owner, it's essential to understand how insurance companies set their rates. They use motor vehicle records and other factors, including the driving history of the listed driver, to determine the cost of the policy. Therefore, if the co-owner you choose has had accidents or traffic violations, you can expect to pay a higher insurance premium.

Getting parked-car insurance

If you're looking to get parked-car insurance, also known as storage coverage, you'll need to take a few steps. Firstly, it's important to note that this type of insurance is designed for vehicles that are parked in a private location, such as your own garage, rather than on a public road. This type of insurance doesn't provide the legally required coverage to drive on public roads.

To get started, you'll need to call your insurance company and inquire about storage coverage. Some insurers may require your car to be parked for at least 30 days before you can switch to this type of insurance. Additionally, you'll need to own the vehicle outright and not be making payments on it. If you're leasing or financing your car, you'll likely need to maintain full coverage.

Before switching to parked-car insurance, you should also ensure that you have at least the minimum liability coverage required in your state. This is because, in most states, you must have liability coverage if your car is registered. Since parked-car insurance doesn't include liability coverage, you'll need to cancel your registration first.

It's worth noting that having storage coverage can significantly lower your premiums, sometimes by as much as 80%. This type of insurance covers events such as animal-inflicted damage, flooding, and hail damage. However, it typically doesn't include liability and collision coverages, so it's mainly comprehensive-only coverage.

While it's not mandatory to insure a parked vehicle, it's generally recommended. This will help protect your car from potential damages and avoid a lapse in your insurance history, which could lead to higher rates in the future.

Frequently asked questions