How long do I have to get ins on car I just bought?

Question

How long do I have to get ins on car I just bought?

Answer 1

You have until you want to drive it on the road.  Actually less, because somebody could steal or vandalize the vehicle.  Unless you have an existing policy with a provision for newly-acquired vehicles, you could have an accident on the way home with the new vehicle, and nobody will be paying for your car, the damage you do, your medical bills, the injuries you cause to others, etc.

If you have an existing policy, check your wordings, because that is where any policy for new vehicles will be spelled out in detail.

Answer 2

Until it's paid off and has no leinholders.

Answer 3

if you already have auto insurance you usually have 30 days to add the car to your policy. if you have no insurance i would take out a policy asap. if you have insurance and you get into an accident in the new car before it is added, the coverages you currently have will transfer to the new car.

Answer 4

Usually about 7 days, but it depends on your state.  If you already have insurance on a car that you traded in or currently own, you can ususally add the new vehicle to your policy with just a phone call to your agent.

Answer 5

If you don't drive it, and you paid cash for it, you have no need to get insurance on it.  

If there's a loan, the lender will charge you if you don't have insurance on it the day you take it off the lot.  And if you're driving it, you need to have insurance on it right  away, also.  Unless you live in NH or WI, where insurance is not mandatory.

** a comment on what other people said about the 30 day thing.  That only holds true, if the new vehicle is REPLACING an old vehicle - as in, you traded in the old vehicle - and then, whatever coverage you had on the old vehicle, is good on the new vehicle (most but not all policies!  some flat out won't cover an unlisted car), for up to 30 days.   If you didn't trade the old car, or if you are waiting torivate sale it, it does not hold.**