How Long Do I Have to Get Insurance on a Used Car?

Insurance is an important part of owning a vehicle. It protects your investment and the other vehicles on the road. It is also required by law in every state. However, the grace period you have between buying and insuring a pre-owned car may vary by state.

If you’re wondering how long you have to get insurance for a used car, our team at Val-U-Line® is here to tell you. Continue reading to learn more and contact us with questions!

If You Already Have Insurance:

If you already have an insurance policy for your current ride, that coverage will apply to the vehicle you’re purchasing for a short grace period. It varies by state; typically falling between seven and 30 days.

It’s best to let your insurance company know you purchased another car as soon as possible. The same day is usually best. That way, they can ensure they’re giving you the best possible rates and providing all the coverage you need. It will also help avoid any complications if the vehicle is damaged.

In most cases, all you need to do is call your insurance company and provide them with the year, make, model, and VIN (vehicle identification number). They may also need the purchase price in some states. That will let them remove your old car from your policy and add your newest set of wheels.

If You Don’t Have Insurance:

You need to have insurance to drive in every U.S. state, so you will need to get a policy before driving home in a used car. The best move is to call an insurance company or your local agent before going to the dealership. This will give you the opportunity to compare quotes from different insurers for different used cars.

Once you choose the insurance that works best for you, visit our used car dealer and pick out your favorite pre-owned vehicle. We will send all the information over to the insurance company of your choice, so they can set up your new policy. You’ll be on the road in no time.

You will also need insurance to register the vehicle. In some states, you’ll have a grace period of up to 20 days to get a registration, while others will require it before you drive away from the dealer.

Do You Need Full Coverage on a Used Car?

When you buy a used car, you will only need liability coverage. This covers the cost of any damages you cause to another person or their property. Full coverage includes liability, as well as the optional comprehensive and collision coverage.

You will need full coverage if you choose to finance a used car. Most lenders will require you to have full coverage until the loan is paid in full. This helps protect their investment.

If your car is less than 10 years old, you may also want to consider keeping it fully insured. You can also calculate the value of your vehicle. If your yearly comprehensive and collision payment equals 10% of your car's value, you may want to consider dropping the coverage.

Make Sure Your Used Car Is Insured Today

Now that you know how long you have to get insurance on a used car, you’ll have more peace of mind when you embark on your car-buying journey. Our team is here to guide you through each step along the way, so you can hit the road with confidence.

Contact one of Val-U-Line®’s nationwide used car dealerships to learn more!