Should I get insurance or car registration first?

The registration on my car expired two years ago because it wasn't running. I finally have it fixed, but I'm not sure if it has to be insured before I can get my tags. What should I do?

Your best bet for car insurance with an expired registration is to contact your state’s DMV and begin the process for being reinstated. It's unlikely a car insurance company will cover you if your registration is currently expired. The process will vary by your state, but usually includes:

• Showing proof of insurance coverage
• Paying any remaining fees, usually including a lapse fee and a reinstatement fee

Driving with an expired registration can result in fines ranging from $10 to $250, depending on your state, as well as potential legal fees and additional penalties. In some states, you might also face vehicle impoundment or court appearances. On top of that, it can increase your car insurance premiums by about $131 over six months, and the violation may stay on your record for three to five years, causing long-term insurance rate hikes.

Here’s how the timeline usually works:

1. Insurance comes first, even before registration.
   Most states require proof of insurance before you can register a vehicle, so step one is to get your policy in place.
2. You can insure a car that’s not yet registered to you.
   Just make sure the VIN and ownership details are correct. The insurer may temporarily allow the policy to be “pending” while certain paperwork is being completed, especially if you're in the middle of a purchase.
3. Most states give you a grace period.
   You may have 7 to 30 days (depending on your state) to register a newly purchased vehicle, but you must have active insurance to drive it home legally.

If you've got time to do some research before registering and insuring the vehicle, I highly recommend shopping around and comparing rates for insurance. It's typically not the best idea to buy the first policy you find. Don’t hit the road uninsured or unregistered—states often give you a small window, but driving without either can lead to fines or worse.