Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Should I get insurance or car registration first?

The registration on my car expired 2 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?

Mar 17, 2016 Provo, UT

Answer
Author profile picture

The Zebra

The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

In most states you are required to provide proof that your vehicle is insured before allowing you to register your vehicle. The insurance policy must meet the state's minimum coverage requirement to tag your vehicle so you will want to take your proof of coverage with you to verify your compliance with the law. And if you will be driving the vehicle to the registration office you want to make sure that you are insured to be legal on the road anyway.
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

How do I sell my car to an out-of-state buyer?

You will need to transfer the title of the vehicle to the new buyer. It is important that you fill in all of the appropriate areas required in the title certificate when selling the vehicle to another party. Once the buyer has the title in their name then they will need to title and register the ve…
Jul 29, 2017 New York City, NY

It is illegal to pay for someone else's car insurance

While it is not illegal to pay for someone else's policy, you might run into issues if she's on your policy as well. Car insurance is regulated at the state level and priced at the zip code level. So, if she's on your car insurance policy but not living at your residence, you will pr…
Jun 24, 2018 Pinellas, FL

Do you need car insurance before registering a car in Virginia?

The short answer is yes, Virginia does require you to have basic liability insurance in order to register your vehicle in that state. If it's helpful, The Zebra can help you get car insurance quotes from several carriers in your state. You can also give us a call at 888-807-3823 to speak to an…
Jun 22, 2019 Alexandria, VA

Is car insurance a hard or soft credit check?

Insurance companies thankfully run a soft credit check. There are companies that do not use credit as a rating factor (as we discuss in our related article), but they are hard to find. So, if you're worried about car insurance companies pulling your credit negatively impacting you, rest assure…