Getting auto insurance with an expired registration
Every US state requires you to register your vehicle in order to park or drive on public roads. Failure to do so may result in a ticket and associated fees. On average, being ticketed for driving with an expired registration will increase your six-month insurance premium by $131. Additionally, you could face hundreds of dollars of legal and ticket fees for failing to register your vehicle.
Let’s break down options for cheap car insurance with an expired registration.
Cheap car insurance after an expired registration ticket
After you re-register your vehicle, the violation may continue to affect your auto insurance premiums. While the impact may vary, most insurance companies will include a surcharge for as long as three to five years after any violation or claim. Using a methodology outlined below, we learned that the cheapest insurance provider after driving with an expired registration is USAA.
| Company | Accident/Violation | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | None | $2,413 |
| Allstate | Driving with expired registration | $2,750 |
| Farmers | Driving with expired registration | $2,403 |
| Farmers | None | $1,786 |
| GEICO | None | $1,542 |
| GEICO | Driving with expired registration | $1,748 |
| Nationwide | None | $1,476 |
| Nationwide | Driving with expired registration | $1,874 |
| Progressive | Driving with expired registration | $2,405 |
| Progressive | None | $1,882 |
| State Farm | None | $1,569 |
| State Farm | Driving with expired registration | $1,843 |
| USAA | Driving with expired registration | $1,635 |
| USAA | None | $1,365 |
Progressive and Farmers assessed considerable premium increases after a registration violation. Use our data as a jumping-off point. It is based on a generalized profile and not necessarily reflective of your specific driving profile. Enter your ZIP code below to see a personalized quote based on your driving history, location, and other factors.
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Compare car insurance policies and make an informed decision.
This depends on the duration for which your registration was expired. If it only lapsed for a few days, you might be able to contest the ticket and get it dismissed. Otherwise, you might have a more difficult time. In this case, your best bet is to contact your state’s DMV.
How much is a ticket for expired registration?
This varies depending on each state’s laws and the duration of the registration lapse. Below are estimated penalties from five states in the US.
| State | Associated Fees |
|---|---|
| Texas | $74-$157 |
| California | $10-$100 |
| Florida | Up to $100 |
| Ohio | Up to $250 |
| New Jersey | $75-$100 |
Additional resources
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 reinstatement fee
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.