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When you buy a used car from a private party, are you legally allowed to drive it?

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her209

her209

No Lifer
Is it illegal to drive you a car you just bought from a private party, i.e., not a dealer, since you don't have car insurance on it yet? What happens if you get pulled over or get into a wreck?
 
How is it any different than buying from a dealer? you call the insurance company up at the time you're buying the car, give them the VIN and you're insured. They'll email or fax you a temp insurance card. Is it really that hard?

It's not any different than the car you have now. Is it legal for you to drive around without car insurance with your current car?
 
My understanding is you have several days to contact your insurance and put the new vehicle on your plan after you sign the title.
 
Insurance = nearly always covered in your existing policy with a new purchase. Call them up to be sure and they send a temp card to you over email instantly. IIRC my last purchase, I notified them, they noted it, and said I was covered for something like 10 days prior to getting it formally added to my policy when I drove it home.

Motor Vehicle = $1 for a 3 day temp tag or something ridiculous like that.
 
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Check with your insurance company, but I have State Farm and they will cover me for 30 days on any newly-acquired vehicle. Basically I have a 30-day grace period to notify them of any new vehicles.

ZV
 
Yes it is legal in all states. the specifics varies by the state. Make sure you have a bill of sale and call your insurance company to verify that you are covered.
 
Most insurance polices have clauses for recent vehicle purchases and have a grace period where you are covered until you have it officially added to your policy. Regarding vehicle registration, most states have temporary tags which are typically good for 30 days so you can drive the car while you get it registered.
 
Zenmervolt said:
Check with your insurance company, but I have State Farm and they will cover me for 30 days on any newly-acquired vehicle. Basically I have a 30-day grace period to notify them of any new vehicles.

ZV
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And I'm covered in any passenger vehicle I drive (heavy trucks are different of course). Also anybody I give permission to drive my car is covered by my policy.
 
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