Do I need license plates to get insurance?
Asked by: Ardith Bartoletti | Last update: November 21, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)
Can I insure a car without plates?
Yes, you can get insurance without a license plate. When you purchase a new or used car from a dealership, you will need to provide proof of insurance before driving the car off the lot and later registering the car with the DMV to get your official license plates.
Can you file an insurance claim without a license plate?
Insurance companies often require more than just a license plate number to process a claim. They may need the other driver's name, contact information, and insurance details. Without this information, there can be significant delays in your claim.
Does license plate number matter for insurance?
First, note that the car insurance agent can use a license plate to find information like the vehicle owner and any necessary information about your insurance claim.
Can I get insurance with a temporary license plate?
Yes, since you need proof of insurance as part of the car registration process, you can get insurance on a car with temporary plates. Just be sure to get your permanent plates before your temporary ones expire.
You Don’t Need To Register Your Vehicle With DMV or Get Car Insurance With This Document
When someone hits you, do you call their insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your own insurance will pay if you have the right coverage. Always call your own insurance company, even if you think the other driver is at fault.
Can someone look me up by my license plate?
Under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), unauthorized people can't access personal information from a license plate or motor vehicle record.
Does your car need to be registered to make an insurance claim?
Your insurer insured the car for the policy period. If the collision occurred during the policy period, the car should be covered. Registration, or failure to register, does not affect the risk to the insurer of a claim.
Can an unregistered vehicle be insured?
In summary, most insurance companies will allow you to insure an unregistered vehicle for a short period, provided you truly intend to register it soon. However, attempting to skirt registration or insurance laws can lead to harsh consequences.
Can I drive a vehicle I just bought?
It's illegal to drive your new vehicle without registration. In some cases, you can register your new automobile and get permanent license plates at the dealership. Most times, however, you have to go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register your automobile.
Does your vehicle have to be registered to get insurance?
You can get insurance coverage on a car that's not registered to you. But it's not all that common. The car must be registered in the owner's name or the person who holds the title, and the owner's name must also be included on the car insurance policy.
Can my husband drive my car if he is not on my insurance?
Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.
Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?
While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.
What can someone do with your license plate?
Looking up a license plate number can help access vehicle records that include maintenance, driver, criminal, accident and repossession history, mileage, and natural damage information.
Can cops see your license plate?
License plate scanning is the use of cameras and technology to scan and read license plates on vehicles. Law enforcement officers use these systems to run checks on vehicles and their drivers. The technology used in license plate scanning has advanced significantly over the years.
Can I change my license plate number?
If you would like to change the number on your license plate (to a vanity plate, for example), start by going through the appropriate process to get a new plate and number directly with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
How does insurance work if someone hits my car?
Collision coverage typically helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle (or if you hit another vehicle or object), regardless of who is at fault. Even if you cannot find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's collision coverage.
Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?
After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.
Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?
Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.
Can you get new license plates without insurance?
In most cases, the answer is no. Typically the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) will need proof of insurance for the specific vehicle you hope to register. This insurance will need to meet the state requirements for minimum coverage.
Do you need insurance if you have a license but no car?
You should still have insurance coverage if you're a licensed driver who regularly borrows or rents vehicles. Not all companies offer non-owner insurance policies, so you'll have to shop around.
What happens if you have insurance but no registration?
If you have car insurance but no registration, your insurance may not be valid for legal driving. Insurance typically requires a vehicle to be registered in order to provide coverage, and you might face penalties for driving an unregistered vehicle.
Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?
Most insurers cover someone else driving the policyholder's car with their permission once in a while. But, if you're going to start driving one of your parent's cars regularly, you'll need to be added or named on their auto insurance. You can't legally drive your parents' car without any insurance at all, either.
Does insurance cover if you let someone borrow your car?
California requires all motorists to carry at least liability insurance on their vehicles. If you have insurance coverage on your car, the licensed driver you let borrow it will also be covered under your policy.