Do you need car insurance to transfer a car title?

If you are buying or selling a car, you need to cover certain formalities. For example, you will need to record the change of ownership and may want to know whether you need proof of insurance when transferring a car title. You need to know what to do with insurance when selling a car as well. As this is an important question, we’ve done some research for you and provided you with answers below.

Do you need car insurance when transferring a car title?

Some states require that you show proof of liability car insurance before you can transfer a car title. This is not uniform, and you should check with your local DMV to see what is necessary. 

If you buy the vehicle from a dealership, there may be specific car dealership insurance requirements. It may insist that you have liability insurance before taking control. If you are working with a finance company, it will insist that you have collision car insurance and comprehensive car insurance coverage as well before you can take control.

What’s the difference between title and registration?

Remember that there’s a difference between a car title and a registration document. The title is proof that you are the vehicle’s legal owner, while the registration designates certain responsibilities to you. It establishes a link between you as the owner or user and the car itself. 

In most states, you need insurance to register your car.

Do some places require auto insurance to transfer a car title?

Some jurisdictions (such as Williamson County in Texas) require that you show proof of liability insurance before they will allow a title transfer procedure to go ahead in a private sale. In this case, the insurance must be in the buyer’s name listed on the title application. The buyer must complete the process within 30 days of purchase or face a financial penalty.

What details do you need to transfer a title?

If you buy a vehicle from a dealership, it will generally handle the title paperwork. Otherwise, you may need to get the seller to sign the title over to your name, releasing ownership. You will then need to take the title to your state DMV. There, you will have to show a current photo identification and possibly some other information, like a vehicle inspection report, depending upon your state’s insurance requirements.

Can I transfer a car title online?

Many jurisdictions allow you to transfer a car title over the internet. According to the California DMV, you will need an application form, the signatures of the seller, the lien holder (if any), and the buyer, together with a transfer fee in California. You do not need to provide proof of insurance at this point.

Is a title transfer possible for an uninsured driver?

It’s essential to be clear about definitions. Most states insist that an owner carries liability insurance whenever they register a vehicle. Some of these jurisdictions insist on seeing proof of insurance before transferring the title. 

You are not allowed to drive the car in question to a DMV office to transfer the title if you do not have insurance in place. Almost all states insist that you have liability insurance before driving the vehicle on a public road, and there can be serious consequences for driving without insurance.

Checking the Title Details

When buying a vehicle in a private sale, check the title carefully to ensure that there are no liens in place that may affect your ownership interest. You should verify the information on the certificate of title, including the odometer listing.

The Bottom Line on Needing Car Insurance to Transfer a Title

You should check with your jurisdiction for specific requirements. For a private sale, some places need to see proof of liability insurance before transferring the title, while others will not. If you buy a vehicle from a dealership, it may insist that you have liability insurance in place before transferring the title. If you have a finance lien, that company will likely require that you have comprehensive or collision coverage in place as well.