Services
PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Home Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Recent Studies
Comprehensive Data Reports
Reviews
About
FAQ
MenuIcon
BACK

Do I need to turn in my license plates if I cancel my insurance?

I'm planning on selling my car, but I’d like to keep the plates in case I buy a new vehicle in the future. Can you cancel your insurance without turning in your license plates?

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Check with your state DMV to see if you need to turn in your license plates when you
cancel your insurance policy
. 
  • About 20 states require to you to surrender your plates when you
    sell your car
    , and some charge stiff fines if you don’t. For example, New York charges drivers $8 per day until they receive the plates.
  • A
    minimum amount of car insurance
     is required to register a vehicle in every state except New Hampshire and Virginia. Your DMV may require you to keep an insurance policy active until you surrender your plates or at least turn them in right after canceling your policy.
  • You’ll face a license suspension if you have a
    lapse in insurance
     on the plates.
The bottom line: The DMV may require you to keep an active
car insurance
 policy as long as you still have your plates—and definitely if you haven’t sold your car yet. Never cancel car insurance until the sale has been finalized and you are certain of your state’s license plate requirements.
Car InsuranceCar Registration
View full answer 
Jerry user testimonial avatar
rating primary
“My experience with Jerry has been absolutely incredible. It took my car insurance from about $400/month to about $80. The entire experience is seamless.” - Gregory R.
Lower my car insurance too
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

card cover

Can You Cancel Car Insurance at Any Time?

Technically, you can cancel your car insurance policy whenever you wish—but it may not always be the best idea.
avatar
Sarah Gray
card cover

When To Cancel Your Insurance After Selling a Car

After selling your car, finalize the transfer of ownership before canceling your insurance coverage.
avatar
Jasmine Kanter
card cover

What Happens if You Don’t Pay Your Car Insurance?

Not paying your car insurance can lead to a loss of coverage, increased premiums, and even losing your car—but you may have options.
avatar
Jason Tushinski

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

card cover

2021 BMW X1 Interior Review

Overall, the 2021 BMW X1’s interior is the stuff of luxury, but if you look closely, you’ll find evidence of cost-cutting throughout.
avatar
Sarah Gray
card cover

The 10 Best Old Subaru Cars of All Time

From the original BRAT to the Outback, Subaru has produced some iconic cars over the past few decades.
avatar
Brad Marley
card cover

2022 Lincoln Navigator Exterior Colors Guide

Choose between seven different neutral tones when customizing your 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s exterior.
avatar
Jacqulyn Graber

What Others Are Asking

How do I check the tire pressure on a Volkswagen Passat?
I have a Volkswagen Passat, and I’ve noticed my tires look low in air, but I’m unsure how to check. How do I check the tire pressure?
avatar
Andrea Barrett
Where is the BMW 528i battery location?
I tried to start up my BMW 528i this morning to find that I had a dead battery from leaving some lights on overnight. I thought it would be a cinch to jumpstart my battery, but I couldn’t find it! Where is the battery located in the 528i?
avatar
Abbey Orzech
How much does it cost to fix a car’s air conditioner?
I love my car, but it’s been having issues lately. The AC unit just gave out and I’m worried this is going to be too expensive for me to be able to fix. How much should I expect to pay to fix my car’s air conditioner?
avatar
Anthony William
Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

    Insurance In Your City

    Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

    √
    No long forms
    √
    No spam or unwanted phone calls
    √
    Quotes from top insurance companies
    Find insurance savings
    Car Insurance by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Dodge
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Jeep
    Kia
    Lexus
    Mercedes-Benz
    Mitsubishi
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Model
    Chevrolet Silverado
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Ford Escape
    GMC Sierra
    Honda Accord
    Honda Civic
    Hyundai Tucson
    Jeep Cherokee
    Jeep Wrangler
    Kia Forte
    Mazda 3
    Nissan Altima
    Subaru Outback
    Subaru Crosstrek
    Toyota Camry
    Toyota Corolla
    Toyota Tacoma
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Rav4
    Volkswagen Jetta
    View all
    Car Insurance by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Insurance by City
    Austin, TX
    Boston, MA
    Charlotte, NC
    Chicago, IL
    Columbus, OH
    Dallas, TX
    Denver, CO
    Houston, TX
    Indianapolis, IN
    Jacksonville, FL
    Las Vegas, NV
    Los Angeles, CA
    Nashville, TN
    New York, NY
    Philadelphia, PA
    Phoenix, AZ
    Portland, OR
    San Antonio, TX
    San Francisco, CA
    Seattle, WA
    View all
    Car Loan by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Chevrolet
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Kia
    Lexus
    Nissan
    Mercedes-Benz
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Company
    AAA
    Allstate
    Aspire Advantage
    Assurance America
    Bristol West
    Commonwealth
    Dairyland
    Encompass
    Infinity
    Kemper
    Mapfre
    Mercury
    National General
    Nationwide
    Plymouth Rock
    Progressive
    Safeco
    State Auto
    Travelers
    Car Loan by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Repair by Service
    AC Compressor Replacement Cost
    Battery Replacement Cost
    Fuel Injector Replacement Cost
    Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
    Ignition Coil Replacement Cost
    Oil Change Cost
    Oil Pan Replacement Cost
    Power Steering Fluid Service Cost
    Rotate Tires Cost
    Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
    Timing Belt Replacement Cost
    Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost
    Water Pump Replacement Cost
    Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost
    View all