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Does the name on a vehicle's registration and insurance need to be the same?

I just bought a car, and the title hasn't been transferred over yet. I have to get insurance before I can register it in my name. Will I be able to get insurance if the vehicle isn't in my name yet?

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Technically speaking, you can still get
car insurance
on a vehicle, even if it isn’t in your name—but it could be a lot harder to accomplish. That’s why it’s best to
get the vehicle’s title transferred
to your name as soon as possible.
There’s no law against registering and insuring the same vehicle under different names. According to Car and Driver, most states legally permit drivers to register and insure vehicles under separate names—but the trouble is, not every insurance company allows it. 
That’s because insurance providers like to issue policies to the same person that owns the vehicle. Why? Here are the main reasons: 
  • Reduces the chances of fraud on the policy 
  • Makes the claims and settlement process easier 
The good news is, some car insurance providers will extend a grace period (anywhere between seven and 30 days) where the insurance on your prior vehicle automatically carries over to your new car. But if you didn’t have a car prior to this purchase, you’ll have to shop around for
car insurance quotes
first.
View full answer 
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