Buying a new car in California is an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful when it comes to navigating the state’s insurance laws. You may find yourself wondering how long you have to add your newly purchased vehicle to your existing insurance policy or if you need to purchase a new one altogether.
Don’t fret! In this blog post, we’ll answer the burning question on every Californian driver’s mind: how many days do I have to add my car to my insurance after buying? So buckle up and let’s dive right in!
How long do I have to add a car to my insurance after buying it in California?
If you’re financing a car, your lender will require that you have full coverage insurance. California law requires that all motorists carry liability insurance. You must purchase and maintain insurance on any vehicle you own – even if it’s not being driven.
So, how long do you have to add a car to your insurance after buying it in California? There is no grace period in California, so you’ll need to add the vehicle to your policy as soon as possible. If you don’t have insurance when you register the car, the DMV will suspend your registration.
If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Don’t take the risk – add your new car to your insurance policy right away.
What happens if I don’t add the car to my insurance right away?
If you do not add the car to your insurance right away, you may be subject to a number of penalties. These can include being fined by the police, having your driver’s license suspended, and being sued by the other driver if you are involved in an accident. In some cases, you may even be charged with a crime.
Do I need to insure a car before I buy it?
You are not required to insure a car before you purchase it in California. However, you will need to provide proof of insurance to the DMV when you register the vehicle. You have 10 days after buying a car to add it to your insurance policy.
How do I insure a car that I’ve just bought?
If you’re financing your car, your lender will require that you have full coverage insurance. If you’re not financing, it’s still a good idea to insure your vehicle. You can purchase insurance from a broker, an insurance company, or online.
When buying insurance for a new car, you’ll need to provide some information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, and year. You’ll also need to let the insurer know how you plan to use the car. For example, if you commute to work, your rates will be higher than if you only use your car for leisure driving.
Once you have this information ready, get quotes from several insurers to compare rates. Keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best; make sure the policy covers everything you need it to.
Conclusion
Adding a car to your insurance after purchasing it in California is an important step that you need to take within 20 days. Failing to do so can result in hefty fines and other penalties, so make sure that you understand the process well and are aware of all the necessary documents required.
Taking out car insurance for your new vehicle is an essential part of being a responsible driver, so take the time to properly research this before embarking on your journey.
