I just had a quick dumb question...My MINI is close to getting here and i was wondering how most of you went about with the insurance procedures?? Does the dealer let you take it without insurance? Or can you get insurance with just the VIN number on the Owner's Lounge? I've never bought a NEW car before and was wondering if they just let you drive off uninsured.
Thanks

 

You have to have insurance before you drive off in your new car. Most states have mandatory liability requirements and you have to prove you have insurance before you are handed the keys. Might also be *smart* for you to do so because a lot of states impose fines for driving without insurance. And yes, there are very sophisticated, electronic methods of tracking those who don't follow the law.

Yes, you can secure insurance with some basic info on the car, including the VIN.

 

You can't drive it off the lot nor can you finalize financing w/out insurance. You can do it w/the VIN in the Owners Lounge as that will be your VIN. Also I am pretty sure you can get insurance going w/out a VIN # & your insurance co. will FAX a proof of coverage to the dealership to get you going

 

No... you can get a quote without a VIN. But you can't secure a policy without one.

 

In Virginia, you have to show that you currently have insurance for a car, and you have something like 48 hours to contact your insurance agent to update your coverage for the new car (in theory you're covered, but I'd hate to have the car totalled on the way home and try and get my insurance company to pay for it).

If you have no insurance at all, I'm guessing that unless you showed up and paid cash, they wouldn't let you drive off with it.

That being said, I've always at least called and let them know I'm getting a new car so that there isn't any question. I happened to have the VIN for the MINI, but didn't when I picked my previous car.

 

Yes, if you have another vehicle that is insured, you can provide them with your proof of insurance on THAT vehicle.

It varies by insurance companies, but the company I work for allows you 14 days to report your new car to us and obtain insurance on the added vehicle.

If you were to have an accident in that 14 day period, it would be covered under our existing policy on the other vehicle.

Confusing ?

 

Ok, cool, thanks for the advice, i guess i'll start getting quotes with the VIN in the owner's lounge. I decided i am changing insurance companies so i cancelled my previous coverage and sold my old car. Thanks for the quick responses.

 

Let me know if you have other questions. I am not licensed to give quotes but I can answer most of your general auto insurance questions (I'm an underwriting Manager)... about deductibles, different types of coverages, etc, etc.

 

You've got the run down from Red and White there and I can always help with any questions as well

I am licensed as an adjuster in several states and handle the collector car business here at my company.

 

Was going to post but Red and white beat me too it.