(please move to correct forum if incorrect, cheers)

hey everyone, I live in New York City and have just agreed to purchase a used 2006 Mini Cooper S from a private seller in Wisconsin. I have a flight booked to Milwaukee for Wednesday morning, how do I go about registration and insurance?

I cannot register the car in NY state until I have the title/clean lien. And Progressive Insurance won't let me insure the car until its registered. So... how do I ensure I can legally be on the road (as the seller is taking the WI license plates) AND I have insurance while I drive from WI to NY?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers
Brett

 

Why won't they insure it? I live in NY as well, and they ask for proof of insurance every time I register a vehicle. I once bought an out of state vehicle and my insurance company gave me transfer plates so I could get it home. I also had to get the title notarized in the state I was buying it from. When I got back to NY I just brought the notarized title and proof of insurance to the dmv and registered it normally.

 

Do you currently have insurance? Your current insurance will cover a new car for typically about 30 days. If it is a nice policy, then shop around and see if you can find someone who will work with you.

 

I live in NYC and just bought a 2005 Cooper S, albeit from a dealer in Queens. You should be able to get temporary tags from the state of Wisconsin. See the link to the WI DOT below. You may just have to go to the DMV and get them when you get to WI.

As to insurance, I know for a fact that Geico will issue a NYS Insurance card to a NY resident, regardless of whether the car is registered. I did it all online last Thursday. Put in the VIN, make, model, your address and other personal info, and pay the first month. That's all it took, and you'll get instant online access to a printable, valid insurance card. I can't speak to Progressive, but I suspect you might have gotten some misinformation. I've bought numerous cars and have never had to have it registered before I insured it. In fact, in most (all?) states, you MUST have insurance before you can register the car. Maybe try Progressive again, or give Geico a shot.

Update: Link : http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers...ates/nolaf.htm

 

Most states do have temp or transport tags...(some states do not even require prof of ownership...they assume if you are showing an id with the $$, you are honest, at least here in nh, but differeant down in mass, where they reqire proff that tge sales tax was paid, and ownership...check the Wisconsin state dot website for more info...heck you might be able to bring ny temp tags with you...in nh you could...).
Why is the title not clear?! It should be free and clear when you pick it up....if not, do not give your money for it. It could turn into a massive headache with you being held hostage.
You should have the title in your hand, signed from the seller if it was bought from a private seller....
A dealer with a buissiness location, bonding, etc, is a bit differant.

 

Have you had the car inspected?!
Usually when we hear about a nightmare car, it is often sold long distance....and when you get there, it is not what you expected, but you have a one way plane ticket...and $$ invested, so it is hard to walk away from...so folk say why not...
Ask youself...is it worth the risk...if it is the perfect options, etc, maybe, but be 100% honest.
Good luck!!