Do I need proof of insurance to get my car registration?

What type of insurance is needed to register a car?

Every state establishes rules regarding insurance requirements to either register or legally drive a car. However, nearly every state requires liability coverage. Some states may also require uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, and personal injury protection. Learn more about the car insurance requirements in each state.

Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name?

Insuring and registering your car under different names is allowed in most states. However, in those states that allow it, insurers still might not underwrite a policy to a name different than that of the registered vehicle owner. Even if your state and insurer allow it, you might choose another solution (like having multiple names on both the registration and insurance) to avoid complications.

Can a car be registered in one name and insured in another?

New York requires the names on the car insurance policy and registration documents to be the same. In other states, the names on a vehicle's registration and your proof of insurance don't have to be the same from a legal perspective. However, an insurer can decide not to insure a person whose name is not on the vehicle's registration. That's up to each insurer on a case-by-case basis. Plus, having a car insured and registered under different names may complicate the claims process.

If your state and insurer allow it, you might consider insuring and registering your vehicle under different names for several reasons, including:

• You register a new car under your teen's name and want to buy an insurance policy for them
• You want your teen to have car insurance while driving a car you own
• You own and insure a vehicle you don't use and want to gift it to a family member

Should I update my insurance if I've had a name change?

Yes. You'll need to update your insurance when you've changed your name. Here are the steps to change your name on a car insurance policy:

• Contact your insurer by phone, email, or online and let them know that you would like to change the name on your policy
• Provide proof of your name change, which might include: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document
• Fill out your insurer's paperwork and submit the documents required
• Once your insurer has updated the policy with your car insurance name change, review the updated policy documents for accuracy

You'll also want to update your driver's license and vehicle registration with your new name.

Can you have more than one person on your car insurance and registration?

Yes, you can have car insurance with two names on the title. You can (and should) add a driver to your car insurance policy if they live with you and drive your vehicle. Examples of those you might add to your policy include your teen driver or college student, roommate, friend, spouse, or significant other. If you co-own the vehicle with another person, you can list both parties on the registration.

Do I need proof of insurance to renew my registration?

Yes. Most states require proof of insurance to renew your registration. Most state departments of motor vehicles accept an insurance card, a printed statement of coverage, and, depending on your state, an electronic statement of coverage as proof of insurance. Contact your insurance company, and they can send you any documents you need to prove you have insurance.

What other options do I have?

Depending on your situation, there may be simpler ways to achieve what you want out of insuring and registering a car in different names. For example, you can have your name and someone else's name on both the registration and insurance — a simple solution in many instances. Discuss your options with your insurer to get help deciding which is right for you.

Is vehicle registration the same as car insurance?

No, your vehicle registration and car insurance aren't the same, but they are related. Showing proof of insurance to your state's minimum requirement is part of the BMV or DMV vehicle registration process. Additional steps include providing proof of ownership (car title), passing a vehicle inspection, and paying any fees. Learn about the difference between a car title and registration.

After registering your vehicle at your BMV or DMV, you'll receive your license plates, additional stickers, and registration certificate or card. On the other hand, your auto insurance policy is a separate set of documents designed to protect you in case of an accident. Most states require minimum auto insurance coverage and vehicle registration, so it's essential to have proof of insurance and registration when driving.