<p>We are in California. My daughter wants to buy a used car from a friend. (the car is fine).</p>
<p>How does auto insurance work?</p>
<p>She is given the title when she pays for the car…do you get insurance in advance?</p>
<p>I guess I can ask my agent…:)</p>
<p>It varies from state to state, but we make the call to the insurance BEFORE it is in our possession.</p>
<p>If your D is a currently insured driver, on your policy for example, there is usually a grace period of a few days to several weeks for her to get insurance on the new (to her) car. She will contact the insurance co with all the details after she completes the purchase. She should call the insurance co beforehand to learn all the details and procedures.</p>
<p>I’m in California and my insurance company gives a grace period on a new (or used) car puchase - i.e. you’re covered right away. Just contact the insurance agent the same or next business day to be safe. I didn’t assume this but actually checked with them on this point in the past. </p>
<p>To be even safer ask the question to your insurance agent.</p>
<p>thanks…</p>
<p>Go to the official California DMV web page and read all about what to do.
It explains all about title change, blah, blah, blah.</p>
<p>Wow-- you are in a buying mood these days, dstark!!</p>
<p>When we sold my dad’s car (not in CA) we signed over the title and the current inspection, but has to turn in the registration and plates to the state DMV. The new owner took the title and inspection to the DMV, registered the car and also contacted her insurance carrier. In my state people put “tag applied for” ont ehcar and seem to get away with it for a few days , and there is a temp tag that is given from dealerships and used car lots. Not sure if thats true in all states.</p>
<p>^^ In Ca the plates follow the car. This is one reason why classic and antique cars have a bit of extra sale value if they have the original plates on them.</p>
<p>Thanks for clarifying uscd-
I seem to recall the new owner had to show proof of insurance (email/printout) at the time she registered the car. So yes, I’d call your insu carrier and get the ball rolling</p>
<p>my DS recently bought a used car from a private owner He was transferring his tag from his previous (totalled 
) car but he had to also show proof of a recent inspection too.</p>