Auto Insurance in the U.S.

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

This is something I'll have to deal with next month, but I really don't know where to start.

I'm currently insured in Vancouver with ICBC, which is the only basic insurance company one can use in this province. As a result, I'm totally a babe in the woods when it comes to the U.S. auto insurance system.

So I'm guessing I have to go down to the DMV right away and get registered there, correct? Then after that, I have to shop around for auto insurance? What will I need? I won't have a job or SSN when I first get down there, so will that be a problem? Can one drive without insurance for awhile, or is that illegal? Who gives you your license plates -- the DMV or the insurance company?

Any information -- or links to information! -- from a Canadian perspective would be greatly appreciated!

[Malrothien 6]

It is illegal to drive in the US without insurance. The DMV issues license plates - it is not the same company like it is in BC.

You will have to register your car then call around and ask for quotes - you will need your VIN. Like I said in the other thread, the prices will be affected by not having a credit history in the US.

[Sam and Ben 2]

We bought a car - my husband and I - put it under his name and then just added me to his insurance.

He has AllState, and they took me using my Ontario DL. They only asked that I update their records as soon as I have a Florida DL. No need for SSN.

[Malrothien 6]

That's most likely because you're just an added driver, Sam. When I had car insurance they required my SSN because of the credit report pulling.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

This is something I'll have to deal with next month, but I really don't know where to start.

I'm currently insured in Vancouver with ICBC, which is the only basic insurance company one can use in this province. As a result, I'm totally a babe in the woods when it comes to the U.S. auto insurance system.

So I'm guessing I have to go down to the DMV right away and get registered there, correct? Then after that, I have to shop around for auto insurance? What will I need? I won't have a job or SSN when I first get down there, so will that be a problem? Can one drive without insurance for awhile, or is that illegal? Who gives you your license plates -- the DMV or the insurance company?

Any information -- or links to information! -- from a Canadian perspective would be greatly appreciated!

It varies by State. For example, in Georgia you need to have a Georgia's driver's license or state identification before you can register a vehicle, must register within 30 days of becoming a resident, must provide proof of valid insurance, proof of Georgia title for the vehicle (or apply for it at the same time with documentation to prove you will own the vehicle after you've finished paying for it), proof of a passed emissions standards test, and pay a fee and an ad valorem tax that is determined by the value of the vehicle. They aren't called license plates here, but 'tags' so you go to the tag office to pay the fee and to obtain the 'tags' (plates). Check the DMV or google 'registering your car in . . . " for your State to find out what is exactly required. There are different requirements in Georgia for out of state cars and out of country cars as well.

I would be pretty confident that it is illegal to drive without insurance anywhere in the US.

Yes, Allstate took me on as an additional driver under my husband's insurance as well using my Ontario license and information. We bought me a used car shortly after I moved here and it is registered in both of our names.

Edited February 3, 2010 by Kathryn41

[zenaxe 22]

It varies by State. For example, in Georgia you need to have a Georgia's driver's license or state identification before you can register a vehicle, must register within 30 days of becoming a resident, must provide proof of valid insurance, proof of Georgia title for the vehicle (or apply for it at the same time with documentation to prove you will own the vehicle after you've finished paying for it), proof of a passed emissions standards test, and pay a fee and an ad valorem tax that is determined by the value of the vehicle. They aren't called license plates here, but 'tags' so you go to the tag office to pay the fee and to obtain the 'tags' (plates). Check the DMV or google 'registering your car in . . . " for your State to find out what is exactly required. There are different requirements in Georgia for out of state cars and out of country cars as well.

I would be pretty confident that it is illegal to drive without insurance anywhere in the US.

Moreover, some places want you to get emissions testing on your car before they can register your vehicle.

[MrsCat 6]

Question, does your wife have an auto and insurance that she can add you on to? That is usually the easiest way.

[Rhiannercakes 14]

AAA seems pretty good. My fiance's 34 and he pays less than 400 a year for his car insurance.

Probably varies though, of course.

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Question, does your wife have an auto and insurance that she can add you on to? That is usually the easiest way.

Her policy isn't based out of Virginia, unfortunately. (Long story).

[Marilyn. 340]

we just added me to my hubby's insurance... we pay about 90 bucks a month for full coverage on two cars... we don't have one of the big name insurance companies though

[Sc0tt28 26]

This is something I'll have to deal with next month, but I really don't know where to start.

I'm currently insured in Vancouver with ICBC, which is the only basic insurance company one can use in this province. As a result, I'm totally a babe in the woods when it comes to the U.S. auto insurance system.

So I'm guessing I have to go down to the DMV right away and get registered there, correct? Then after that, I have to shop around for auto insurance? What will I need? I won't have a job or SSN when I first get down there, so will that be a problem? Can one drive without insurance for awhile, or is that illegal? Who gives you your license plates -- the DMV or the insurance company?

Any information -- or links to information! -- from a Canadian perspective would be greatly appreciated!

Like others said, it depends on the state. Being from Langley, BC are you staying in the NW or moving a bit further? Just curious but I'm from NW WA and could give you some tips if you are staying in the area. Otherwise, the other posters have given you good advice. Spouse would likely add you onto his/her policy. If you are importing your Canadian vehicle make sure you get your Customs Form 7501, take that to your local DMV to get it registered and yes, you shop around for your auto insurance. The plates are supplied by the DMV (at least here in WA). Again, others said driving without insurance is illegal...they are right about that.

[biglos 0]

I'm dealing with the same thing, I'm coming from Burnaby. What I'm going to do is keep my ICBC, drive over to my POE register my car, then head to Farmers Insurance (My wife's insurance company) in Everett, Washington and get insurance for my car, then when Im back in Burnaby for a visit or maybe by phone (you just have to mail back the plates, call ICBC if see its that's okay, I haven't asked yet), maybe months end, I'll go pay my $30 dollar cancellation fee for my Autoplan 12 and I should be good. So the insurances will over lap and you are covered. That's my plan. I hope it makes sense.

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Like others said, it depends on the state. Being from Langley, BC are you staying in the NW or moving a bit further? Just curious but I'm from NW WA and could give you some tips if you are staying in the area. Otherwise, the other posters have given you good advice. Spouse would likely add you onto his/her policy. If you are importing your Canadian vehicle make sure you get your Customs Form 7501, take that to your local DMV to get it registered and yes, you shop around for your auto insurance. The plates are supplied by the DMV (at least here in WA). Again, others said driving without insurance is illegal...they are right about that.

I'll be moving to Washington...but Washington D.C.!

Okay, so Customs Form 7501 -- that's what they give you after you import your car, correct? I've already got the importation clearance forms from General Motors, so I'm squared away there.

I guess what I'm wrapping my mind around is how the DMV differs from the insurance company. In B.C. they're one and the same, so I'm trying to figure out how they differ in the States.

So once you register your car in the state, THEN you get insurance? So what about the time between registration and insurance? You can't drive? I'll still be covered by my Canadian insurance, mind you, so that should last for about a month after POE.

Okay, I think I'm starting to get the gist of the process. My main concern is that I likely won't have a SSN right away, nor will I have an established credit history or even a job when I first get down there. Adding me to my wife's policy isn't an option, for various reasons. It looks like it will have to be me alone at the start, then eventually adding my wife.

[zenaxe 22]

AAA seems pretty good. My fiance's 34 and he pays less than 400 a year for his car insurance.

Probably varies though, of course.

Wow that's pretty cheap. I'm bringing down two cars likely and insurance in BC is expensive. Mind you , one is an expensive sports car but stil...I am hoping that I can save money on insurance down south, because ICBC has been kicking us in the gooch for years with overpriced insurance.

[Malrothien 6]

DMV = strictly licensing, tags, plates, registration of vehicles, emissions, etc.

Insurance is strictly insurance and nothing more.