Reader’s Question:

This year I am planning to buy my first used car. I am just wondering if I need to get used car insurance in California first before I buy the car?

Erik

Los Angeles CA

If this is your first car then yes you will have to obtain used car insurance before taking over the ownership of a used car in the state of California. If you already have car insurance and you are just replacing a car on your existing car insurance policy then the car insurance coverage might insure your first used car for a couple of days. I suggest that you check with California Laws to be sure and ask your car insurance company.

Keep in mind that before you buy a used car, I would advise you to speak with your car insurance company to inform them about the car you might want to buy. Your car insurance agent should be able to provide you a car insurance quote of what it will cost to add the car to your car insurance policy, that may be able to help you budget for your used car and used car insurance purchase. Your car insurance carrier will be able to inform you when you should call and add the car so it will be have coverage.