buying used car question

[nukenorman]

buying a used car in usa. Oregon and Washington to be exactly. Might buy it from Private party. Going with my bro drive the car home but its 1 hour drive each way. The owner does not have it insured as he no longer drives it ( its a co worker of my brothers ). How can we drive the car home on a Saturday today without it being insured? Can you get insurance on it for a few days at insurance office? Help! Thanks!

[COKid]

Is it on blocks or something? Otherwise, the owner should have it insured even if he isn't driving it. And why do you only need it insured for a few days? To check out how it runs before you decide on buying it? If that's the case, wouldn't the current owner still be responsible for insuring it and not you? As far as I'm concerned, until he signs over the title, the car is his and the insurance part is on him. Of course, I could be wrong, as I often times am. ;)

 

Have fun car-shopping! I never buy from private parties myself as it just invites problems and sore feelings later on. Just like I never borrow money to friends for the same reason, but that's beside the point.

 

With the insurance, I've only ever seen it available for a month at the minimum. I guess you could buy a month's worth and then cancel it part-way in and get a refund on the unused portion.

[xrobwx71]

I can't speak for Oregon or Washington but in Florida, if you are caught driving any vehicle without insurance, you can go to jail at the LEO's discretion. At best, you will get a ticket for knowingly driving without insurance and it will fall on the drivers license. You also need a tag to obtain insurance. In order to get a tag you must have the title in your name. I never have heard of temporary insurance (in Florida). I know this is not helpful but food for thought.

[sc302 Veteran]

You are best off getting it towed or trailered.

The second option would be to pay the guy, go to your insurance and get it insured, then go to dmv to get it registered. Can have this done in most cases in a day.

[Dashel]

I'd just risk it or as sc notes, just have it transported for you.  Might also be better to just have him drive it to a shop closer to you for a health check.

[Buttus]

do you already have car insurance on the car you drive now?  or your brother?

 

some insurances cover a car you drive temporarily, like a rental car.   you might want to check on that.

[patseguin Global Moderator]

You probably should get it insured before driving it. I did the "fake tow" thing in NYS years ago but it's a through of the dice if you get caught. You don't get thrown in jail for driving without insurance but you do get a ticket.