Can You Get Car Insurance With An Expired Registration?

You can usually buy or maintain car insurance when your vehicle registration has expired. Registration and insurance are separate requirements, so expired tags do not normally cancel an otherwise active policy. However, you generally cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads until you renew its registration.

Expired registration doesn't directly affect your insurance policy. But it does expose you to potential legal and financial consequences the moment you drive your vehicle on public roads. These consequences vary by state, and in some states by how long the registration has been expired.

Depending on your state, penalties for expired registration may include:

• Traffic citations: Law enforcement can ticket you for driving on expired tags. Fine amounts vary by state.

• Late registration penalties: Many states charge escalating late fees. The longer you go without renewing your registration, the more severe the penalties.

• Vehicle impoundment: Police may tow or impound a vehicle with significantly overdue registration, leaving you responsible for towing and storage costs.

On its own, expired registration is usually a minor, non-moving violation — an infraction in most states, though some states (such as Texas) classify it as a low-level misdemeanor.¹

A citation by itself won't cause your insurance to lapse, and your premium usually won't rise solely because of expired tags. But if your expired tags attract law enforcement scrutiny and you are cited for other violations as a result, those other violations could affect your insurance.More on that below.

An expired-registration ticket typically has a smaller effect than a moving violation, but drivers with this violation on record still pay more on average. Individual insurer treatment varies.

For reference, here are the average annual auto insurance premiums for driving records with and without an expired registration violation:

Driving with expired tags can indirectly lead to some more significant problems. For example, expired tags give police reasonable suspicion — an excuse to conduct a traffic stop. And that introduces the potential for more serious citations. 

If you're cited for something like driving under the influence or a seat-belt violation, that can cause your insurance premiums to increase at renewal. 

If you're arrested for a DUI/DWI, many states impose an automatic administrative license suspension, often for failing or refusing a breath or chemical test.The DUI/DWI arrest or charge alone does not void your policy. But a license suspension is a permitted reason for mid-term cancellation in many states, and that suspension may result in policy cancellation even before you go to trial. 

Yes, you may file a claim, and the insurance company must pay covered claims on in-force policies. However, the insurer may still deny all or part of the claim if a policy exclusion or other coverage problem applies.

Insurers generally cannot cancel an active policy mid-term simply because your tags lapsed. Mid-term cancellations are generally limited to nonpayment of premium, fraud, or a suspended or revoked driver's license.²

Specifics vary by state and carrier.

Yes. You can usually buy a new policy or keep your current one, even if your registration has expired.

Insurers will base your pricing primarily on your driving record, location, personal characteristics, and vehicle identification number (VIN), not your vehicle’s registration status.

However, some insurers may ask for proof of current registration before they'll issue or renew, so confirm the requirements with your specific carrier.

Most states require proof of insurance to register or renew. Some states, such as California, will only allow you to renew online if your insurance company reports your coverage electronically to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Since your rates ride on your driving record and vehicle rather than your registration status, having expired tags won't change what you'd pay for a new policy. Luva lets you compare quotes from carriers side by side to make sure you're not overpaying.

Keep in mind, though, that if you're cited for driving with expired tags, that violation can show up on your record and modestly raise your rate.

A registration lapse is not the same as an insurance lapse. Expired tags typically have a small effect on your car insurance rates. But letting your car insurance coverage lapse can cause your premiums to go up for years.

Renew your registration as soon as possible through your state’s motor vehicle agency. Avoid driving until your tags are current. Most states let you renew your registration online in minutes. Here’s how: 

1. Gather your renewal notice, license plate number, and the last five digits of your VIN.

2. Confirm your car insurance is active and meets your state’s minimum requirements. Most large carriers provide proof of insurance documentation via their mobile apps. 

3. Complete any required emissions, safety inspections, or smog inspections.

4. Resolve any holds, such as unpaid parking tickets or tolls, that can block your renewal.

5. Pay the renewal fee, plus any late penalties, through your state’s DMV portal, by mail, by phone, or in person.

Still have questions? While you're getting your registration current, it's a good time to make sure your coverage still fits. Compare rates on Luva.