Can You Get Insurance with Expired Tags? Here’s the Truth
Trying to get insurance with expired tags? Maybe your registration lapsed and now you’re ready to get back on the road—but you’re wondering if insurance companies will work with you. The short answer is:
Can You Get Insurance with Expired Tags?
Yes, you can get car insurance with expired tags. Most insurance companies don’t require your registration to be current in order to issue or renew a policy. Their main concern is the vehicle’s VIN, your driving history, and insurability—not whether your tags are up to date.
However, there are some catches you need to be aware of.
How Insurance and Registration Are Connected (But Not the Same)
Here’s what you need to know:
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Insurance covers the vehicle and driver—not the registration status.
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Registration is managed by your state DMV, and it requires proof of insurance before renewal.
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You can insure an unregistered vehicle, but you usually can’t register an uninsured vehicle.
So, even if your tags are expired, you can get insured first—and you’ll likely need to show that policy to get your tags reinstated.
Why You Might Need to Get Insurance First
Here are a few common situations where this comes up:
1. You’re Renewing Lapsed Registration
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If your tags expired months ago, the DMV will require proof of current insurance before letting you renew.
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Most states won’t let you register without insurance, so getting coverage is your first step.
2. You Just Bought a Car with Expired Tags
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You need insurance before you can register it, even if the previous owner’s registration was expired.
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Insurers don’t care about the tag—just the VIN and proof of ownership.
3. You’re Reinstating a Suspended Registration
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If your registration was suspended due to insurance lapse, you’ll need:
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A current policy
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Possibly an SR-22 filing (in some states)
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Will Insurance Cost More If My Tags Are Expired?
Not directly. Insurance companies don’t typically charge more just because your tags are expired.
But they might:
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Charge more if your insurance coverage lapsed along with your registration
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Look at how long your vehicle was uninsured or unregistered, especially if it suggests high risk
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Require additional documentation if the vehicle has been off the road for a long time
To keep your premiums low:
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Be honest about the lapse
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Shop around for quotes
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Ask about non-owner or parked car coverage if the car isn’t being driven yet
Can I Drive with Expired Tags if I Have Insurance?
No—insurance does not make it legal to drive with expired tags.
Even if your car is fully insured:
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You can still be ticketed or fined for expired tags
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Your car could be towed or impounded
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It could affect liability in an accident, especially if the vehicle is considered not legally roadworthy
Important: Insurance is required to be legal, but it doesn’t override other state laws like registration or inspection requirements.
How to Get Insurance with Expired Tags (Step-by-Step)
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Choose a provider (GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, etc.)
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Get a quote using your VIN, license number, and vehicle info
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Be transparent about the registration status if asked
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Pay for the policy and get proof of insurance
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Take that proof to the DMV to update your registration and tags
Some insurers may ask why the car isn’t currently registered, but this usually doesn’t block coverage.
When You Might Have Trouble
While most insurers allow you to get a policy with expired tags, a few scenarios can complicate things:
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Long-term lapses in both insurance and registration
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Missing or invalid VIN
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Vehicle flagged as non-roadworthy
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Suspended license or outstanding DMV fees
If that’s your case, you may need to:
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Pay outstanding DMV fines
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Provide a VIN inspection or proof of repairs
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Work with a high-risk or non-standard insurance carrier
Conclusion
Yes, you can absolutely get car insurance with expired tags. In fact, it’s often the first step toward renewing your registration and getting back on the road legally.
Just remember: insurance keeps you financially protected, but it doesn’t make driving with expired tags legal. Always handle both the insurance and the DMV paperwork to stay fully covered and compliant.
Ready to renew your policy and get legal again? Start by getting quotes online and secure coverage—then bring your proof of insurance to the DMV and update those tags today.
