Car insurance coverage with expired tabs

June 30, 2009 8:30 AM

Will car insurance still cover a car with expired tabs?

asking this for a friend:

Am I covered by my car insurance if I drive with expired tabs? I recently moved from WA to MN. In the process my vehicle tabs expired and my vehicle title was lost. I can't re-register in WA because I don't have an address there. I can't register in MN because I haven't received the replacement title yet. I realize that by driving the vehicle I am risking a fine for tabs, but if I get in an accident will my insurance still cover me?

posted by mcstayinskool to Law & Government (10 answers total)

I would advise you to call your insurance company and ask this question.
posted by HuronBob at 8:43 AM on June 30, 2009

My friend asked me to ask this question because he specifically doesn't want to do that. While HuronBob's suggestion is a good one, he's looking for an answer without making that call.
posted by mcstayinskool at 9:09 AM on June 30, 2009

tags

And yes, I think so. But that's no guarantee.
posted by entropic at 9:15 AM on June 30, 2009

I think this is dependent on the policy. They often have an exemption clause if the car was being used to do something illegal, in this case driving.
posted by JaredSeth at 9:40 AM on June 30, 2009

If you can't call your insurance company and ask this question, surely you can read the actual policy. Some insurance companies let you read your policy documents online. Maybe you can search and find out.

It really does depend on the policy. But also try to call MN's DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services) and see if you can get some sort of temporary registration while you wait for your replacement title.

(They're called tabs in WA, btw.)
posted by bedhead at 9:44 AM on June 30, 2009

You could always call the insurance company and ask the question without providing any identifying information...don't give a name or policy number, just ask the question.
posted by AltReality at 10:11 AM on June 30, 2009

I emailed my insurance company to ask what their policy is on this sort of thing. Asked "for a friend" your friend could do the same thing.
posted by jessamyn at 10:19 AM on June 30, 2009

My friend asked me to ask this question because he specifically doesn't want to do that. While HuronBob's suggestion is a good one, he's looking for an answer without making that call.

Your friend needs to call the insurance company whether he wants to or not. It's not like they're going to rescind his policy for asking.

"Hi, I'm in a situation where I won't have car tags for a few weeks, if I have to drive during that period, will I be covered by my policy?"

Simple.
posted by toomuchpete at 10:42 AM on June 30, 2009

In NY the DMV will send you a replacement copy of your title, sometimes even by express mail. Perhaps WA does the same?
posted by Kellydamnit at 10:34 PM on June 30, 2009

My insurance company said this

Dear Ms. West,

In response to your question: Yes your vehicle would be covered in the event of a loss even if it is not registered with The Department of Motor Vehicles for your state.

However, it is required by law in every state to have your car registered if it's going to be driven. So even though your protected in the event of a loss on your vehicle you still could receive fees or fines by not having your vehicle registered if stopped by law enforcement or possibly from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you have any additional questions contact USAA by e-mail or call 800-531-8722.

Thank You

John C Day

posted by jessamyn at 8:35 AM on July 1, 2009