How to Get Auto Insurance on a Used Car

Auto · Originally published February 24, 2016 · Updated November 2026

Buying a used car is exciting, but the paperwork can sneak up on you. Insurance is one of the easiest pieces to handle if you do it in the right order. Ideally you'll have a quote before you buy and coverage in place before you drive the car home.

Here's how to approach it.

Get a quote before you commit

Insurance costs can vary a lot from one vehicle to another, even among cars with similar sticker prices. Before you settle on a car, ask the seller for:

• The year, make and model
• The trim level, if you can get it
• The VIN (vehicle identification number)

With that information, we can give you a realistic quote. It's better to learn that a particular model costs more to insure before you sign anything. Our car buying insurance checklist has a longer list of things to gather.

Have coverage in place before you drive it

If you already have an auto policy, some policies extend coverage to a newly purchased vehicle for a short period. How long that lasts, and what coverage carries over, depends on your policy, so don't assume. A quick call before you pick up the car removes the guesswork.

If you don't currently have insurance, you'll need a policy before you drive the car on public roads. Missouri requires liability coverage of at least 25/50/25 plus uninsured motorist coverage, and you'll need proof of insurance to register the car. You can buy a policy from us by phone and get proof of insurance by email, which helps if you're standing on the lot or in someone's driveway.

Dealer sale vs. private sale

The insurance steps are mostly the same, but there are a few differences:

• Dealer: If you're financing, the dealer and lender will usually want proof of insurance before you leave. Have your agent's phone number handy.
• Private seller: The seller's insurance generally doesn't follow the car to you. Plan on your own coverage starting the day you take ownership. Make sure the title is signed over correctly so registration goes smoothly.

Choose coverage that fits the car

A used car doesn't automatically mean liability-only. Think about:

• Liability: Required, and it protects you if you hurt someone or damage their property. Consider limits above the minimum.
• Collision and comprehensive: These cover damage to your own car. If you're financing, your lender will almost always require them. If you're paying cash, weigh the car's value against what you'd pay out of pocket to repair or replace it. See what full coverage means.
• Gap coverage: If you owe more than the car is worth, gap coverage can help pay the difference after a total loss. Read gap insurance explained.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Missouri requires UM, and higher limits are worth considering.

Don't forget to update the old car

If this car replaces one you already insure, let us know so the old vehicle comes off your policy at the right time. If you sold it, remove it after the sale is final. If you're keeping both, we'll add the new one alongside it.

Talk to a local agent

Before you buy, call us at 417.865.4800 with the VIN and we'll get you a quote and proof of insurance. You can also see our auto insurance options.

Common questions

Does my current policy cover a used car I just bought?

Some policies extend coverage to a newly acquired car for a limited time, but the rules vary. Call your agent before you drive it home to confirm.

Does the seller's insurance cover me on the drive home?

Generally no. Plan to have your own coverage in place from the moment you take ownership.

Do I need full coverage on a used car?

If you have a loan, your lender will usually require it. If you're paying cash, it depends on the car's value and what you could afford to replace.

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