Oregon Automobile Insurance Question
Reader’s Question:
I have an Oregon automobile insurance question for you. I’m thinking of selling my old car and buying a new one. Yay! Can my old auto insurance policy extend to the new vehicle I’m going to purchase? I’m not going anywhere anyway, I’ll still be living here in Salem, OR. I hate paperwork.
Lisa
Salem, OR
Wow, a new car! That must be exciting. And I understand too well that it sucks to think about stuff like insurance when all you can think about is car colors! I’ll try my best to help you out. To start off, you don’t actually need to purchase new automotive insurance before buying a new car, and you don’t necessarily have to inform your insurance company beforehand. That would be a little too much like asking permission, and you should be able to buy that gorgeous baby whenever you want. Your old insurance policy will cover your new car, at least temporarily, and only an as-is basis. If, for instance, you only have liability coverage on your old vehicle, you’ll still have only liability coverage on the new. The problem there is if you’re borrowing money to finance the purchase, your bank will most likely require you to take out comprehensive coverage. In that case, you have to call your agent there in Salem, OR to add coverage.
Different insurance companies have different grace periods, too, for you to notify them of the purchase. If your time has elapsed, certain coverages may be removed. The upshot is though you don’t have to inform them first, you will eventually have to do so. I find it best to get the paperwork out of the way as soon as possible, so you can enjoy that ride the sooner.
