When buying your first car, do you need insurance to drive it off the lot?

Depends on your local laws where you live....

But generally you can pre-arrange cover with your insurance company, giving them some basic details about the car you want to buy, so they can quote you a price for insurance. Then call then with the exact details once you have the car picked out, and they can start the cover from then.

Some places have different rules, and say you not only have to be insured, but you have to carry proof with you. Not sure how they arrange that, but a call to you insurance company will fill you in on what your local rules are.

Legally, you need insurance. However, unless the dealer was involved in financing it, they aren't really the insurance police and its not their problem if you drive it away without it. Its yours.

You could get a ticket without it.

Generally, if you are financing it, the lender wont fund the loan without proof of insurance so in that case the dealer will demand it so they can get paid.

I curbed cars for a dozen years for cash. And Id say a good 70% drove away without insurance. A few were anal about it and we did the deal in the insurance office.

First car, second car, tenth car...all need insurance before you drive off the lot.

Yes you do need insurance before the car can move an inch.

Yes.

I always have.