Is it illegal to purchase a car and leave the dealership with no insurance?

The legality of purchasing a car without insurance before leaving a dealership varies by jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, it may be illegal, while in others, it may be allowed with certain conditions or penalties. It's important to check the specific laws and regulations in your area to ensure compliance.

In general, most states require drivers to have auto insurance before they can legally operate a vehicle on public roads. This means that if you purchase a car, you will need to have insurance coverage in place before you can drive it away from the dealership.

Some dealerships may offer temporary insurance coverage to allow you to drive the car from the dealership to your home or another location, but this is typically only for a short period of time and may have additional fees or restrictions.

If you are caught driving a car without insurance, you may face legal penalties, including fines, points on your driver's license, or even vehicle impoundment. In addition, you may be held liable for damages caused by any accidents or injuries that occur while driving without insurance.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended to obtain auto insurance coverage before purchasing a car and to always maintain valid insurance while operating a vehicle on public roads.