Assistance Needed for First-Time Car Owner Insurance (Relocating States)
I’m moving from Boston, Massachusetts to Denver, Colorado at the end of this month, and I plan to finance a 2025 Mazda CX-30 to help me with the move (all my belongings fit in the car) by mid-March. I haven’t owned a car for nearly a decade since living in Boston, where I was insured under my parents’ policy. Therefore, I currently don’t have my own auto insurance.
To ensure everything is legal, I’m wondering: when I finance the car in Massachusetts, do I need to register and get insurance there first, then do the same after moving to Colorado? Or would it be simpler to rent a car for the trip to Colorado and purchase the vehicle directly there?
In the first scenario, I know there are options like temporary registration and finding an insurance provider that covers both states, but I’m seeking clarity since the information available online isn’t very straightforward. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Congratulations on your new car and your move to Denver! Here are some steps to help clarify your situation regarding insurance and registration:
Insurance Requirements: Most lenders will require you to have insurance on the vehicle at the time of financing, regardless of where you register it. Since you haven’t owned a car for nearly a decade, you might want to shop around for insurance carriers that cater to first-time car owners. Many major insurers operate in both Massachusetts and Colorado, which could simplify things for you.
Registering the Car: If you’re financing the car in Massachusetts, you’ll likely need to register it there first. Massachusetts law typically requires that you have insurance before you can register, so you’ll need to get your policy sorted out before going through the registration process.
Moving and Registering in Colorado: Once you move to Colorado, you’ll have a set period (usually 90 days) to register your vehicle there after establishing residency. This means you’ll need to update your insurance policy to reflect your new address and potentially get a new policy that adheres to Colorado’s insurance requirements.
Consider Rental vs. Financing: Renting a car to drive to Colorado and purchasing your vehicle there can be a viable option. This approach allows you to avoid the hassle of registering and insuring the car in two states. In Denver, you can shop for vehicles and insurance at your convenience, ensuring you’re fully set up before making a purchase.
Temporary Registration: If you do go with financing in Massachusetts, check if they offer temporary registration. This can sometimes give you a window to get to Colorado without the immediate requirement to register in your new state.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your particular timeline and comfort level with managing paperwork across two states. It’s a good idea to contact insurance carriers and the DMV in both states for the most specific guidance to your situation. Safe travels and best of luck with your new car!