Insurance Guidance for First-Time Car Owners (Relocating States)
I’m relocating from Boston, Massachusetts to Denver, Colorado at the end of this month and planning to finance a 2025 Mazda CX-30 to help transport my belongings. I haven’t owned a car in nearly a decade, as I’ve been under my parents’ insurance since I was 18. Consequently, I currently don’t have an auto insurance policy.
To ensure that I’m compliant with the law, I’m trying to figure out the best way to handle insurance and registration. When I finance the car in Massachusetts, do I need to register and insure it there first before making the move to Colorado? Or would it be simpler to rent a car to get to Colorado and buy the Mazda once I’m settled there?
If I go with the first option, I’m aware that there might be temporary registration or the possibility of selecting an insurance provider that operates in both states. I’m hoping to get some clarity on this process, as the information I’ve found online has been a bit confusing. Thanks for your help!
Congratulations on your upcoming move and on your decision to purchase your first car! Navigating insurance and registration when moving between states can be a bit tricky, but I’m here to help clarify the process.
Insurance Requirements: When you finance a car, lenders typically require you to have insurance in place before you can complete the purchase. In Massachusetts, you will need to obtain insurance before financing the car. After you’ve secured insurance, you’ll also need to register the vehicle in Massachusetts.
Temporary Registration: If you plan to drive the car to Colorado after purchasing it in Massachusetts, check if Massachusetts offers temporary registration. This would allow you to legally drive the vehicle to your new state.
Registering in Colorado: Once you arrive in Colorado, you will need to register the vehicle there and potentially obtain a new insurance policy, as auto insurance laws and requirements differ from state to state. Colorado requires you to register your vehicle within 90 days of moving there.
Purchase in Colorado: Alternatively, purchasing the Mazda CX-30 directly in Colorado may simplify things. You could rent a car to drive there, then secure insurance in Colorado and register the vehicle right away. This way, you don’t have to deal with the complexities of temporary registrations and dual state requirements.
Insurance Carrier: If you choose to finance in Massachusetts, try to find an insurance provider that operates in both states. This can make transitioning your policy to Colorado easier once you move.
I recommend contacting insurance agents in both states to discuss your situation, as they can give tailored guidance based on specific regulations in Massachusetts and Colorado. Good luck with your move and enjoy your new car!