No, you should never drive a car to a new owner without insurance. In virtually every U.S. state, it is illegal to operate a vehicle on public roads without at least a minimum amount of liability insurance. The moment you drive off, you are financially responsible for any damage or injury you might cause. If you are caught, you face severe penalties including fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Even a minor fender-bender could lead to devastating financial liability if you are uninsured.
The safest approach depends on your specific situation. If you are selling the car privately, the ideal method is to maintain your own insurance policy until the very moment the sale is finalized and the title is transferred. Drive the car to meet the buyer only if you are fully covered. Alternatively, the buyer can purchase their own insurance policy beforehand and provide you with proof. Some states also offer temporary permits for specific situations like transferring vehicle ownership.
If meeting in person isn't feasible, consider having the buyer pick up the car at your residence or using a neutral, safe location for the exchange where the vehicle doesn't need to be driven by you after the sale. The key is to ensure there is no gap in insurance coverage while the car is on the road.
| State | Minimum Liability Coverage (Bodily Injury/Property Damage) | Common Penalty for First-Time No-Insurance Offense |
|---|
| California | 15/30/5 | Fine of $100-$200, vehicle impounded |
| Texas | 30/60/25 | Fine up to $350, plus surcharges |
| Florida | 10/20/10 (or $30,000 PDMI) | License suspension, reinstatement fee |
| New York | 25/50/10 | Fine of $150-$1,500, license revoked |
| Illinois | 25/50/20 | Fine of $500-$1,000, license suspension |
