How to Check if the Compulsory Traffic Insurance for a Used Car Has Expired?
3 Answers
Methods to check if the compulsory traffic insurance for a used car has expired are as follows: 1. Check the compulsory insurance label on the vehicle's front windshield. 2. Review the insurance policy. The policy will indicate the specific date when the insurance was purchased. 3. Call the insurance company's customer service hotline for inquiries. Generally, providing the vehicle details will allow you to check the policy's expiration date. 4. Visit the vehicle management office, administrative hall, or insurance company counter in person for inquiries. You will need to bring your vehicle license and driver's license. 5. Online inquiry. You can download the mobile app of the insurance company that covers the vehicle or visit their official website on a PC, then enter your vehicle details to check the status.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, checking the expiration of compulsory traffic insurance is crucial when buying a used car. The simplest method is to look at the upper right corner of the windshield after getting in the car—there's a compulsory insurance sticker with the validity period clearly printed on it. If the sticker is worn or missing, you should request a copy of the original car's insurance policy to verify the coverage start and end dates. Nowadays, mobile apps make it very convenient—for example, search for 'vehicle insurance inquiry' in Alipay, enter the license plate number and VIN, and results appear in seconds. Don’t skip this step—if you drive with expired insurance, the traffic police can fine you at least 200 RMB, and worse, you’ll be on the hook for accident costs without coverage. I once bought a used car without checking thoroughly, only to find out after transfer that the insurance was just days from expiring. I had to renew it immediately to drive with peace of mind. So, I strongly advise backing up this information before the deal, including it in the contract with both parties' signatures, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
As a young car enthusiast who frequently uses auto-related apps, checking this is super easy. Just open the WeChat Mini Program, search for 'Auto Insurance Service' or 'Compulsory Insurance Inquiry,' then enter the license plate details and VIN number—the system will instantly display the insurance expiry date and insurer details. Alipay offers similar features with comparable steps, and you can even scan the policy QR code to verify authenticity. When inspecting a car in person, simply ask the seller to show a screenshot of the e-policy for verification. Skipping this check means driving an uninsured car carries huge risks: getting fined and penalized if stopped by authorities, or footing the entire bill in an accident. For used car transactions, I prioritize this step—after verifying, I save a screenshot or print the proof for records, ensuring timely renewal after taking ownership. Don’t risk major losses over minor oversights.
