Do I Need Car Insurance Before I Buy A Used Car? 
In most states you are required to be financially responsible in order to operate a car on the public roads . Being financially responsible means own auto insurance on the car for most people . It is possible to purchase a car and never drive it , some collectors do that . So the key is not in buying a car but in operating it . Dont forget that in most states the registered owner is the one who will be held responsible for anything that happens . To protect themselves auto dealers frequently require evidence of insurance before allowing the car to leave the sales lot . 