Question - Buying a car from WI

[1G_DSM]

I'm broadening my search for a DSM and looking into WI for one. My question is, if I were to buy a car in WI, what do I do? Is there anything different that I have to do? Like get insurance for it right away so I can drive it back. I just don't want to be ripped off or screwed over if I get pulled over.

[Kracka]

Car insurance wise, as long as you're already a policy holder, you'll be fine, but it wouldn't hurt to give your agent a call beforehand just so s/he is aware.

I think in WI license plates stay with the owner so you'll probably want to bring a license plate registered in your name along with you. I did this when I bought my IX from Michigan.

[1G_DSM]

They keep the plates? How do you go about getting new plates for a sale like this? Sorry for all the dumb questions, I've never bought a car out of state before or very often for that matter.

[rose0529]

I think in WI license plates stay with the owner .


Correct.

[dzuest]

Like Kracka said, call your agent to let them know, but you'll be fine driving it back as long as you're a policy holder.
I'm not 100% sure on the law but i think you get X amount of time after you buy the car and drive it back to get it insured.

[dzuest]

They keep the plates? How do you go about getting new plates for a sale like this? Sorry for all the dumb questions, I've never bought a car out of state before or very often for that matter.

You'll get new plates from the MN DMV once you show them the title and register it. That's why he said to bring one of your current plates with you.

[1G_DSM]

So wait a minute I'm lost. So let's say I go over to WI to look at a car and decide I want to buy it on the spot. I pay the guy, I get the title, then the previous owner takes the plates off and keeps them, I drive back with a car without any plates?

Or do I have to get MN plates first then go look at the car? What if I get MN plates and I go to see the car but decide I don't want the car. What happens to the MN plates?

[93gtpeater]

You can drive it with out plates. All you need is the title with your name on it and proof of insurance with you. Insurance doesnt have to have the car on it. Its just proof that you are have insurance. if you buy a car you are suppose to drive it from where you bought it from to the dmv or to your house. I have boughting a car from wi and that is what I have done. If you do get pullied over you just tell them what you are doing and you will be fine.

[Kracka]

When I bought my IX in Michigan I threw a plate from my S2k on it for the drive home.

[C3L1CA]

When I just picked up my daily in chicago I drove home with no plates and drove to the dmv the next day. I'd write up a bill of sale and as long as you have the title and other insurance you should be just fine if you get pulled over.

When you go transfer the title you'll get new mn plates on the spot.