Question - Buying a car from WI

1G_DSM · 10-05-2011

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** · 10-05-2011

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 · 10-05-2011

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 · 10-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kracka

I think in WI license plates stay with the owner .

Correct.

**dzuest** · 10-05-2011

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** · 10-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 10-05-2011

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 · 10-05-2011

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** · 10-05-2011

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

C3L1CA · 10-05-2011

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.

blackawdtsi · 10-05-2011

Just drive the sucker home, a cop will understand if you just bought the car. Make sure you have the dated title and insurance card for another car in your hand though.

If you do switch plates and get caught, let me know how the felony stop goes.

CVD · 10-05-2011

When I bought a car out of state I worked it out to mail his plates back to him. I think you'd be fine with no plates though. If you put your own plate from a different car on there and a cop runs it and it doesn't match they're going to think the car/plates were stolen. They'll probably let you go but you might get pulled over by about 4 squads and fuck around on the side of the freeway for half an hour depending on the cop.

1G_DSM · 10-05-2011

Thanks everyone!! I think I got it now.

**Goat Blower** · 10-05-2011

Just drive without plates and strap a case or two of beer to the roof, that way you can bribe the cops when you get pulled over.

1QUICK4 · 10-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzuest

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.

That is a myth

In MN you must have insurance on the vehicle to legally drive it on a public road. (no grace period)

Call your agent when you buy the car and have him add/transfer a policy over the phone.

tpunx99GSX · 10-11-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1QUICK4

That is a myth

In MN you must have insurance on the vehicle to legally drive it on a public road. (no grace period)

Call your agent when you buy the car and have him add/transfer a policy over the phone.

This.
The agent can do it in a matter of minutes.

Revobasher · 10-11-2011

Guessing you are not financing but if you are don't f up like me.. I forgot to roll the sales tax into the loan.. when I titled the car (came from NY) I had to cut a $1900 check to the DMV.. to add insult to injury they said the car shows a higher KBB than what I paid.. which is BS since I paid $24k and the KBB is $22k. I had to give them another $37 to get my plates.. OWNED