Reader’s Question:

In Albany, New York, do you have to register the car before insuring it or is it the other way around?

Jim

Albany, NY

In Albany, New York you need to insure your car before registering it. When registering a car one of the items you need to bring to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is a NYS Insurance Identification Card (FS-20).

The Insurance Identification Card can be a fax or a copy, but the barcode must be readable by a Department of Motor Vehicle barcode reader. After you purchase a car, bring the proof of ownership to an insurance broker or agent authorized to do business in NYS, and get this required insurance card.