By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

“Because once you take the keys… it’s yours — for better or worse.”

Buying a car from a private seller can be a great way to save money. You might find a deal that’s way better than what the dealerships are offering.

But here’s the thing most people don’t realize:

Once that title is signed and you drive away, whatever happens is on you. And no finance manager is double-checking the paperwork or reminding you about insurance — so you’ve got to be a little more careful.

If you’re buying a car from someone on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even a friend of a friend, here’s what you really want to know before heading home with your “new” ride.

1. You Need Insurance Before You Drive Away

• Let’s start with the big one: you need insurance on the car before you hit the road. A lot of people assume there’s some sort of grace period. That’s not always true.

• Some insurance companies give a short automatic coverage window for new vehicles — but only if you already have a policy in place. If you don’t? You’re not covered at all, even for the drive home. Call your agent before you pick up the car. It takes just a few minutes to get temporary coverage or add the new vehicle to your policy.

2. Check the VIN — Not Just the Paint Job

• Private sales can be a bit of a gamble. The car might look great in the photos and even sound good during a test drive. But without a dealership inspection or warranty, it’s easy to miss big problems.

• Always run the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) through a service like Carfax or AutoCheck. It’ll show you things like accident history, odometer rollbacks, or salvage titles.
  If the seller won’t give you the VIN or gets weird about it — walk away.

3. Make Sure the Title Is Clean — and Signed Properly

• You don’t officially own the car until the title is signed over. That means no missing signatures, no liens from banks, and no confusion over whose name is on it.

• In New Mexico, the seller should also provide a bill of sale and a valid emissions certificate if the vehicle is from a county that requires it.
• Titles that aren’t in the seller’s name (a red flag) or ones with errors, white-out, or anything that looks… sketchy.

4. You’ll Need to Head to the MVD — Fast

• Once the car’s yours, you’ve got 30 days to get it titled and registered in your name — but if you wait too long, you might be driving illegally.

You’ll need:

• The signed title;
• A bill of sale;
• Proof of insurance;
• Emissions certificate (if required); and
• Your ID and payment for the fees.

Don’t wait until day 29:

• If something’s wrong with the paperwork or title, it could take time to fix — and you don’t want to miss the deadline.

5. The Car Comes As-Is — So Be 100% Sure Before You Buy

• There’s no warranty when you buy from a private seller unless they specifically offer one (rare). So, if the engine goes out a week later? That’s on you.

• That’s why it’s smart to have a mechanic look at the car before you buy it. Most shops will do a quick pre-purchase inspection for around $100 — way cheaper than getting stuck with a lemon.

It’s your responsibility now:

• Once that title changes hands, you own everything — the good, the bad, and the “uh-oh”.

Final Thought

Buying a car from a private seller doesn’t have to be risky — as long as you’re a little prepared. The paperwork matters. The insurance matters. And a little caution up front can save you a lot of stress later.

If you’re about to buy a car and want to make sure you’re covered (or just want to double-check your current policy), give your agent a quick call.