Insurance/title question

[bertocci]

Right now I've got my girlfriend's bike at my place. The engine is pretty much toast, but I'm thinking about fixing it up myself. She's gonna go abroad in the fall, so she offered to let me have the bike while she's gone. If I can get it running again, I can have a second bike or convince my buddy to finally start riding. The problem comes in when I start thinking about the insurance.

Since she's going abroad, she would be dropping her insurance. Since the title is in her name, will I be able to insure the bike under me? Besides just getting the insurance, I wouldn't want her to be liable should anything happen while I'm riding it. If we do need to transfer the title to my name, can we just report it to the DMV as being sold for $1? If it's something where I need the title to be in my name for 6 months for insurance purposes, I don't particularly care to pay DMV fees twice over.

[dkcwenge]

when i read your post, i didnt know the answer either so decided to look it up on dmv. but i can only interpret yes you can get insurance for a car you dont own, since the link:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d07/vc16020.htm

mentions a distinction between owner and driver:

16020. (a) ( )1 All drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility pursuant to Section 16021, and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle.


but i'm not sure

[dkcwenge]

... which i should probably add that your girlfriend would probably have to keep her insurance (or at least the minimum liability) since registration is linked to it. it could get suspended if she suspends her insurance. if you'll be getting the bike either way, you might as well have it transfered. make sure she fills out her portion before going abroad!

[BlacKat]

have your girlfriend keep her insurance and you pay her for it.

[bertocci]

Originally posted by BlacKat
have your girlfriend keep her insurance and you pay her for it.

I don't think that would solve the issue of me riding it. I've got insurance on my bike, but I don't know how well the insurance company would take it if something happens. It's one thing for the occasional ride, but if I'm the primary rider for ~6 months it could get fishy.

[JPM]

Talk to your insurance agent. You should be able to get it in your name.

[SLOW10R]

Primary driver can insure and can differ from primary owner.

IE : My brother has had my car for about 6 months now, when I asked dmv whether I should transfer the title they said it did not matter as long as someone's insurance was reported to them for that car, to keep the registration from being suspended.

[Bronto]

If you can learn anything from salvage bike process.
In effect a motorcycle with no title, no registration. Only a temporary tag to ride it to be inspected by CHP and lamp & brake check.
Heh but temptation riding it all over hell and back before getting around to the inspections. Having insurance is good idea.
Call the insurance company. All they want to know is the VIN #. It seems one can get insurance on any vehicle.

[silversvs]

You can have her give you the bike. On the title transfer you just put down that it is a gift. There is a couple dollar title transfer fee and no taxes. Then get it insured in your name and you are golden.