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At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money. Our content is backed by LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our Insurance Disclosure. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by and edited by , who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Our insurance team is composed of agents, data analysts, and customers like you. They focus on the points consumers care about most — price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities — so you can feel confident about which provider is right for you. We guide you throughout your search and help you understand your coverage options. We provide up-to-date, reliable market information to help you make confident decisions. We reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible. All providers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide. And we constantly review our criteria to ensure we’re putting accuracy first. Bankrate logo Editorial integrity
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. In most states, vehicle inspections are mandatory for drivers to obtain periodic inspections from a licensed professional. While safety inspections are federally mandated for rail, truck, commercial bus and air transport, no such mandates exist at the federal level for passenger vehicles. However, studies indicate that nearly were due to a vehicle’s pre-existing manufacturing defects that would have been caught through a state vehicle inspection. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X RatesRates keep going up in 2022. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like: Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year Arrow Right Are you overpaying for auto insurance? Arrow Right Safe drivers choose Allstate Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More RATE INCREASE ALERT Rates increased up to 12% this year
Shop for a better rate before you renew your current policy. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like: Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year Arrow Right Are you overpaying for auto insurance? Arrow Right Safe drivers choose Allstate Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More As data illustrates the need for widespread state vehicle inspections, U.S. drivers are encouraged to stay informed on the inspection process and understand what may be required of them in order to drive legally within their state. What are state vehicle inspections
State vehicle inspections vary by state in terms of what is evaluated. There are three different common types of state vehicle inspections that you may encounter depending on where you live: VIN inspection: This inspection verifies that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on your car matches your ownership documentation. VIN inspections are usually performed as part of the vehicle transaction process, especially during out-of-state purchases. Safety inspection: During this inspection, different systems in your vehicle are carefully tested and checked to ensure they comply with current safety regulations. Emissions inspection: Emissions inspections are used to help regulate excess exhaust fumes from impacting the environment. Your engine and exhaust fumes will be checked against the current EPA standards to ensure your vehicle does not exceed regulatory limits. Each state sets its own requirements for vehicle inspections, so a safety inspection in one state may not cover all the items that the same type of inspection would address in another state. For instance, in , vehicle safety inspections evaluate the following: Seatbelts Brakes Steering Tires (except spare) Lights Windshield & Glass Windshield Wipers & Blades Horn Mirrors Fuel Leaks By contrast, are much more comprehensive, analyzing the following: Brakes Speedometer/Odometer Mirrors Seatbelts Steering Floor pan Parking brakes Horn Lights Windshield wipers & washers Windshield & glass Body & sheet metal Fenders Bumpers Doors & windows Hood latch Wheels & tires Suspension & shock absorbers Exhaust & emission Gas cap pressure Always refer to to find out what items will be reviewed during the inspection process. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek repairs from a qualified mechanic to bring your vehicle up to standards in order to pass inspection. State inspection requirements
Every state sets different inspection requirements for its residents, but vehicle inspections can get even more granular as different counties and ZIP codes are able to set their own requirements, as well. For example, in California, it’s mandatory to have your vehicle emissions inspected once every two years if you live in one of the 41 counties in which such inspections are required. While each inspection is different, some requirements typically appear across all states in which vehicle inspections are mandated, including: Vehicle & driver information: Prior to the vehicle’s physical evaluation, your state inspector will typically verify your title, registration and proof of valid car insurance to ensure your vehicle is up-to-date on all state legal requirements. Exterior: After your information is verified, the inspector will then check your license plate to ensure it is properly secured to the vehicle, along with your windshield, windows, doors, wiper blades and exterior lights. Interior: Once the exterior inspection is completed, they will move to the vehicle’s interior, checking your steering wheel, brakes and seatbelts. Engine: From the interior, the inspector will move to your engine to check your exhaust, fuel, transmission, battery and coolant, among other features. This is also the point in which emissions testing is typically conducted. Chassis: Finally, the inspector will evaluate the undercarriage of your vehicle to inspect shocks, coil springs, axles and frame for excess damage. Your tires may also be inspected during this portion of the inspection. Exactly how thorough your vehicle inspection is depends on the state in which you live. Be sure to refer to your state’s vehicle inspection requirements regularly to avoid failing to pass, which can affect your ability to drive legally on the road. State inspection costs
Vehicle inspections come at a price, which can also vary from state to state, and may be made more expensive by additional processes required in order to obtain an inspection. For example, in (and other states), residents are required to renew their vehicle registration before they can have the car inspected, adding to the overall associated costs of an inspection. The cost of vehicle inspections also depends on which specific inspections are required, and at what intervals. For instance, must perform annual emissions inspections on their vehicles, which can range widely in price (some estimates running between $100-$300+) because they are conducted out of privately owned businesses. In general, however, emissions tests will likely cost more for vehicles older than 1997. By contrast, are limited and only cost a combined total of $37 depending on the vehicle type and where the inspection is completed. Vehicle inspections and car ownership
If you live in a state that requires vehicle inspections, it’s critical that you comply with these mandates to avoid fines and tickets. Drivers caught driving without having completed the required car inspections in their state can receive a ticket for lapsed inspection. Even if you aren’t pulled over, an officer could issue a ticket if you are parked in an urban area where traffic police frequently look for parking violations and other citations. Tickets and fines can continue to grow in amount and severity for each day you fail to complete the mandatory inspection. In addition to fines and tickets, drivers could suffer consequences with due to non-compliance. Some insurance carriers may require policyholders to remain in compliance with their state vehicle inspection requirements in order to maintain their policy. Failure to complete an inspection could, therefore, result in non-renewal of coverage or higher premiums if you have a carrier that mandates car inspections. Additionally, you may be unable to renew your license plates or vehicle registration if you do not complete a car inspection first. Review your state’s vehicle inspection requirements carefully to ensure you remain in compliance with current guidelines. Frequently asked questions
What if my car fails inspection
In most cases, if your car fails the state vehicle inspection, you will need to have the issue repaired or corrected by a qualified mechanic in order to undergo the inspection again and pasas. Some states, such as , give drivers 30 days to repair the issue that caused their inspection failure, offering them one free retest within the 30-day period. to understand what actions to take following a failed car inspection. Where can I have my vehicle inspected
This depends on the state in which you live. In some states, vehicle inspections are performed at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Other states offer inspections through private organizations, allowing drivers to choose the mechanic that best meets their needs. Are there exceptions to state car inspection requirements
In some states, there may be inspection exemptions for select vehicles. For instance, in , vehicles older than 35 years are exempt from safety and emissions tests, as well as model years 1995 and older, and all diesel-operated vehicles. to find out if your vehicle is required to undergo inspection. SHARE: Carly Severino is a contributing insurance writer for Bankrate. With experience writing for Coverage.com, Reviews.com and TheSimpleDollar.com, she has covered a broad range of insurance products. Related Articles