Is it possible to register and insure a car in different states? Seeking advice on the process and implications

Hey everyone, I need some advice. I’m a 20-year-old college student, and my family lives in Texas while I attend school in New York. I’m looking to buy a car, and it seems more practical to purchase it in New York and register it there. Another option is buying a certified pre-owned car online and having it shipped to my address in NY. One issue with buying in Texas is the annual inspections required for TX registered cars, which I won’t be able to manage every year since I’ll leave the car in NY during breaks.

So here’s my main question: Can you register a car in one state and have the insurance in another? Registering in NY makes sense because I’ll be using the car there for the foreseeable future, but insurance quotes there are too expensive for me. I’ve never been on my family’s insurance plan (got my license at 18), and quotes are quoting me around $2500 for a six-month payment. Can my dad add me to his insurance plan in Texas even though the car will be registered in NY? I’ve heard NY has strict car insurance laws.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

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The vehicle must be registered and insured in the state where it is both used and kept.

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Thanks for the help brother :handshake: :handshake: :handshake:

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As a student enrolled in a program, you probably have some leeway with having an out-of-state car in New York while you’re a student. Assuming this is correct (and you should confirm with New York law), you can have a car registered in Texas (it can be purchased in New York but licensed, registered, and insured in Texas). Your driver’s license should also remain in Texas. However, if you file multiple claims in New York, your insurer may decide to cancel your coverage.

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That’s what I figured, being a student. The primary concern would be the annual inspections. Since I won’t be bringing it back to Texas every year due to the long distance, is there a way to get an exemption from those inspections?