Yes, it is advisable to have car insurance in place before you buy a used car. This is because, once you own a car, you are legally required to have insurance coverage to drive it. Additionally, having insurance before you buy the car will give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected from financial liabilities in case of an accident or any other covered event. It's also a good idea to shop around for insurance quotes before making the purchase, as the cost of insurance can vary depending on the make, model, and year of the car. This way, you can factor the insurance cost into your overall budget for the car purchase.