When buying a car, car insurance is essential. In most places, it's a legal requirement to have at least liability insurance before driving a car off the lot. This is to protect yourself and others in case of an accident. Additionally, if you're financing the car, the lender will likely require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage to protect their investment. Without insurance, you could be personally liable for any damages or injuries resulting from an accident. Therefore, it's crucial to secure car insurance before purchasing a vehicle.