Many customers ask whether a smog check, also known as a vehicle emissions test, is required to insure their vehicle. Car insurance companies do not require you to get a smog check. However, it is still an essential task for many drivers across the US as it is often a requirement of the DMV when registering your vehicle.

Do I Need to Get a Smog Check?

Whether or not you will need a smog check is mostly down to where you live. Some states require smog checks while others don’t, and some states require the test only for residents of specific counties or zip codes.

If you live in the state of Illinois, whether or not you need a smog check is dependent on where you live and the type of vehicle you drive. If smog checks are required in your location, you will need to get a smog check in order to register your vehicle, and once your car is 4 years old, you will be required to take emissions tests every 2 years.

Your local DMV or the auto dealer you purchased the vehicle from will be able to tell you more about this process and the requirements.

What is Smog?

The air pollution known as smog is caused by some vehicles and factories, which means it is usually only a problem in built-up urban areas, such as large, busy cities. Smog can lead to bad air quality and as such, some states require drivers to receive vehicle emissions tests to check the level of smog they will be emitting.

I Didn’t Pass My Smog Check – What Next?

If your state requires a smog check and you didn’t pass the first time around, take your car to a reputable shop or mechanic that can take a look and make repairs to resolve the issue. If the car is new to you, you will be unable to register the car until the issue is resolved.

If the car is not new to you and is already registered, but you didn’t pass your smog check, you will be given time to resolve the problem. Once you’ve had the problem fixed, you will need to take your car for an after repairs emissions test. If you are still unable to pass the test, you might be eligible for a waiver. You will need to pass the test or receive a waiver for registration renewal or to reinstate a suspended registration.

Can This Process Affect My Insurance?

Insure on the Spot is here to insure all drivers, and will help you find the best deal for you on Chicago car insurance regardless of previous emissions test issues.