How much does a car inspection cost?
How much does a car inspection cost? A car inspection from a mechanic or dealership will usually cost between $150 and $250. While some states require you to have your vehicle inspected to ensure it meets safety or emissions requirements, you typically have a great deal of choice when it comes to who you take your vehicle to. If your vehicle fails a required inspection, simply take your car to a mechanic for the necessary repairs and have it inspected again as soon as possible to avoid potential fines.
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UPDATED: Nov 8, 2023
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UPDATED: Nov 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Most car inspections cost between $150 and $250
- Depending on your state and policy, you may be required to have your car inspected before you can purchase auto insurance
- Car inspection requirements vary considerably between states, with some requiring annual safety inspections and others requiring no inspections whatsoever
Many states require you to have your car inspected before registering it. Depending on your state’s laws, you may need to pay for an inspection either when purchasing a car (new or used) or once every few years.
As drivers should take into consideration expenses like registration fees and auto insurance payments when purchasing a vehicle, many people want to know the average car inspection cost.
With this guide, we’ll help you determine how much a car inspection will cost you and give you an overview of inspection requirements in every state.
After you determine how much a car inspection will cost you, enter your ZIP code in the free tool above to compare auto insurance rates and find coverage that’s right for you.
How much do car inspections cost?
Car inspections typically cost between $150 and $250. Most mechanics and dealerships will perform a car inspection for you, so be sure to compare options and look for the best combination of affordability and thoroughness before making your decision.
A full vehicle inspection covers the following:
- Braking: Tests how reliably the vehicle brakes and otherwise slows down
- Exhaust: Tests how cleanly and effectively exhaust fumes are removed from the engine
- Steering/suspension: Tests how smooth and responsive the vehicle is when turning
- Tires/alignment: Tests tires to ensure that they’re properly aligned and not damaged in any way
- General inspection: Tests various systems not covered in the four categories above (windshield wipers, wiring, etc.)
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Do you need to have your car inspected before purchasing auto insurance?
Depending on your state and insurance company, you may need to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic or dealership before you can purchase an auto insurance policy.
More often than not, insurance companies will require an inspection before they allow you to purchase one of their more expensive coverage options or when trying to insure a used vehicle. You can also expect your insurance company to request an inspection if you file a claim after an accident.
Even if you aren’t required to have your car inspected, doing so may benefit you in the long run because it will provide a record of your vehicle’s condition. This way, if you get into an accident, you’ll have an easy time proving that any damage to your car wasn’t there before the collision. (And, hopefully, you have full coverage as well.)
What states require car inspections?
Some states require frequent car inspections. Others require them in specific circumstances. And a few require no inspections whatsoever.
The Miley Legal Group has compiled a list of car inspection requirements in each state. Take a look at an overview of these inspection laws in the table below.
| State | Are car inspections required? | When are car inspections required? | Is a VIN car inspection required for out-of-state vehicle registration? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL | Yes | Before registering a new car; prior to transfers of ownership | No |
| AK | No | N/A | No |
| AZ | Yes | Emissions inspection required every two years in certain metro areas; out-of-state vehicles require inspection | No |
| AR | No | N/A | No |
| CA | Yes | Smog checks are required every two years with exceptions for certain vehicles | Yes |
| CO | Yes | Some counties in Colorado require smog inspections with exceptions for certain vehicles | No |
| CT | Yes | Commercial vehicles are required to be inspected for safety | Yes |
| DE | Yes | Vehicles that are older than seven years need to be inspected every two years | No |
| FL | No | N/A | Yes |
| GA | Yes | Certain counties require an annual emissions inspection with exemptions for certain vehicles | No |
| HI | Yes | Vehicles older than two years require an annual inspection | No |
| ID | Yes | Certain counties require an emissions test every two years | Yes |
| IL | Yes | Emissions testing is required in the Chicago metro area | No |
| IN | Yes | Certain counties require an emissions test every two years | Yes |
| IA | No | N/A | No |
| KS | No | N/A | Yes |
| KY | No | N/A | Yes |
| LA | Yes | Annual inspections are required; residents can pay double so they only need an inspection once every two years | No |
| ME | Yes | Annual safety inspections; annual emissions tests are required in some counties | No |
| MD | Yes | Prior to transfers of ownership | No |
| MA | Yes | Annual safety inspections; annual emissions test for some vehicles | No |
| MI | No | N/A | No |
| MN | No | N/A | No |
| MS | Yes | Only vehicles with tinted windows require safety inspections | No |
| MO | Yes | Safety inspections for vehicles over 10 years old; certain counties require emissions tests | No |
| MT | No | N/A | No |
| NE | Yes | Out-of-state vehicles require inspection | Yes |
| NV | Yes | Emissions tests in Reno and Las Vegas | Yes |
| NH | Yes | Transfer of ownership; cars made after 1996 require emissions tests | No |
| NJ | Yes | Inspection every two years; inspection every five years for new vehicles | No |
| NM | Yes | Emissions test in certain counties | Yes |
| NY | Yes | Safety and emissions inspection every year; transfer of ownership; | No |
| NC | Yes | Safety inspections for vehicles newer than 35 years old; emissions tests in certain counties | No |
| ND | No | N/A | No |
| OH | Yes | Emissions tests in Cleveland area with certain vehicles exempt | No |
| OK | No | N/A | Yes |
| OR | Yes | Emissions tests in certain areas | Yes |
| PA | Yes | Emissions tests in certain counties; annual safety inspection | No |
| RI | Yes | Safety and emissions inspection every two years | Yes |
| SC | No | N/A | No |
| SD | No | N/A | No |
| TN | Yes | Emissions tests in certain counties | No |
| TX | Yes | Annual safety inspection; emissions tests in certain counties with some exemptions | No |
| UT | Yes | Emissions tests in certain counties | No |
| VT | Yes | Annual safety inspections; emissions tests for vehicles from 1996 or newer | Yes |
| VA | Yes | Safety inspections; emissions tests in certain counties | No |
| WA | Yes | Emissions tests in certain counties | Yes |
| WV | Yes | Annual safety inspections | No |
| WI | Yes | Emissions tests in certain counties | No |
| WY | No | N/A | Yes |
How to find out if your car needs an inspection?
If you’re unsure about your state’s car inspection requirements, contact your DMV, or equivalent, and provide them with information on your vehicle’s make and model. They should be able to help you determine what sort of inspection your vehicle requires (if any).
Most mechanics or dealerships will be able to perform a safety inspection or emissions test, but you may be required by your state to go to an approved location. You may also want to go to a mechanic before a required safety or emissions test to ensure that your car passes and you don’t have to pay any additional testing fees.
What happens if your car fails an inspection?
Exactly how a failed car inspection is handled varies between states. Most often, you’ll be required to repair your vehicle within a set period (usually somewhere between two weeks and a month) or you’ll face a fine.
In most states, after your car has failed an inspection, you won’t be able to sell it until it’s fixed. You may also be unable to renew your auto insurance policy until you take your car to a mechanic or dealership.
If your car fails an inspection, take it to a mechanic or dealership as soon as possible, so you can have it tested again once it’s been fixed.
What to Remember About Car Inspections
- While car inspections will almost always cost you $150 or more, you have a great deal of freedom when it comes to selecting a mechanic or dealership, so spend some time comparing options
- Car inspection requirements depend on your state’s laws. Check with your state’s DMV or equivalent if you’re uncertain about inspection requirements
- If your car fails an inspection, don’t panic. Take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible and have it retested to avoid a fine or other penalties
Now that we’ve reviewed how much car inspections cost and how they relate to insurance rates, try our free online quote tool to compare companies and find the most affordable auto insurance coverage in your area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a car inspection typically cost?
The cost of a car inspection can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, the type of inspection, and the complexity of the vehicle. On average, a basic car inspection can range from $50 to $150.
Are there any additional fees associated with a car inspection?
In some cases, there might be additional fees associated with a car inspection. These fees can vary depending on the service provider and the specific inspection requirements. Some common additional fees might include emissions testing fees, paperwork fees, or any necessary repairs or replacements identified during the inspection.
Can the cost of a car inspection vary based on the type of vehicle?
Yes, the cost of a car inspection can vary based on the type of vehicle you own. Different types of vehicles may have different inspection requirements, which can influence the overall cost. For example, larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs, may require more time and effort to inspect, which could result in a higher cost compared to smaller cars.
Are there any discounts or promotions available for car inspections?
Some car inspection stations or service providers may offer discounts or promotions from time to time. These discounts could be seasonal, introductory offers, or even loyalty rewards for returning customers. It’s a good idea to inquire about any available discounts when scheduling your inspection.
Does the location affect the cost of a car inspection?
Yes, the location can have an impact on the cost of a car inspection. The cost can vary depending on the region, city, or even the specific inspection station. Areas with higher living costs or more stringent inspection regulations might have slightly higher prices compared to others.
Are there any factors that can make a car inspection more expensive?
Several factors can contribute to a higher cost for a car inspection. These factors may include additional tests or certifications required, complex vehicle systems that require specialized knowledge, or any necessary repairs or replacements identified during the inspection.
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Jeffrey Manola
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeffrey Manola is an experienced life insurance agent who founded TopQuoteLifeInsurance.com and NoMedicalExamQuotes.com. His mission when creating these sites was to provide online consumers searching for life insurance with the most affordable term life insurance, permanent life insurance, no medical exam life insurance, and burial insurance. Not only does he strive to provide consumers with t...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.