First, the car could have been stolen, and they just stole hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars from you. Second, if you don’t have the title, you can’t register the car in your name. If your insurance agent is paying attention, you shouldn’t be able to list it on your policy, as most insurance companies in Oregon only cover cars that belong to you. After a loss or accident, you prove a vehicle belongs to you by providing proof that it is registered in your name. The company could deny the claim if you have put a car on your policy for which you have no evidence that you own. And, unfortunately, there are plenty of agents out there willing and ready to insure a car that you can’t prove is yours.