When you move, it's important to inform your car insurance company of your new address. This is because car insurance rates are based, in part, on where you live. Insurance companies use zip codes to assess risk and charge more for areas with a higher rate of accidents or car thefts. If you don't update your address, you could end up paying more than you need to.
Additionally, if you have an accident while living in a different state, your insurance company may refuse to pay out your claim. By keeping your car insurance company up-to-date on your whereabouts, you can avoid any extra payments to your insurance company.
- You have to tell your car insurance company if you move to a new state because most states don’t accept out-of-state car insurance policies.
- If you don't update your address, you could end up paying more than you need to, as insurance companies calculate rates based on zip codes and categorize them as risky based on incidents of theft and vandalism.
- By keeping your car insurance company up-to-date on your whereabouts, you can avoid any extra payments to your insurance company.
Why inform the insurance company when you move?
It doesn't matter whether you moved across town or another state. The insurer wants to know. Here's why:
- Billing information. Your auto insurance provider needs to send you policy and payment notices. If you miss a payment, there's no grace period. Your policy can be canceled.
- Your geographic location is a rating factor to car insurance companies. Even a short move can make your rates increase or decrease. Insurers base rates partially on an area's claims history. That can include thefts, car break-ins and accidents. For instance, if you move from a rural area to a metropolitan one, your car insurance rates will usually rise. It's a safe bet to compare car insurance quotes to make sure you get the best rate.
- Annual mileage. Your insurer needs to know your annual mileage and commuting distance to properly rate you. If the move makes your commute longer, you may see your rates rise. Or, if your move cuts back your annual mileage, you may see a reduction in rates.
- Changes may be needed to your policy. Minimum state car insurance requirements and laws vary, so you need to make sure you’re compliant if you move out of state. Even if you’re moving a few blocks from an apartment to a house you just bought, changes may be needed to your policy -- such as higher liability limits to better protect your new asset.
- New state, new insurance policy. Many states won’t accept an out-of-state car insurance policy when you go to register your car, so a new policy is necessary. Also, most car insurance companies don’t allow you to carry your old policy in the new state for very long. It will give you time to obtain a new policy, but the sooner it’s done the better.
When you move, it’s a great time to compare car insurance rates -- especially if moving out of state, since there may be different options and companies available to you. Insurance.com’s car insurance comparison tool allows you to quickly compare insurance rates for your new address from some of the top auto insurance companies .You can then promptly buy your policy and get back to unpacking.
