Does car insurance change when you move?

Q: Do you have to notify the DMV when you move out of state?

Yes, your old or new state may require an address update, plate return or registration change. Rules differ by state. California asks drivers who move away to update their address, while Florida warns drivers not to cancel insurance before registering elsewhere or surrendering their plates.

Do you have to change car insurance when you move states?

Yes, a permanent move to another state requires a policy issued for your new state. Your current insurer can rewrite the policy if it sells insurance there. If it does not, you must choose another company. State coverage rules differ, so your limits and required coverages will also change.

It’s possible that your current insurer doesn’t sell insurance in the new state. Unless you find a policy with a new carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims., you might not have coverage at all.

In addition, if you move to a new state, you might find that the minimum required amount of coverage is either more or less than what you had to carry in your old state.

“Auto insurance rules can vary quite a bit from one state to another,” Worden says.

For example, in California, liability coverage minimums are:

$30,000 for injury/death to one person
$60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
$15,000 for damage to property

Clear across the country in Virginia, the minimums are different:

$50,000 for injury/death to one person
$100,000 for injury/death to more than one person
$25,000 for damage to property

Some states also require you to carry certain forms of coverage that others do not.

If you live in Georgia, you are not required to carry personal injury protection insurance. Move across the border to Florida, however, and you must purchase this coverage.

“It’s always smart to check in with your insurance provider to make sure you're fully covered wherever you’re living,” Worden says.

Changes from state to state will affect your car insurance rates.

It’s also possible that even if your current insurer does sell policies in your new hometown, it might not offer the best deal. For this reason, it pays to shop around when you move.

Does car insurance change when you move temporarily?

A temporary move may affect your car insurance coverage and rate. Tell your insurer about a temporary move, even if you plan to return home. The company will review where the vehicle is garaged, how long you will be away, and whether you establish residency in another state. Students, military members and seasonal residents face different state and insurer rules.

“Even if it’s just a temporary move, it’s important to let your insurance company know as soon as you change addresses,” he says.

If you are staying within the same state, your insurer may be able to simply update your policy with your temporary address.

“But if you're moving out of state, even for a short time, you might need a brand-new policy that meets that state’s specific coverage requirements,” Worden says.

Does moving impact my insurance rate?

Yes, moving can raise or lower your rate. Insurers review the claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. risk linked to the location where you keep the vehicle. Areas with higher rates of theft, crashes, lawsuits, severe weather, or expensive repairs can cost more. A shorter commute or move to an area with fewer claims can reduce the price.

"Your address plays a big role in determining your rate, so a new location could cause it to go up or down," Worden says.

For example, city dwellers are at greater risk of vandalism, theft, and accidents. To account for this risk, insurers charge higher premiums to drivers in these areas.

If you move to a smaller town or a rural area, rates are likely to fall because there is a lower risk of claims related to such damages.

Rates can also differ from neighborhood to neighborhood. Living on a block where crime is high will likely result in paying higher car insurance rates.

You might pay more if you move to an area where frequent and destructive storms are commonplace. On the other hand, your rate might fall if your move results in a shorter commute to work.

Other factors that can impact your rates include your area's:

Cost and frequency of lawsuits
Cost of medical care
Cost of car repairs
Incidence of car insurance fraud

Our state rate comparison tool can help you estimate how much you might pay in a given ZIP code or state.

How to switch car insurance to another state

Start by contacting your insurer before the move. Confirm whether it sells policies in your new state and ask for a new quote. Compare that price with other companies, select coverage that meets the new state’s rules, and start the new policy before canceling your former coverage. Follow these steps:

If you plan to stick with your current insurer, contact the company and explain that you plan to move. Confirm with the insurer that it offers policies in your new hometown.
Ask your agent or insurance company representative how insurance requirements differ in your new state. Depending on where you are relocating, you may need to buy higher liability coverage.
Ask about additional coverage you might also be required to buy, such as:
- Medical payments coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
Make sure you purchase at least the minimum amount of required coverage, but keep in mind that it is often prudent to buy even more coverage than the minimum.
Once you have determined the types of insurance you need and the amount of coverage that is right, you should receive a quote. You can then purchase a policy from your insurer or shop around to see if you can get a better deal.
If your current insurer does not offer policies in your new state, you must secure coverage with another provider. Gathering quotes from several insurers is the best way to find the right coverage at a great price.
If you find a policy with a new insurance company, make sure to cancel coverage with your old insurance company.

Do not cancel coverage as soon as you cross the state line. Coordinate insurance, registration and license plates to avoid a lapseWhen your auto insurance coverage ends because you missed a payment or did not renew it on time. A lapse in auto insurance coverage may result in paying higher premiums for a new policy. or state penalty. Florida, for example, tells drivers not to cancel a Florida policy before registering the car elsewhere or surrendering Florida plates.

How long do you have to change your car insurance when you move?

Every state has its own requirements for how long you have to change your car insurance and complete other related steps like registering your car and getting new plates. Typically, the period is one to three months, but learning your new state's regulations is essential. Failure to abide by these rules could result in fines.

For example, in Colorado, you have 90 days to register your vehicle, including providing proof of car insurance.

In Minnesota, you have 60 days to do this. In Alabama, it’s 30 days.

“Most states give you about 30 days to update things like your driver’s license and vehicle registration after a move,” Worden says. “But when it comes to your car insurance, it’s best not to wait. Reach out to your insurance company as soon as you can to let them know you've moved.”

If you are staying in the same state, you might not need a whole new policy, “but your insurer still needs to update your information,” Worden says.

FAQ: Car insurance when you move

Do you have to notify the DMV when you move out of state?

Yes, your old or new state may require an address update, plate return or registration change. Rules differ by state. California asks drivers who move away to update their address, while Florida warns drivers not to cancel insurance before registering elsewhere or surrendering their plates.

What happens if I don't change my address on my car insurance?

Keeping your information current is part of your responsibility as a policyholder when you move, or you could face consequences, including loss of coverage.

"If your insurer doesn’t have your correct address, it could be seen as a misrepresentation, and that might lead to denied claims or even your policy being canceled or not renewed," he says.

Does car insurance cover me when I am between addresses?

Yes, your active policy covers you while you drive between states during a move. However, you must update your address with the insurance company after you establish a new home or move the car’s main garaging location. Tell the insurer when the change occurs.

Can you use a family member’s address for cheaper car insurance?

No. You must list the address where you live and where the vehicle is kept. Providing another address to lower your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. can constitute insurance fraud. The insurer can verify the garaging location and take action if the policy contains false information.