Can my car be registered in one state and insured in another?

Have you ever wondered, “can I have car insurance from another state?” Typically, no. Registering and insuring your vehicle in different states is illegal. A few exceptions allow drivers to operate a vehicle insured and registered in different states, but it’s typically considered fraud, especially if you are doing so to save money. 

Vehicle registration requirements differ from state to state. When you move, it’s important to look into these requirements to ensure you can legally operate your vehicle within that state. 

Keep reading for more on the requirements for car insurance out-of-state. We discuss when to register a vehicle and how to update car insurance after moving and how vehicle registration works for U.S. drivers. 

Can my car be insured in a different state?

Generally, drivers cannot insure and register a car in two different states, but there are exceptions that allow drivers to legally operate a vehicle that is not insured in that state.

Drivers might be able to register a car in one state and insure it in another if the following situations apply: 

• Temporary move. Individuals working temporarily in a different state may be able to insure their vehicles in that state, depending on their length of stay. 
• Living in two homes in different states. Drivers living in two different states can insure a vehicle where it’s not registered.
• College students attending school in a different state. College students with a vehicle registered in their home state can insure it in the state where they attend school. 
• Active-duty military working in another state. Active-duty servicemembers who are working a temporary assignment in a different state can insure their vehicle in that state.

If you are unsure of where you need to register or insure your vehicle, you can speak to your insurance agent or someone at the local DMV to confirm.

Can you have car insurance in two states?

No, you cannot insure your car in two states. Multi-state car insurance doesn’t exist, but standard insurance policies cover drivers in all 50 states. 

Even if you live in one state and work in another, you don’t need to be insured in another state just because you frequently travel between state lines. 

If you live in two different states, you can register and insure your vehicle in the state where you spend the most time. Drivers who live in two states and have two cars can register and insure each vehicle in the state where they are parked. 

For example, if you live in Texas six months out of the year and Minnesota for the other six months, you can register and insure a car in each state. 

What to Consider When Insuring Your Car in Another State

Here are a few things to consider when deciding where to register and insure your car: 

• Garaging location. Where will your car be parked? 
• State laws and requirements. What are the laws and requirements of the state for registering and insuring a car?
• Time spent in the state. How long will you be residing in or visiting the state?
• Consequences. What will happen if you don’t properly insure your car and/or commit insurance fraud by not providing the correct address?

Everyone’s circumstances differ, but you always want to be sure you are legally operating your vehicle. This may require you to update your registration and insurance information. Learn how to find car insurance coverage requirements by state to ensure you adhere to local insurance laws.

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How long do I have to register my car after moving to a different state? 

When moving to a different state, all drivers must register their vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within that state. All states allow drivers with out-of-state registration to operate their vehicle within the state for a certain amount of days before the vehicle must be registered.

Typically, you need insurance to register your car. And the address listed on your insurance policy should match the address listed on your registration and driver’s license. In certain states, proof of insurance is not required at the time of registration; however, it must be submitted within a certain timeframe. 

Updating Your Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration, and Car Insurance

It can be difficult to know how to handle car insurance when moving to another state. To start, you must establish residency before updating your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and auto insurance after moving to a new state. 

Some states only request that drivers complete paperwork to get a license in that state, but in other states, a written test may be required. 

Depending on your insurance company, you can quickly and easily update your address online or through the mobile app. If you prefer, you can contact your insurance agent to assist with the change. Keep in mind location factors into the cost of insurance, so when you move, you’ll probably see a change in your car insurance rates. 

Can I keep my car insurance from another state?

The answer is no — you can’t have auto insurance out-of-state. While it’s tempting to avoid updating your address to keep your car insurance costs low, failing to provide your insurance company with the correct address puts you at risk financially. 

Car insurance is state-specific. If you’re involved in an accident, your insurance company could decide that you committed fraud and choose not to cover the claim, leaving you to pay out of pocket for property damage and bodily injury for yourself and anyone else involved. 

Since some states ask for proof of insurance and an in-state license, you may end up registering your car after you get a license and update your insurance. You’ll likely fill out paperwork and pay a fee before you receive new license plates. 

Virginia and New Hampshire residents must register their cars, but they aren’t required to carry car insurance. However, those who are covered must also update their address.

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Will my car insurance rates change after updating my address?

Drivers who update their address on their car insurance policy may see a change in their rates. 

When calculating rates, insurance companies consider auto theft rates, vandalism, and accidents in your state. Depending on where you live, you might see your rates increase. For example, drivers in big cities pay more than those in rural areas.

Did your car insurance go up after moving? Here are a few different ways to lower car insurance rates if yours increase:

• Shop around. Request quotes from different auto insurance companies to see which offers the most affordable rates for the coverage you want. 
• Adjust coverage. The required liability limits in your state may be less than in your previous state, so adjusting your coverage and paying for only what you need can save.
• Increase your deductible. Collision coverage on car insurance and comprehensive car insurance coverage come with a deductible you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Increase the amount you’ll pay or drop these coverages on older vehicles to save money.
• Take advantage of discounts. Companies may limit which car insurance discounts and programs are available in certain states. After moving, you may now be eligible for additional discounts you weren’t before.
• Improve your credit score. Paying down your debt and making on-time payments can positively affect your credit score, decreasing your monthly car insurance rates at renewal.

Ultimately, the goal is to get the necessary insurance coverage. Even if your new rates are a few dollars more than what you paid before your move, you’ll still be protected behind the wheel. 

Car Insurance Companies With the Lowest Rates by State

Looking for affordable car insurance companies after a move? Consider our top recommended providers:

Geico Car Insurance

Geico is available in all 50 states to drivers who want low, affordable car insurance rates. Drivers can customize their policies and enjoy a number of unique discounts, including DriveEasy, a telematics program that rewards drivers for being safe and responsible. 

Additionally, Geico received a score of 874 out of 1,000 on the J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, as well as an AM Best financial rating of A++. Read our Geico car insurance review to learn more and compare quotes.

USAA

Active and retired military members will get the lowest car insurance rates with USAA. Drivers enjoy standard and optional insurance coverage, a variety of discounts, and an easy-to-use mobile app that allows them to manage their auto insurance policies.

To qualify for coverage, you must be active duty, a veteran, or an immediate family member.

USAA has an A++ AM Best rating. It consistently scores highest on the J.D. Power satisfaction study even though it is not officially considered due to its limited availability. Read our USAA car insurance review to learn more.

What happens if you’re caught driving without car insurance?

There is a minimum amount of car insurance required by each state. That being the case, those caught driving without insurance will be penalized. 

Your state determines the consequences, but you could face license and/or registration suspension, jail, fines, or vehicle impoundment. Should your license and/or registration be suspended, you’ll also pay reinstatement fees before you can get back behind the wheel. 

Additionally, suppose you cause an accident and don’t have insurance. In that case, you’ll be required to pay out of pocket for property damage and bodily injury for yourself and any other driver involved in the accident. 

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The Bottom Line: Can you have car insurance in another state?

Can your car be insured in a different state? No, drivers who comply with state laws can avoid legal penalties by registering and insuring their vehicles in the same state. 

Certain exceptions will allow you to register and insure your vehicle in different states. Check with your insurance company and local DMV to determine how to legally operate a vehicle within the state you reside in, whether it is permanently or temporarily.

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