How to Change Your Car Insurance When Moving Out of State [2024]

When you are moving, you have several different things to worry about.  With everything that you are coordinating, it might be overwhelming to learn that a move also creates a need to review your car insurance and possibly change your car insurance provider.

Before you move and assume that making your payment on your current policy is all you need to do to stay covered, read this guide and prepare yourself for the changes that you need to make for an out-of-state move.

Enter your zip code above to compare rates and be sure you’re not overpaying for car insurance.

Car Insurance Basics: Most Commonly Asked Questions About Movin

If you are planning a move and you do not know what you should even ask your agent, here are the most commonly asked questions and useful answers.

– Can you keep the same insurance policy when you move?

If you are moving in-state, the policy can be changed to service whatever zip code you are moving to.

If you are moving out-of-state, however, you cannot keep your policy and must have a new policy written based on the insurance laws and rules in the new state that you will eventually call home.

– What would happen if you did not change policies when you move out-of-state?

It might sound fair to assume that changing the mailing address and even the garaging zip code would be enough to get the updated invoices, renewal documents, proof of insurance coverage or ID cards, and everything else that you need.

You will get the bills and the documents, but your insurance will not satisfy your new state’s financial responsibility laws because it is technically written in another state.

When you register your vehicle in the new state, you must have in-state insurance to avoid registration suspensions, fines, and other penalties.

– Will my coverage protect me if I keep my old coverage?

If you do not change your insurance immediately, your policy will still stay in force as long as you continue to make regular premium payments.

Whether you have a basic car insurance policy or you have a more comprehensive policy, your insurer will pay if you file a damage claim or liability claim.

Typically, your current insurance company will extend and bump up if limits are higher in the new state.

– Can you keep the same insurance company even when you move?

Keeping the same company will depend on which one you do business with and the state you are moving to. Most of the largest writers of car insurance in the United States do write auto insurance in every state.

There are, however, companies that are limited to just writing coverage in a handful of states. You will need to contact your insurance agent and ask if the company services the state you are going to before you assume that you can make a quick call and transfer policies.

– Will my rates change when I change policies?

Everyone wants to know how much they can expect to spend on their move but unfortunately, the auto insurance rate you may have could vary in the new state; making pricing hard to say.

Any company that sells insurance in the United States must answer to the state’s Department of Insurance. The DOI oversees the operations, sets rules, reviews rate filings and ultimately decides what rates are fair to be charged in that state alone.

Since there are different rating systems and different mandatory car insurance requirements in each state, the rates that you pay can be dramatically different.

If the requirements are higher in one state and there is a higher incidence of accidents in that state, the rates tend to be higher.

You can see the average expenditures for car insurance and how the state that you are moving into ranks on the list so that you are not shocked if your rates are higher than you expected.

Steps to Make the Necessary Policy Changes

Changing your car insurance when you are relocating sounds complicated, but it does not have to be as difficult as you are thinking. If you take the proper steps in advance, you can make switching policies or carriers easy and stress-free. (Read our “How do you handle a car insurance policy when moving out of state? ” for more information).

Here is what you need to do to cover all of your bases:

• Get an Exact Move Date – If you only have an idea of when you plan on moving, you will not be able to make any official changes. It is not until you change your vehicle registration that you want the new policy to become active. You could be penalized if your change takes effect sooner
• Call Your Agent or Company – Next, you need to speak with a representative or agent to discuss whether or not the company services the new area you are moving to. Make sure that you ask what the premiums will be in your new state at your new address before you make any decisions
• Get a Quote From Other Auto Insurers – Every insurance company sets their own unique rates in the state in which they are licensed to operate. It is in your best interest to get quotes for coverage elsewhere for comparison purposes. You can use your old declarations page to get most of the information on the vehicle

Read more: How do I change car insurance agents?

Anytime you need to shop for car insurance it is easy to get overwhelmed. When you are ready for your move, you have to decide which insurer will get your business.

If you are concerned about comparing rates, use an instant online rate comparison tool and you can find the most competitive rates in a matter of minutes.  Get started comparing car insurance quotes by entering your zip code below!

Case Studies: Changing Car Insurance When Moving Out of State

Case Study 1: The In-State Move

Maria, a resident of California, relocates to Texas for a job opportunity. She wonders if she can keep her current insurance policy when moving to another state.

Maria contacts her insurance agent, who explains that if she were moving within California, the policy could be modified to cover her new address. However, since she is moving out-of-state, Maria must obtain a new policy that adheres to Texas insurance laws.

Case Study 2: Understanding State Requirements

John, a resident of Illinois, plans to move to Florida for retirement purposes. Concerned about the consequences of not changing policies, John consults his insurance agent. He learns that simply updating his address and zip code won’t suffice.

To comply with Florida’s financial responsibility laws, John needs a new policy written specifically for the state. Failing to do so could result in registration suspensions, fines, and penalties.

Case Study 3: Insurance Provider Limitations

Sarah, a resident of Nevada, is relocating to Oregon due to a job transfer. Sarah has been satisfied with her current insurance company and hopes to keep the same provider. She contacts her insurance agent and discovers that not all insurance companies operate in every state. Fortunately, Sarah’s insurance company also offers coverage in Oregon, allowing her to seamlessly transfer her policy.

Case Study 4: Rate Variations Across States

Michael, a resident of Georgia, is moving to New York for educational purposes. As he prepares for the move, Michael wonders if his current insurance rates will remain the same. He learns that each state has its own rating systems and mandatory insurance requirements.

Consequently, the rates he pays in Georgia may differ significantly from those in New York. Michael checks the average expenditures for car insurance in both states to anticipate potential rate changes.