Moving is a whirlwind. Between packing boxes, coordinating movers (or bribing friends with pizza), setting up utilities, and forwarding your mail, it feels like a never-ending checklist.
One crucial item that often gets overlooked until the last minute? Updating your auto insurance. Especially if you’re moving to a new state, getting your car insurance sorted out is essential before you hit the road.
Let’s walk through the process of updating your auto insurance when you change addresses to ensure you maintain proper coverage throughout the transition.
Note: These tips should not be considered official insurance guidance. Please consult an insurance professional or broker when making decisions regarding insurance.
Why You Need to Update Your Car Insurance When Moving
As an auto insurance policyholder, it’s your responsibility to make sure your address is updated at all times. Most carriers use your physical address as a major factor in determining your premiums since it helps them assess risk factors such as:
- Crime rates and likelihood of theft in your area
- Traffic density and accident statistics
- Weather patterns that might affect driving conditions
- Cost of repairs in your region
- State-specific insurance requirements and regulations
For that reason, leaving an out-of-date address on your insurance policy can be considered fraud. In turn, it can lead to serious consequences, including policy cancellation, claim denials, or penalties.
When it comes to crossing state lines, updating your insurance is even more important. Since each state has different coverage requirements, your current policy may not meet the minimums in your new state. There’s also a chance that your insurance carrier doesn’t service your new area, in which case you’ll need to find a new one.
How to Change Your Address on Your Auto Insurance
1. Research insurance requirements in your new state (if applicable)
If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll want to look into the minimum insurance requirements there. Based on this, you can decide how much coverage you need to secure before moving.
For a general idea of what you’ll need, you can check out the Insurance Information Institute’s list of requirements by state. Typically, your state’s website will also have the requirements clearly laid out, along with the penalties for failing to meet them.
It’s also important to note whether your new state is no-fault or at-fault. In an at-fault, or tort state, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering damages and injuries through their liability insurance. This means if someone hits your car, their insurance pays for your damages, and if you’re at fault, your insurance covers their losses. Most states operate under this system.
Meanwhile, in a no-fault state, each driver’s own insurance covers their medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident, typically through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage that’s mandatory in these states. Property damage claims, however, still work on an at-fault basis even in no-fault states. This distinction can significantly affect both the types of coverage you’re required to carry and how claims are processed after an accident.
2. Contact your current insurance carrier
Once you’ve determined what your new requirements will be, call your insurance carrier to notify them of your change of address. Experts advise taking this step roughly 30 days before your planned moving date.
During this conversation, you’ll want to cover a few key points:
- Confirm they offer coverage in your new location
- Get a quote based on your updated policy information
- Ask if they need any additional documentation, such as proof address
If your current insurer doesn’t operate in your new state, you’ll need to find a new provider before moving.
3. Shop around for new rates
Even if you can stay with your existing carrier, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Before you move, take the opportunity to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Experts recommend getting quotes from at least 3-5 different insurance providers. You can do this easily by using a comparison tool to see what’s available in your area. It can also be helpful to gather key information when requesting quotes, including vehicle details, driving history, and new address.
As you shop around, be sure to ask each prospective carrier about any discounts they offer. Typically, auto insurance providers will offer special rates for bundling, multi-vehicle policies, or safe drivers. You may also be able to secure a special deal through affiliations, such as military service, federal employment, or alumni associations.
4. Time the switch carefully
Although it’s a good idea to start the insurance updating process a few weeks in advance, you’ll want to time your switch with your moving date.
If you’re planning to cancel your existing policy, make sure your new coverage is already secured and ready to activate. Avoid a lapse in coverage by scheduling your current policy cancellation on the date your new policy starts. That way, you can ensure seamless protection and compliance with state laws.
5. Update your registration and license
If you’re moving across state lines, you’ll need to update your registration and license to match your new residency. When you visit the DMV for these updates, you’ll need to present proof of your new insurance coverage that meets your new state’s requirements.
Completing these steps promptly not only keeps you in compliance with local laws but also ensures that all your driving documentation is consistent and current in your new location.
Get Proactive About Your Move
Moving is already stressful enough without worrying about insurance complications. By planning ahead and following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and continuous coverage.
If you’re getting ready for a move, shopping around early can help you get the best deal. Check out Auto Quote Tracker’s free comparison tool to get started.
