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What happens to car insurance when you move out of state?

Picture of Written by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/elizabeth-rivelli/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Elizabeth Rivelli</span></a>
Written by Elizabeth Rivelli
Written by Katie Dee
Picture of Edited by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/alyssa-dicrasto/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alyssa DiCrasto</span></a>
Edited by Alyssa DiCrasto
Edited by Alyssa DiCrasto
Published on 2024-07-12

Read time: 3 min

Car insurance is a legal requirement in almost every state. If you’re planning to move to a new state, it will likely affect your auto insurance in some way. You may need to switch insurance companies or increase the amount of coverage you carry. In this guide, we’ll explain what happens to car insurance when you move out of state. 

Do I need to tell my car insurance company when I move?

When you move to a different state, you should inform your car insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company needs to know where you park your vehicle in order to determine your minimum coverage requirements and your premium. If you move to a different state, the insurer might need to change your coverage limits and adjust your premium. 

If you’re currently insured with a national insurance company, like State Farm or Allstate, you can probably stay with the same company after moving states. These carriers tend to offer coverage across most of the country. 

However, if you currently work with a smaller, regional insurance provider, it’s possible that the insurer will not be able to insure you in the new state. In this case, you would need to shop around for a new car insurance company that serves drivers in your new location. 

Moving out of state and your car insurance

Moving out of state has several implications for your car insurance. If you’re planning a move to another state, it’s important to start thinking about your changing car insurance needs ahead of time. Keep in mind that you might need to switch insurers or shop around and get new quotes to find more affordable car insurance in your state. 

Why do I need to change my car insurance when I move states?

There are a few reasons why you might need to change car insurance when moving states:
 
  1. Your company might not cover your new state. If your insurance company doesn’t underwrite policies in your new state, you will need to cancel your current policy and purchase a new one from a different insurer. 
     
  2. Your new state may have different laws. Depending on the minimum coverage requirements in your new state, you might also have to raise or adjust your coverage limits to meet the new requirements.
     
  3. The price you pay might change when you move states. If your new premium is higher than before, you might want to shop around and get new car insurance quotes to find a cheaper premium. 
     
  4. Discounts may not be available in your new state. Keep in mind that you may also lose certain car insurance discounts if they’re not available in your new location (or you may be eligible for new discounts!). 

States with the cheapest insurance

Some states have cheaper average car insurance rates than others. Based on our analysis of available rate data, these states have the lowest average car insurance premiums: 

  1. Wyoming 
  2. Vermont 
  3. Idaho 
  4. Maine 
  5. Hawaii 

States with the most expensive insurance

If you move to a state with a high average car insurance premium, it’s possible that your rate could go up. The states with the most expensive car insurance rates include: 

  1. New York 
  2. Louisiana 
  3. Michigan 
  4. Florida 
  5. Delaware 

Ultimately, the cost of car insurance depends on many personal factors, so comparing rates can help you find the best price, even in a state with high insurance premiums. Take our short quiz to see how much you can expect to pay for car insurance near you. 

How to change your car insurance when you move

If you are planning to move, you should contact your current insurance company right away and find out if they can insure you in the new state. If so, provide your new address so the company can update your policy and calculate your new premium.  

If your insurance company can’t insure you in the new state, you will need to find a different company. To find a reputable insurer in your new location, you can search for “auto insurance near me” online, and read reviews from current customers. Pay attention to the coverage options and discounts offered, and check third-party ratings from J.D. Power and AM Best. 

Once you’ve found several promising insurers, get personalized quotes and compare them to see which company can give you the best deal. Then, you can purchase the new policy and choose your policy start date. Remove your old insurance ID cards from your vehicle and replace them with the new ones. 

FAQs

Does changing states affect car insurance? 

Yes, changing states can affect your car insurance. Moving to a different state may impact the amount of coverage you are legally required to carry, as well as your premium. 

Does changing my address affect car insurance? 

Changing your address can affect your auto insurance, even if you’re moving within the same state or city. Your ZIP code is one of the factors insurers use to determine your premium. 

Why is car insurance different in different states? 

Every state has unique car insurance requirements. Additionally, the cost of car insurance varies between states because of weather risks, the number of uninsured drivers, the number of claims filed, and the cost of auto repairs. 

What state has the worst car insurance rates? 

New York has the most expensive average car insurance premiums. However, keep in mind that car insurance rates are personalized based on factors like ZIP code, age, credit history, and driving record. 

Can you keep your car insurance if you move to another state? 

You might be able to keep your car insurance if you move to a different state, but only if your current insurers sell coverage in your new location. You will need to provide your insurance company with your new address, which could affect the cost of your premium and coverage requirements.