Can I get insurance with a different address?

Asked by: Mrs. Dominique Kutch III  |  Last update: September 12, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (18 votes)

While it is not inherently illegal to have car insurance at a different address, doing so can lead to serious complications. Insurance companies require accurate address information to assess risk properly.

Can I have a different address on my license and insurance?

First of all, your insurance policy and your driver's license (as well as your vehicle registration) should use the same address. Depending on which insurance company you have, that will determine how quickly you should get this taken care of, but generally it's around 30-60 days.

Does it matter what address is on your insurance?

Your location, where you park your car each day, is a key factor in determining your car insurance coverage price. Your insurance rate can increase for many reasons, including moving to a new address.

Can you have a different address on your insurance?

It's very important that you update the address on your driver's license to match your insurance policy. Some insurance companies are very strict about this and will require you to get it updated within the first 30-60 days of moving to a new address.

Can you use an address you don't live at for car insurance?

If you're homeless and in need of car insurance, keep your vehicle at a friend's house and use that address for your quote. It's critical that you park the vehicle at this location when it's not in use.

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Is it illegal to use an address you don't live at?

Yes, using someone else's address or someone using your address is illegal. This type of fraud is known as address fraud and manifests in various guises such as brushing scams and rental scams.

Does my car insurance have to be where I live?

In general, your car must be registered and insured in the same state, since both vehicle registration and auto insurance are based on your permanent residence. In fact, using an address for insurance that's different from the primary residence where you keep your vehicle is a form of insurance fraud.

Is it important to change address on car insurance?

In this case, it is EVEN MORE IMPORTANT to inform your auto insurance company of your move. Not only will this effect your premium, but different states have different laws when it comes to the types and amounts of auto insurance coverages drivers have to maintain.

Can someone be on your car insurance if they don't live with you?

Yes, it is possible to add someone to your car insurance policy who doesn't live with you, depending on your insurance company's policies. Typically, insurance companies allow you to add immediate family members or someone who regularly drives your vehicle.

Can insurance deny claim for wrong address?

If you changed addresses when you moved into a new house and failed to notify your insurance provider, your insurer could deny a future claim. While this is unfair, this condition is actually stated in your contract with the insurer, so always make sure to read and fully understand your policy's terms and conditions.

Does car insurance verify your address?

Letting Someone Else Use Your Address for Auto Insurance

Typically, the company will request documents like utility bills or a recent paycheck stub showing another address. In many instances, obtaining verification that someone does not reside at your address can present significant challenges.

How do I prove my address for insurance?

A utility bill, credit card statement, lease agreement or mortgage statement will all work to prove residency.

Do I need to change car insurance when I move?

Car insurance providers often operate in multiple states throughout the U.S. Your current one may provide coverage in your new home state. Check with your insurance agent before you make the move. If your current insurance company doesn't, you'll need to purchase new coverage when your move is complete.

What happens if you don't change your address on your driving licence?

If you never get pulled over, then the odds are that nothing will happen, but you would still likely violate a state regulation. But if you are at a highway checkpoint or get pulled over for a potential infraction, you could face penalties depending on the state and how long you've lived there.

Can you insure someone with a different address?

If you and a friend own a vehicle together but do not live at the same address, you may have trouble obtaining an auto insurance policy. Your insurance provider can help you determine the best way to handle this situation.

Can my parents insure my car if I don't live with them?

All drivers that share the same permanent residence should be listed on each policy. If you're married and don't live with your parents, you'll need your own policy.

Can I insure my daughter's car if she doesn't live with me?

Unfortunately, because the car and your child are not located at your house anymore, they cannot stay on your car insurance policy unless they're a full-time student. Car insurance providers require that the insured live at their residence and park their car at their address to be listed on a policy.

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

Your insurer will likely deny a claim if they find out, and you could be committing insurance fraud. Similarly, using a friend's ZIP code or address in an old state is not OK after you move to a new state. Always be transparent and honest with your insurance company.

Can I use my friend's address for car insurance?

Generally, it would be fraud to claim residency at the address where one of the drivers does not reside and the insurance companies have their investigators working hard to investigate and uncover such fraud, so it would not be a good idea and the insurance company will also demand proof of residency and if there is a ...

Can I insure two cars at different addresses?

In some cases, insurance companies will require that all cars be registered to the same address. And others may allow you to combine policies with immediate family members, regardless of where they live. There's a lot to learn about adding authorized drivers or adding another car to your auto policy.

Does insurance check where you live?

Car insurance rates vary based on your location; your state, city, and ZIP code each play a role in the rate you'll pay. Insurers use the address you park your to determine how likely you are to file a claim for vehicle damage, vandalism, theft, or an accident.

Do you have to live at the same address to share car insurance?

What if they don't live with me? If you and your friend don't currently share an address, then they won't be able to be on your car insurance policy — even if they're planning to move in at a later date.

Do I need to tell my car insurance if I move states?

Each state has its own laws and requirements for auto insurance, so you need to update your policy to comply with your new state's regulations. Additionally, factors like your new location, driving environment, and even the distance of your daily commute can influence your insurance rates.

Does your permanent address have to be where you live?

A permanent address goes beyond being just a physical location; it embodies a legal and societal identity. It is a fixed location where you reside for extended periods, unlike temporary or mailing addresses.

What to do if someone is using your address that doesn't live there?

A stolen address can result in financial or legal trouble, mail fraud, identity theft, and worse credit scores. If you believe someone is using your address to commit fraud, you should: Report it: Report the ID theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider contacting your local police department.