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

Asked by: Ubaldo Emmerich  |  Last update: August 1, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (58 votes)

When you move out of state, you'll need a new car insurance policy, even if you can stay with the same insurer. Your insurance company will cancel your old policy because every state has different coverage requirements and regulations.

What happens to my car insurance if I move to another state?

Your policy will not automatically change for you on the move. You will need to contact an agent in new location to get the ball rolling as they will need to rewrite the policy under to be consistent with that states minimum requirements for liability limits within that state which do vary state to state.

What happens if I don't tell my car insurance that I moved?

Yes, you do. If you do not, you'd be committing insurance fraud. It's called rate evasion. It's intentionally listing an incorrect address in in order to avoid paying the rates you should be paying for your location. And if you don't update it, you're at risk of insurance denying your claim if you have an accident.

Does car insurance go down when you move?

Demographic factors such as age, gender and location also may play a role in your car insurance rates, according to the NAIC. Moving to a new location, for example, can make your car insurance premiums go up or down.

How does insurance work out of state?

Some plan types, like PPO or OAP plans, allow for full access to any and all participating providers in that carrier's network, regardless of which state you reside in. Other plan types, like HMO or POS plans, will cover emergency services anywhere in the country but may not cover routine care in another state.

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Can my car be insured in a different state than its registered?

If you split your time between two states, you may be able to get auto insurance in either of the two states (but it will not technically be “out of state” since you will be living there). Most often, the rule of thumb is your car must be insured in the state where it is registered.

What insurance is accepted in all 50 states?

Medicare is run by the federal government, which is why Original Medicare coverage is the same in every state and includes nationwide access to providers.

Do I need my own car insurance when I move out?

That means you're still covered when you drive your parents' vehicles. However, if you move out permanently, you'll typically need your own car insurance policy. Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.

Can you have car insurance in two different states?

What if I have homes in two different states? If you keep vehicles at both homes, you'll need a separate policy for each state. For example, if you have homes in Massachusetts and Florida and you keep a car at each residence, each vehicle will need its own policy.

Does Moving States increase car insurance?

They'll consider potential risk factors and regulation changes in your new location, which could lead to rates increasing, decreasing or remaining the same. Research your new location's auto insurance requirements. If you're moving in-state, your coverage requirements may not change much.

What happens if I move and don't update my auto insurance?

Why Does It Matter If I Forget To Tell My Auto Insurance Company That I Moved? The short answer: Because they can refuse to cover you if you are in a car wreck and failed to change your address.

Is it illegal to have car insurance at a different address?

Keeping your car insurance registered at a different address can be viewed as misrepresentation, resulting in severe consequences. If your insurance provider discovers that you are lying about the address on the car insurance, they may deny your claims or cancel your policy altogether.

Does car insurance change based on location?

Even within the same state, premiums can vary widely. For example, drivers in Los Angeles, California, often pay more than those in Sacramento, even though both cities are in the same state. The difference in traffic, crime rates, and local regulations all contribute to this disparity.

Do I have to tell my car insurance when I move?

If you're moving in state, you'll want to tell your car insurance company as soon as possible about your new address. If you move to another state, you may only have 30 to 90 days to change your car insurance, and update your driver's license and vehicle registration.

Can I transfer my insurance license to another state?

States will often give you the option to simultaneously transfer your resident license to the new state as well. You'll have around 30 days to contact the insurance department with your new address. If you wait too long, you may have to submit a new application and pay licensing fees for your new resident license.

How long can you keep a car registered in a different state?

You can drive a car registered in another state, but there's usually a limit to how long you're able to do so before changing your registration. Generally, you can drive out-of-state for up to 30 days without having to re-register the car.

Can I keep the same car insurance if I move out of state?

When you move out of state, you'll need a new car insurance policy, even if you can stay with the same insurer. Your insurance company will cancel your old policy because every state has different coverage requirements and regulations.

Why does address affect car insurance?

Location plays a significant role in determining your car insurance premium. This is because the risk associated with insuring you can vary greatly depending on where you live. For instance, if you live in a densely populated urban area, you may be at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident.

Can I use my insurance in another state?

Generally, many plans will cover emergency and urgent care services even if you're out of state. So, if you're traveling and need an emergency medical treatment, you'll typically be covered, even if you're out of your plan's home network.

Can you transfer car insurance to another state?

Check with your insurance agent before you move to see if your current provider can cover you in your new state. If so, you can take your car insurance with you but you might need to update your policy to meet your new state's requirements.

Will my car insurance go down if I move?

Even a short move can change your premium—and here's why. Your insurer determines your rate based on the risks where you live. So if you move from a high-crime neighborhood to a lower-crime neighborhood, for example, your rate could decrease because there is less likelihood of car theft.

Can I cancel my insurance if I don't have a car?

Before you can cancel your insurance, check what your state's department of motor vehicles requires for cars in storage. To cancel your insurance, cancel your vehicle registration first to avoid creating a gap in car insurance coverage. You may need to fill out an affidavit of non-use with your state.

Is my insurance only good in my state?

If you move across state lines, your health insurance coverage may or may not move with you. There are things you can do to make sure you keep your coverage or pick up new coverage to avoid gaps. Learn more about your health care options when you move to a new state or split your time between two or more states.

What states do you not have to have insurance?

Although leasing or financing offices may require one or the other. New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you choose not to purchase car insurance in these states, you would still be held liable for any property damage or bodily injury caused by their vehicle.

Which states are matching states for insurance?

Insurance Matching States
  • Alaska.
  • California.
  • Connecticut.
  • Florida.
  • Iowa.
  • Kentucky.
  • Louisiana.
  • Montana.