How long do you have to switch car insurance when you move?
Asked by: Lionel O'Conner | Last update: June 12, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (69 votes)
How soon should I change my car insurance after moving?
Typically, you'll have 30 to 90 days to switch your car insurance after you move to a new state but you'll want to verify your exact timeline with your current provider. While you should plan ahead, do not cancel your current policy until your move is complete and you have a new policy in place.
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.
Do I need to change insurance when I move to another state?
Moving to another state? If you're moving between states, keep in mind that insurance coverage varies across states. For example, in California, due to the high risk of earthquakes, you may want to take special precautions to make sure your home is safe and secure in case an earthquake occurs.
Can I switch my auto insurance anytime?
You can switch car insurance providers anytime, though you should be aware of any fees or penalties. Car owners may switch providers if they're moving, buying a new car, or want to pay less for their policy.
When and How to Switch Your Insurance Company? | Insurance Explained
Is it too late to switch insurance companies?
Remember – while you can usually cancel your health insurance anytime, you can't usually enroll anytime: only during annual open enrollment or a special enrollment period. Before canceling your health insurance plan, make sure you've thought through what you'll do if you need medical care – and how you'll pay for it.
Does it cost to transfer insurance to another car?
Transferring your auto insurance isn't necessarily fun, but it's just as important. And timing is critical. The transfer itself doesn't cost any extra money, but having a new loan or lease on the vehicle may require an increase in coverage, depending on what you already have.
What happens to car insurance if I move?
Your car insurance could go up or down depending on various factors, including the claims history of your new area. When you move out of state, you'll need a new car insurance policy, even if you can stay with the same insurer.
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 my auto insurance have to be in the state I live in?
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.
Will my car insurance go up if I change my address?
Car accidents and traffic violations are common explanations for an insurance rate increase, but other reasons why your car insurance rate can go up include changing your address, adding a new vehicle or driver, increases to claims in your ZIP code, and increases to car repair/replacement cost.
Does a car need insurance to be transferred?
Although the state may not require proof of auto insurance to change a car title in a private sale, dealerships and lenders typically do need proof of insurance before transferring vehicle ownership. Not having insurance could lead to problems with the sale and even a fine from the state.
Can I cancel my car insurance if I'm not using my car?
Depending on your state's rules and insurer, you may be able to pause your car insurance if you won't be driving for an extended period. If putting a pause on your car insurance isn't possible, you can reduce your coverages or cancel your policy for the time you don't need it.
Can my car be registered in one state and insured in another state?
Registering a vehicle in one state while holding an insurance policy in another is not permitted for most drivers. This restriction is due to variations in traffic laws and minimum insurance coverage requirements. Attempting to insure a vehicle in a state where you don't live might be insurance fraud.
Why did my car insurance go up when I moved?
Insurance is zip code specific, so moving from one zip code to another can cause your premium to change.
How long do I have to change my car insurance after moving to Florida?
Moving to Florida 101: Registering an Out of State Car
Once you move to Florida, you have 30 days to get a Florida driver's license, but only 10 days to buy insurance and title/register your vehicles.
What happens if you don't tell your car insurance that you moved?
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.
Does it matter what state your car insurance is in?
No. No matter where you live, your standard car insurance policy will typically cover you in all 50 states and Canada.
Does AAA work in different states?
Does AAA work out of state? Yes, you can call AAA for Roadside Assistance from anywhere in the United States.
Do you need to cancel home insurance when you move?
Can I transfer my home insurance policy to my new home? Yes, but because every home is unique you will need a new home insurance policy and it will likely cost a different amount since the home construction, area and potential new risks (like an in-ground pool) would change when you move to a new place.
Do you have to switch car insurance when you move?
Although you don't have to change car insurance when moving states, it often makes sense for drivers to make the switch. Insurance agents are typically licensed only in a single state, and different states have different laws about insurance coverage.
How do I transfer my car insurance to another state?
A good place to start may be with your current insurance provider. You should alert your insurance provider of your move and consider asking if they are licensed to sell insurance in your new state. If they are, and you decide to remain with that company, they should be able to help update your policy.
Does State Farm charge a cancellation fee?
State Farm's cancellation policy
State Farm doesn't charge a cancellation fee; you can cancel your coverage anytime. You can also receive a prorated refund if you have prepaid your insurance premiums.
How soon can I change my auto insurance?
The short answer is yes:
You can make changes to your coverage any time throughout the year. Simply call your insurance agent. Policy changes usual take effect immediately. Coverage on a new car added during the policy term starts when you take possession.
How quickly can you change insurance?
Computer systems need a little time to update, so it's a good idea to arrange the switchover at least the day before you collect the new car. That said, cover can be changed immediately if you buy a new car on the spur of the moment.