Is it illegal to have your car insured in another state?
Asked by: Dr. Leda Larkin | Last update: September 27, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (53 votes)
Can my car be insured in a different state than its registered?
State laws usually require you to register and plate your vehicle in the state where the car will be primarily driven, especially if you are a resident of that state. Insurance companies normally require you to insure the vehicle in the state where the car will be driven for the majority of the year.
Can you live in one state and have insurance from another?
There's also no such thing as a multi-state car insurance policy that originates from two or more states. Any auto policy you buy will originate from one state only, typically the state where you reside.
Does it matter what state you're in for car insurance?
A car insurance policy originates in the state where you reside. Buying two auto insurance policies for the same vehicle may result in the company canceling one of them. However, you can have two policies to insure two separate vehicles garaged in different states.
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.
Can I Have Auto Insurance From Another State? - InsuranceGuide360.com
What happens if I don't tell my car insurance that I 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.
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.
Is it illegal to have out of state car insurance?
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.
Does my auto insurance cover me out of state?
The simple answer is yes, when you have a valid auto insurance policy, it covers you no matter where you drive in the U.S. That's true even when you're driving in a state with different rules about insurance than your own. Car insurance coverage requirements vary depending on which state you live in.
Does your insurance have to match your state?
Once your vehicle registration is completed in a new state, you should transfer your car insurance to match. Failure to update your insurance could be considered fraud. That's why it is essential to check the policies in your new state to avoid potential issues.
Can you have auto insurance in two states?
Yes, you can live in one state while having car insurance in another. For example, if you own a second car and it's parked at your vacation home in another state, that second car would have a separate auto policy.
Is car insurance based on address?
Just like your driving record or credit score, your address is a major insurance rating factor. Without a permanent address, an insurance company may view you as a liability.
How long do you have to change car insurance after moving?
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.
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.
Can I have two cars registered in different states?
Most states only allow residents to register their vehicles in the same state. However, several states allow non-residents to register their vehicles there. These include: Delaware.
Can I use my insurance 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.
Can I keep my car insurance if I move to another state?
While buying a new auto insurance policy may seem like a hassle, the good news is that if your current carrier sells insurance in your new state, you can typically just get a new policy from the same company. You'll usually only need to switch carriers if your current insurer doesn't do business in your new state.
Do I have to tell my car insurance when I move?
There are several factors to consider while planning your move, including your auto insurance policy. If your new home is in a different state, you may wonder, “Do I have to change car insurance when I move states?” The short answer is yes.
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.
What states is it illegal to not have insurance?
New Jersey, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia require their residents to have health insurance coverage or face penalties. Vermont recommends that residents have coverage, but there's no noncompliance penalty.
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.
How long do I have to pay car insurance?
What is a car insurance lapse grace period? Your car insurance policy won't be cancelled immediately because you miss a payment. Auto insurance companies are required by state law to provide notice before cancelling your policy. Depending on the state, you'll usually have between 10 and 20 days.
What happens if you don't update your license when you move states?
Failing to update your driver's license address is generally not a major offense, but don't be surprised if law enforcement gives you a ticket along with directions to get it updated.
What do cops see when they run out of state plates?
The name and address of the registered owner. Along with the license number for verification that the correct plate has been run and the expiration date of the registration. It will return the VIN number as well as the year, make and model of the vehicle and more recent ally the color of the vehicle.
Can I store my car out of state?
' You are allowed to STORE said vehicle anywhere you like, as long as it is NOT on public roads, and out of view. However, if you are moving to another State, you are required by your new State's laws to register your vehicle after establishing residency.