Is my car insurance void if I forgot to change my address?
Asked by: Dillan Mraz | Last update: January 2, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (57 votes)
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.
What happens if you don't tell your car insurance that you 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 the address on my car insurance matter?
Essentially, your address helps insurers paint a picture of your overall risk profile. By understanding the factors associated with your location, they can more accurately assess the likelihood and potential cost of a claim, ensuring they charge a premium that reflects the risk you represent.
Can you have a different address on your license than your insurance?
The short answer: yes, your insurance policy, your driver's license as well as your vehicle registration should all have the same (current) address.
Can a change of address increase auto insurance?
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.
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 use my friend's address for car insurance?
Using a friend or family member's address, especially if they live in a safer neighborhood, is a common tactic to reduce auto insurance premiums. However, this practice, seemingly harmless and financially savvy to some, is viewed as fraudulent by insurance companies.
Can you have car insurance in one state and live in another?
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.
Is driving without insurance a moving violation?
Failing to have proof of insurance in the event of an accident can also result in severe consequences. Driving without proof of insurance is a serious offense in most states, resulting in moving violations and fines.
Will my car insurance kick me out?
Car insurance companies can legally drop a customer if they become riskier to insure than when they first bought their policy. But that doesn't mean they let go of customers for just any reason — if you practice safe driving habits and pay your premium on time, the chance of losing your car insurance is slim.
How long can you go without changing your address?
In most states, you must update the DMV of an address change within 30 days of the move, even if you're moving within city limits.
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 your car insurance address have to match your license on Reddit?
No need to change your DL. You just need to make sure that your insurance knows your at college with the car and the address where you live and it's parked.
Will my car insurance go down if I move to another state?
Your move will impact your car insurance rate. Rates are partially based on an area's claims history, so fewer thefts, break-ins, and accidents in your new area can result in lower rates and vice versa.
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 you insure a car that is not at your residence?
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.
Does your car insurance have to match your address?
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.
Can my son drive my car if he doesn't live with me?
If your son doesn't live with you but needs to borrow your car, he can do so with your permission. It is known as permissive use, which means that when someone who doesn't live with you gets permission to borrow your car, they are also “borrowing” your auto insurance coverage.
What do I do if my ex is using my address for car insurance?
Contact local law enforcement
If someone else is using your address for a driver's license, insurance, or proof of residence, contact the police immediately.
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.
Is it illegal to use an old address?
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.
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.
Does changing my address affect my car insurance?
Whether you're moving near or far, your insurance rates could change because your ZIP code is a factor auto insurers use when setting their rates. Even a short move across town could result in higher premiums if the move makes your commute longer.
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.