What happens if I don't tell my car insurance that I moved?
Asked by: Rosalyn Koelpin | Last update: October 6, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (18 votes)
What happens if I move and don't update my auto insurance?
Your insurance company will cancel your old policy because every state has different coverage requirements and regulations.
Do I have to tell car insurance I moved?
Yup. You're obligated to update your policy in a timely manner if you move. Insurance is rated, in part, based on where you live and where you're driving. You're also typically mandated to update your license and registration when you move, too.
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.
Will my car insurance go down if I 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.
Can I cancel my insurance at anytime?
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.
Why did my insurance go up after an address change?
Address Change or Adding a Driver
If you move, your new location may have a higher risk of accidents or theft. Adding drivers can also increase your risk, which could raise your premium.
How does your address affect your car insurance?
Generally speaking, insurance companies calculate your likelihood of an auto accident based on the county or state in which you live, and calculate your risk of vehicle theft or vandalism based on the city or neighborhood in which you live.
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.
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.
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.
When should I cancel my insurance when moving?
Once you've secured a new policy in your new state, it's time to cancel your old insurance. Just make sure your new coverage kicks in before you cancel the previous policy to avoid any gaps in protection. Notify your old insurance provider of your move and request a cancellation.
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.
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.
How long do I have to change my car insurance?
You can switch car insurance companies at any time, even if you just renewed a policy with your current insurer. While most insurers don't penalize customers for switching, some may charge you a cancellation fee. Shop around for auto insurance at least once a year to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.
Why did my car insurance go up when I moved?
If you're moving out of state, you'll need a new auto policy. However, if you're remaining in the same state, your rate could go up based on claims in your new ZIP code.
Does your car insurance have to match your driver's license?
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.
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.
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.
Does your driver's license address have to match your vehicle registration address?
Generally speaking, your driver's license and registration need to match. This means that these documents should have the same home address.
Does your ZIP code affect your car insurance?
Which States Don't Use ZIP Code? Currently, the only two states that have banned the usage of ZIP codes for auto insurance ratings are California and Michigan. In all other states, it's legal for insurers to use ZIP codes as a rating factor for auto insurance to assess risk.
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.
Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?
Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.
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.