When should you change car insurance address?
Asked by: Prof. Kobe Huel MD | Last update: January 14, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (50 votes)
When 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.
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.
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 your insurance address have to match your license?
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.
Moving States? How to Change Car Insurance
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.
Why does address matter for car insurance?
One key question that you'll likely answer, no matter which insurer you choose, is, “What is your address?” The use of your address is an essential part of car insurance because it can show your insurance company where you live and where you'll park your car.
Does it matter what state your car insurance is in?
Does your car insurance cover you out of state? Your car insurance policy generally will cover you when you drive your car out of state. If you are on vacation, for example, or are passing through another state on a road trip, you won't need to get a separate car insurance policy.
Why did my car insurance go up when I moved?
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. Your insurer may also use your annual mileage and commuting distance to help determine your rate.
Do you have to cancel car insurance when you switch?
Your new insurance company can provide proof of insurance to your old company if necessary, but they generally aren't authorized to cancel a policy with another insurer on your behalf. After you purchase a new policy, you should immediately contact your former insurer and cancel your old policy.
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.
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.
How soon after an accident can you change insurance?
You can switch auto insurance companies after an accident while your claim is still pending. It is important to consider your reasons for switching, ensure there is no gap in coverage, and be aware of the potential impact on your claim.
Does changing address affect 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.
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.
How long do I have to change my 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.
Do you have to tell your car insurance when you move?
Yes, car insurance does change when you move to a different state. 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.
Can my car be registered in one state and insured in another?
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.
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.
Does my car insurance have to match my drivers license address?
The short answer: yes, your insurance policy, your driver's license as well as your vehicle registration should all have the same (current) address.
Do you have to live at the same address for car insurance?
If you and your friend don't currently share an address, then they won't be able to be on your car insurance policy — even if they're planning to move in at a later date. However, as soon as they move in and their permanent address is the same as yours, you can update your policy to add your friend.
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.
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.
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.
Can I use a different zip code for 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.