How do you handle a car insurance policy when moving out of state?
Many drivers wonder how to handle car insurance policies when moving out of state. Changing car insurance when moving out of state is only necessary after you’ve completed your move. Make sure your out-of-state insurance is acceptable in your new state. Avoid cancellation fees by letting your current auto insurance policy reach the renewal date before switching car insurance from one state to another.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: May 13, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: May 13, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- No matter where you are moving, you should not cancel the insurance on your vehicle before your move
- Make sure your current car insurance policy is valid in your new state
- Change your car insurance when moving to another state once your current policy expires to avoid paying cancellation fees
- If you cancel your car insurance before moving, you could face penalties for having a lapse of insurance coverage
- When looking for an insurance provider in your new state, you will need to know your new ZIP code to obtain an accurate quote
Wondering how to handle car insurance policies when moving out of state?
This common question can make a cross-country move feel even more daunting. Changing car insurance, or auto insurance, when you move your car from state to state is necessary, but it doesn’t need to add extra stress. (For more information, read our “How do you handle car insurance when moving to another state?“).
Cancel your car insurance policy only after you have obtained new coverage in your new state. No matter where you are moving, if you drive a vehicle, you should not cancel the insurance before the move.
Many people incorrectly assume that if you move out of a specific state with specific laws about auto insurance coverage, you can cancel your policy until you get to your new place of residence.
However, when it comes to liability auto insurance coverage, the complete guide states you can receive serious penalties if you’re caught driving without insurance.
Read through our comprehensive guide to learn why it isn’t a wise decision to cancel your car insurance when moving states and what you can do to ensure that your insurance transition from one state to another is a smooth one.
Do you have to change car insurance when you move? How do you handle car insurance policies when moving out of state? Updating car insurance when moving doesn’t have to be stressful.
After learning how to handle car insurance policies when moving out of state, you can find the most affordable car insurance policy right here. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to look for car insurance quotes now.
Why should you not immediately cancel car insurance when you move states?
Can you keep your current car insurance when you move out of state?
When moving to a new state, many drivers wonder if car insurance covers out-of-state driving. The answer is yes. When moving to a new state, car insurance will continue to cover you until your policy expires, so out-of-state insurance is available.
Switching car insurance from one state to another should therefore only happen if your new state does not accept the insurance from your previous state, or after your policy expires. (For more information, read our “What to Do if Your Car Insurance Expires“).
The minimum car insurance required by each state is different. Virtually every state has a law in place requiring some form of liability coverage. As you drive through states to your new home, you still must follow these laws.
Do you have to switch car insurance when you move? When you move from one state to another, your risk of getting into an accident doesn’t decrease simply because you are moving.
Every registered vehicle in the U.S. is required to have some sort of insurance coverage, no matter where you live or where you are driving.
What would happen if you got caught driving during your move without insurance? Find the penalties for each state in the table below.
Driving Without Car Insurance: 1st Offense Penalties by State
| State | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Fine: Up to $500; registration suspension with $200 reinstatement fee |
| Alaska | License suspension for 90 days |
| Arizona | Fine: $500 (or more); license/registration/license plate suspension for three months |
| Arkansas | Fine: $50 to $250; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee; court may order impoundment |
| California | Fine: $100-$200 plus penalty assessments. Court may order impoundment |
| Colorado | Fine: $500 minimum fine; 4 points against your license; license suspension until you can show proof to the DMV that you are insured. Courts may add up to 40 hours community service |
| Connecticut | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for one month (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee |
| Delaware | Fine: $1500 minimum fine; license/privilege suspension for six months |
| Florida | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $150 fee for first reinstatement |
| Georgia | Suspended registration with $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due |
| Hawaii | Fine: $500 fine or community service granted by judge. Either license suspension for three months or a required nonrefundable insurance policy in force for six months |
| Idaho | Fine: $75; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. |
| Illinois | Fine: minimum of $500; License plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof |
| Indiana | License/registration suspension for 90 days to one year |
| Iowa | Fine: $500 if in accident; Otherwise, fine: $250; community service in lieu of fine. Possible citation/warning if pulled over plus removal of plates and registration possible when pulled over without insurance and reissued upon payment of fine or completed community service, proof of insurance, and $15 fee; possible impoundment when pulled over |
| Kansas | Fine: $300 to $1000 and/or confinement in jail up to six months; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $100 |
| Kentucky | Fine: $500 to $1000 fine and/or sentenced up to 90 days in jail; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown |
| Louisiana | Fine: $500 to $1000; If in car accident, fine plus registration revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days |
| Maine | Fine: $100 to $500; suspension of license and registration until proof of insurance |
| Maryland | Lose license plates and vehicle registration privileges; pay uninsured motorist penalty fees for each lapse of insurance — $150 for the first 30 days, $7 for each day thereafter; Pay a restoration fee of up to $25 for a vehicle's registration |
| Massachusetts | Fine: $500 to $5000 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less |
| Michigan | Fine: $200 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less; license suspension for 30 days or until proof of insurance; $25 service fee to Secretary of State |
| Minnesota | Fine: $200 to $1000 (or community service) and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days; License and registration revoked for no more than 12 months |
| Mississippi | Fine: $1000; driving privileges suspended for one year or until proof of insurance |
| Missouri | Four points against driving record; driver may be supervised; suspended until proof of insurance with $20 reinstatement fee |
| Montana | Fine: $250 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days |
| Nebraska | License and registration suspension; reinstatement fee of $50 for each; proof of insurance to remain on file for three years |
| Nevada | Fine: $250 to $1,000 depending on length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, an SR-22 (proof of financial responsiblity) if lapsed more than 90 days; reinstatement fee: $250 |
| New Hampshire | Not a mandatory insurance state. Proof of insurance may be required as the result of a conviction, crash involvement, or administrative action. If you are required to file proof of insurance and vehicles are registered in your name, you will be required to file an Owner’s SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. |
| New Jersey | Fine: $300 to $1000; license suspension for one year; pay surcharges for three years in the amount of $250 per year |
| New Mexico | Fine: up to $300 and/or imprisoned for 90 days; license suspension |
| New York | Fine: up to $1500 if involved in accident plus $750 civil penalty; license and registration suspension – revoked for one year; suspension of license if without insurance for 90 days; suspension lasts as long as registration suspension; Suspension of registration: equal to time without insurance or pays $8/day up to thirty days for which financial security was not in effect, $10/day from the thirty-first to the sixtieth day $12/day from the sixtieth to the ninetieth day and proof of security is provided. Or for the same time as the vehicle was operated without insurance. |
| North Carolina | Fine: $50; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee |
| North Dakota | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; Proof of insurance must be provided for one year; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50, and the fee to remove this notation is $50. |
| Ohio | License/plates/registration suspension until requirements are met and $100 reinstatement fee is paid; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three to five years; If involved in accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two plus years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) |
| Oklahoma | Fine: $250; jail time up to 30 days; license suspension with $275 reinstatement fee. Police can seize license plates and assign temporary plates and liability insurance — in effect for 10 days and can also impound the vehicle. The cost of the temporary coverage is added to the administrative fee and any fines paid for plates to be returned. If car impounded, owner must also pay towing and storage fees. |
| Oregon | Fine: $130-$1000 ($260 is the presumptive fine); If involved in accident — at least a one year license suspension; proof of financial responsibility required for three years |
| Pennsylvania | Registration suspended for three months (unless lapse was for less than 31 days and vehicle not operated during that time); $88 restoration fee plus proof of insurance required to get it back; $500 civil penalty fee is optional in lieu of registration suspension plus $88 restoration fee — can only use this option once within a 12-month period |
| Rhode Island | Fine: $100 to $500; license and registration suspension up to three months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 |
| South Carolina | Fine: $100-$200 or 30-day imprisonment; failure to surrender registration and plates when insurance lapses; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee |
| South Dakota | Fine: $100 and/or 30 days imprisonment; license suspension for 30 days to one year; filing proof of insurance (SR-22) with the state for three years from date of conviction. Failure to file proof will result in suspension of vehicle registration, license plates, and driver license. |
| Tennessee | Pay $25 coverage failure fee within 30 days of notice; if not paid, then an additional $100 coverage failure fee with suspension or revocation of registration plus reinstatement fee of no more than $25 |
| Texas | Fine: $175 to $350 fine; plus, pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements) |
| Utah | Fine: $400; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee |
| Vermont | Fine: up to $500; license suspended until proof of insurance |
| Virginia | Fine: may pay $500 Uninsured Motorists Vehicle fee to drive without insurance at your own risk. If this fee is not paid in lieu of insurance, all driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended until a $500 statutory fee is paid, proof of insurance is filed for three years, and a reinstatement fee (if applicable) is paid |
| Washington | Fine: Up to $250 or more |
| West Virginia | Fine: $200 to $5000; license suspended for 30 days with reinstatement fees, unless there's proof of insurance and $200 penalty fee |
| Wisconsin | Fine: up to $500 |
| Wyoming | Fine: up to $750 fine and up to six months in jail |
Read more:
- What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Hawaii?
- What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Kentucky?
- What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Louisiana?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, one in eight drivers are uninsured. Not only is driving without car insurance illegal but, as you can see, it can also create serious financial difficulty for you if you cause a car accident.
Affordable car insurance is available, so do your research (some have searched “moving to new state car insurance” and “car insurance moving out of state” online) and find the best policy for you.
If you have an accident in an at-fault state, otherwise known as a tort state, then you can be sued for the losses. If you have an accident in a no-fault state, you can be heavily fined for driving without insurance. You may also face a license and registration suspension, which could revoke your valid license and ability to drive legally for a period of time.
While most states have fines for driving without insurance, some even have jail time as a punishment.
In some states, if you are in an accident caused by another person and you don’t have the required insurance, the other insurance company can refuse to cover your losses. You simply don’t want to take that risk.
Lastly, if you are leasing or financing a vehicle, the lender will require that you always carry car insurance on your vehicle. Usually, it is in your contract that you will maintain coverage. If you cancel your insurance, then your lender can take away your vehicle.
It is more likely, however, that your lender will take out an insurance policy for you, and it will be much more expensive than any insurance policy that you would purchase on your own.
Think of switching your car insurance when moving to a new state as an opportunity to comparison shop for better car insurance rates. You could end up saving a lot of money on your new car insurance rates.
Can I transfer my car insurance to another state?
So you’ve moved. When do you change car insurance when moving out of state?
If you’re a new resident, you may wonder “can I insure my car in another state.” Moving can be stressful. When you move to a new state, there is a lot you need to do. Fortunately, we can easily teach you how to transfer insurance to another state for your car. One important step you must take is checking to ensure that your car insurance is valid in your new state.
If your policy remains valid in your new state, you can choose to renew it or you can let it run its course until it expires and then simply cancel the policy.
Maintaining your current policy should be easy with most major national insurance companies, such as Progressive car insurance or Geico car insurance, if you’ve moved to another state.
Letting your policy run its course can help you avoid paying any cancellation fees. Because car insurance rates vary based on where you live, quote comparison shopping after a move can help you find cheaper rates.
How long should you take to change car insurance after moving? Is there a deadline to changing your auto insurance?
When moving to another state, you will eventually need to register your vehicle, which can be done by visiting the DMV.
Most states have a specific amount of time for you to register your vehicle, usually up to 90 days. However, some states will only give you 30 days to register your car.
Although it may seem odd, the simple fact is that if your vehicle is registered in Florida, then you will be required to have Florida car insurance, which applies everywhere.
The upside is that no matter where you live, your car insurance will cover you in the event of an accident.
Do you have to register your car in your new state?
You need to understand that once you change your insurance to a state other than where your vehicle is registered, then the registered state will be informed that you dropped your insurance.
Therefore, if you purchase car insurance in a new state before you register your vehicle, you’ll have to switch over your registration to that state almost immediately afterward.
If, however, you live in the same place for several months and are well past your deadline for changing your state of registration, then your car insurance company can refuse to cover your vehicle if you have an accident.
At that time, it is imperative that your insurance is in your state of residence. Remember, you need insurance to register your car.
Keep in mind that every state has different rules about this process. Some states will allow you to register your vehicle as long as you have some form of insurance, and then you’ll receive a form to fill out when you have switched your insurance over to in-state coverage.
If you don’t send in the form within the specified period, then your license and registration can be suspended, and you may face heavy fines as well.
Now that you know how to insure a car in another state, you can see that it is actually not very stressful at all. Take the time to compare different policies before choosing your new coverage. You could end up saving hundreds in annual fees.
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How do you change your car insurance to your new state?
You may have two options depending on who you are using for car insurance.
If your insurance company offers coverage all around the country, think of well-known insurance brands such as Allstate, State Farm, and Geico, then you may be able to simply call them and ask them to give you a quote for the state you are moving to.
Every state is different regarding what they require from drivers, so the amount you pay might be different from what you were paying before.
For example, in Florida, a comprehensive car insurance policy for a minivan might cost $79 a month, but for North Carolina car insurance, it might be as much as $129 a month for the same coverage.
This variance is based on a number of factors. A new quote will include the risks or lack of risks that you will face in the area that you move to.
Things like how many insurance claims there are in an area, how many accidents occurred, the average cost of an accident, and so on will be part of the determining factors.
Your insurance company may simply be charging you too much for your coverage, or they may be right on target; however, you aren’t going to know if you don’t take the time to compare prices.
There are some easy steps to follow if you decide to change auto insurance companies:
- Get your information together – You need to know what kind of coverage you currently have and re-evaluate if it is still right for you. Decided on the coverage you want before you start shopping.
- Start shopping – If you don’t know where to start looking for new insurance, you can always contact your old insurance agent. They may be able to point you in the right direction. You can also get referrals from people you know or shop online.
- Make the change before the deadline – Each state will have a deadline for you to have car insurance coverage in place when you move. Make sure you have your new coverage in place before the deadline hits.
- Switch over your policies – Set your new car insurance to start a day or so before your old coverage expires to prevent a lapse in coverage. Also, check back in with your previous company to make sure the policy is canceled and you are getting any refund you may be due.
Changing your car insurance company doesn’t have to be painful. Shop around to get the best coverage at a great price in your new state.
Will I need to cancel my car insurance policy if I’m attending college out of state?
One of the largest groups of people affected by the inter-state question are students attending college at an out-of-state institution.
As a general rule, students are not considered permanent residents of the state where they are attending college unless they remain there for a certain period after graduation.
If you’re just temporarily moving to another state and do not need to register your vehicle there, usually you are not required to change your insurance.
For students, as long as you’re still in school, you are considered a temporary resident and can continue driving on the insurance from your home state.
Using Texas residency requirements as an example, if you’re a student who comes to Texas for studying at a college or university, you’re considered a temporary resident unless you have lived in the state for one full year prior to your college enrollment and you do not need Texas car insurance. (For more information, read our “Can I add a college student in another state to my car insurance policy?“).
As a temporary resident, your vehicle registration and insurance are valid in Texas, even though they are from your home state.
However, auto insurance for college graduates who establish residency in a new state works the same as for those who move states. You will be required to switch your registration and insurance to comply with your new state’s laws.
If your current insurance company is not licensed to do business in your new state, you will have to cancel your policy and get a new one from a company that is.
Do I need to cancel my car insurance policy if I’m a snowbird?
There are plenty of drivers who live in cold-climate states but flock to warmer states during the winter months. These drivers are typically called snowbirds.
Whether such drivers need to get a new insurance policy will be determined by their residency status and whether their provider is licensed in both states.
As a typical rule, snowbirds are considered temporary residents unless they exceed a certain time limit in their warm-weather state.
Those time limits will vary from one state to the next according to their regulations. You’ll need to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your warm-weather state to determine what your status will be during your visit.
If that state has a limit of 90 days or less, you may be required to get temporary car insurance to cover any amount of time when that limit is exceeded. In all likelihood, however, it’s probably not going to be an issue for most drivers.
How do you find the best car insurance for you?
An insurance company must be licensed to sell insurance in your state, so if your current insurance company is not licensed where you live, then you are going to have to find a new insurance company. Thankfully, this process is easy.
Because an insurance quote is based on a specific area within a state, you will need to know your new ZIP code to obtain an accurate quote. If you aren’t sure, then you may want to get quotes using several ZIP codes for a range of places you are considering living in.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to fill out forms over and over again; once you have filled out your information, you can make whatever adjustments you need. Because it’s free, you don’t have to worry about limiting the number of searches you do.
When you use our quote tool to find insurance, you are paving the way toward saving money. Quote tools allow you to see what insurance competitors are charging for the same coverage, allowing you to make an educated choice about your car insurance.
Also, you will only get quotes from reputable companies that are financially stable, making it even easier to choose the right company. Don’t get stuck with out-of-state coverage, and don’t pay too much for what you buy.
If you were wondering about changing car insurance when moving out of state, we hope we’ve answered all your questions.
You now know what to do with car insurance when moving states and how to change car insurance when moving out of state.
Buy car insurance at a great rate in your new state by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to search for car insurance quotes now.
Case Studies: Handling Car Insurance Policies When Moving Out of State
Case Study 1: Transferring Coverage
John is moving from one state to another and wants to continue his car insurance coverage seamlessly. He contacts his current insurance company to inquire about their coverage in the new state. John discovers that his insurance company operates in both states and offers coverage in his new location.
He provides the necessary information about his move, such as the new address and date of relocation, to transfer his policy smoothly.
Case Study 2: Finding a New Provider
Sarah is moving out of state and finds that her current insurance company does not operate in her new location. She contacts her insurance company to notify them of her move and requests cancellation of her existing policy. Sarah then researches and obtains quotes from insurance providers in her new state, selecting a new company that meets her coverage needs.
Case Study 3: Comparing Policies
Mike is moving to a new state and wants to ensure he has the best car insurance policy for his new location. He contacts his current insurance company to inquire about coverage options in the new state.
Mike also researches and obtains quotes from other insurance providers in the new state, comparing the policies, coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums. Based on his evaluation, he selects the insurance company that offers the most suitable policy for his new state of residence.
Case Study 4: Address Update
Samantha is moving to a new state but plans to keep her current insurance company. She contacts her insurance provider to update her address and provide the necessary information about her move. Samantha ensures that her policy is updated to reflect the new state of residence, as this may impact coverage requirements and rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you handle a car insurance policy when moving out of state?
Changing car insurance when moving out of state is only necessary after you’ve completed your move. Make sure your out-of-state insurance is acceptable in your new state. Avoid cancellation fees by letting your current auto insurance policy reach the renewal date before switching car insurance from one state to another.
Can you keep your current car insurance when you move out of state?
Yes, your car insurance will continue to cover you until your policy expires when moving to a new state. You can switch car insurance from one state to another if your new state does not accept the insurance from your previous state, or after your policy expires.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance when moving states?
Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in serious penalties. Penalties vary by state but may include fines, license and registration suspension, and even jail time in some cases.
Can I transfer my car insurance to another state?
If your current insurance company offers coverage in your new state, you may be able to transfer your car insurance by contacting them for a quote in the new state. The rates may vary based on the new state’s requirements and risk factors.
Do you have to register your car in your new state?
Most states require you to register your vehicle within a specific timeframe after moving. If you switch your car insurance to a new state before registering your vehicle, you’ll likely need to change your registration to the new state as well.
How do you change your car insurance to your new state?
If your insurance company is licensed to sell insurance in your new state, you can contact them to update your coverage. You can also shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best coverage and price in your new state.
Do you need to cancel your car insurance policy if you’re attending college out of state?
If you’re a student attending college out of state, you may not need to change your insurance as long as you’re considered a temporary resident and your insurance remains valid in your home state. Once you establish residency in the new state, you’ll need to switch your registration and insurance.
Do you need to cancel your car insurance policy if you’re a snowbird?
Snowbirds, who temporarily move to warmer states during the winter, may not need to get a new insurance policy if their provider is licensed in both states. However, they should check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in the warm-weather state to determine any time limits or requirements.
How do you find the best car insurance for you?
To find the best car insurance for your new state, use online quote tools to compare quotes from different insurance companies. Enter your new ZIP code to get accurate quotes based on your location. Consider factors such as coverage options, rates, and the financial stability of the insurance company.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.