It is important to know how to manage your car insurance during a move whether you are moving across a town or the country. Generally, moving is a milestone event in the life of every driver, but it comes with different tasks and challenges. While this is on, one thing you are always required to respond to on time is your car insurance update. The necessity to change your car insurance depends on the state you are moving to.
Moving out of state most times involves several moving parts, like packing belongings, scheduling movers, and changing addresses. To ensure effective car insurance management, it’s crucial to include it in your to-do list during your move planning process. This write-up contains insights on how to manage your car insurance during a move.
Do I Have to Change My Car Insurance When I Move?
When you relocate from your previous residence, it’s crucial to inform your car insurance company to update your policy. The distance or proximity of a move from your previous residence can alter your insurance premium. This is because your car insurance company determines your insurance rates based on the risk at your location.
Moving can either increase or decrease your premiums. For instance, if you move from a high-crime location to a low-crime location, your car insurance premiums may decrease, while if you do otherwise, your car insurance premiums will likely increase. To avoid higher premiums during relocation, change your car insurance company instead of acquiring a new one after the move.
When Should I Change My Car Insurance During a Move?
It’s crucial to manage your auto insurance while moving. Unfortunately, only a limited time is offered for drivers to change their car insurance during a move. Most states mandate drivers to provide their licenses and registration within one to three months of establishing a new home. This means drivers are also required to update their car insurance to reach the state-mandated requirements. To determine the specific car insurance requirements of your new location, consult the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
Should I Get New Car Insurance Before I Register My Car in a New State?
Most states require proof of car insurance before registering a vehicle in a new state. For this reason, you need to begin your search for a new car insurance policy as fast as possible after moving to the new location. Generally, the state offers between one and three months for drivers to register their vehicles, which means you have enough time to compare different lenders and purchase a policy.
How to Change Your Car Insurance During a Move
After moving, you need to take the following steps to manage your car insurance:
Gather insurance quotes from different car insurers
Although your car insurance company may offer coverage even while you are in a new location, you are still likely to face higher insurance rates. To avoid higher insurance rates, put together insurance quotes from different car insurance companies in your new state and compare them. Even if you are moving within your current location, it may still be a good idea to change insurers and compare several insurance companies.
Understand Your Car Insurance Company’s Cancellation Terms
Some car insurance companies impose a termination fee on the policy of a driver if they ever cancel their policy before the end of the policy term. This is, however, not common with most insurance companies. Insurance agents generally do not advise drivers to change their policies or insurers to a new one in the new state just to avoid cancellation fees.
Verify Your Policy’s Resume Date
You need to make sure you do not get any lapse in your insurance coverage between policies. While this is the state law for insurance coverage, it exposes you to a great deal of risk. To avoid this, ensure your new insurance policy resumes on the same day your previous policy is canceled.
Cancel Your Previous Insurance Policy
Stay aware that some car insurance companies require drivers to write a notice of cancellation. It is important to make sure you are not billed twice for car insurance after your new policy is activated.
Are My Insurance Rates Affected During a Move?
Yes, your insurance rates can be affected by moving, irrespective of location. In most states, car insurance companies make use of your ZIP code and other factors to determine rates and premium costs. Some other factors, like accident prevalence, vehicle theft, population density, and crime rates, can affect your car insurance rates.
