Steps to Take With Auto Insurance When Moving to a New State

Last Updated on December 9, 2025

You’re finally packing up those cold winters for a sun-drenched state—or leaving the beach for a once-in-a-lifetime career move across the country. Whatever your situation, you’re moving to a new state, and that means new surroundings, new rules, and unfortunately, new auto insurance requirements.

Updating your auto insurance is usually at the bottom of most moving checklists, but it’s critical. Each state regulates insurance differently, and you’ll need to make sure your coverage is legal and appropriate for your new home. Here are the key steps to take.

Key Takeaways

1. Your current auto policy typically covers you while you drive to your new state, but it won’t work long-term once you move permanently.
2. Auto insurance is regulated by each state, so you’ll need an in-state policy that meets local minimums and requirements.
3. After your move, you must update your insurer, get a new policy if needed, and then update your license plates, registration, and driver’s license.
4. Moving can raise or lower your premiums depending on the new state’s risk and laws—shopping around is essential to avoid overpaying.

Do I Have Insurance Coverage During the Move?

Yes. Under any standard auto insurance policy, your coverage follows you nationwide. That means you can drive your car to your new state and remain covered under your current policy.

For the drive itself, your situation is similar to taking a long road trip. Still, it’s smart to:

• Review your current limits, especially liability coverage.
• Make sure you have both comprehensive and collision coverage if you’re concerned about damage en route.
• Consider adding roadside assistance for breakdowns, flat tires, or towing.

If you’re renting a U-Haul or another type of moving truck, confirm how coverage works—your personal policy may not fully extend to larger rental trucks.

Once You’ve Relocated, Notify Your Insurance Company

After you arrive in your new state, you’ll have a long list of things to do. Near the top of that list should be: contact your insurance company.

Auto insurance is regulated at the state level. Many carriers don’t operate in all 50 states, and every state has different minimums and rules. While you can update your mailing address from anywhere, your existing policy may not meet your new state’s legal requirements.

Reach out to your agent or insurer directly to find out if they can continue your coverage in the new state and what changes are needed.

Maybe It’s Time for a New Insurance Provider

If your current insurance company doesn’t operate in your new state—or can’t offer competitive rates there—it’s time to look for a new provider.

You can either:

• Work with a local agent in your new area, or
• Contact a nationwide company that writes policies in your new state.

It’s important to start your new policy promptly after moving. While your old policy may temporarily cover you during the transition, it won’t be valid indefinitely for a permanent move. You need a policy that meets your new state’s legal requirements and accurately reflects your new address and garaging location.

The good news: many insurers let you switch mid-policy without cancellation fees. The bad news: your rates may go up when you move, depending on your new state’s risk factors, minimum limits, and local claim history. In some cases, though, you may enjoy lower premiums if your new area has less risk.

Update Your Driver’s License and Register Your Vehicle

Regardless of whether you stay with your current insurer or switch, you’ll need a policy written specifically for your new state. That’s because you’ll also need to:

• Register your vehicle and obtain new license plates.
• Provide proof of in-state insurance coverage during registration.

Out-of-state insurance generally will not be accepted when you register your car in your new state.

You’ll also need to update your driver’s license with the new state’s DMV or motor vehicle bureau. Once you receive your new license, update your auto policy with your new license number. Most insurers give you a grace period to do this, but it’s better to handle it right away so it doesn’t slip through the cracks.

Starting a New Chapter in Life

Moving is hectic, and it’s easy to delay things like insurance and registration. But getting your new auto policy, vehicle registration, and license taken care of early gives you one less big task to worry about—and ensures you’re legal and protected as you adjust to your new home.

Once your insurance is squared away, you can relax and start exploring your new state knowing you’re properly covered. That peace of mind is exactly what auto insurance is meant to provide.

FAQs

Final Word on Auto Insurance When Moving to a New State

Insurance never makes anything simpler—but you can make the process smoother by following a clear checklist. When you move to a new state, make sure you:

• Review your current policy before the move to ensure you’re properly covered for the trip.
• Ask your current insurer if they write policies in your new state.
• If they do, start a new in-state policy with them.
• If they don’t, find a new insurance carrier—either a local agent or a national company.
• Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with your new state’s DMV.
• Drive cautiously while you adjust to new roads, traffic patterns, and weather conditions—and enjoy your new home.