One of the more frustrating things about moving to a new state can be having to change your car insurance once you move there. However, you can make things a lot easier on yourself by being prepared. This way you won’t have to spend any more time than you need to actually getting it changed. It is also easy to forget, so by being prepared you can avoid a bad situation where you find yourself without the right insurance when you are involved in an accident.The preparation can actually start as early as two months before you move so, if your moving day is approaching, be sure to get a move on your insurance changes now.
 
 

Jump to:
Before you move
After you move
Tips for changing your car insurance after moving to a new state
Conclusion
 

Before you move

 
As we mentioned, as early as a couple of months before you move you will want to start researching all of your options. Each state is different, so, you will need to make sure that you get the right information particular to your new state.
 
Sometimes you will just need your current policy altered in certain parts. Other times, you might need an entirely new policy altogether. The best thing to do is to contact your current insurance company and ask them what you will need to do.
 
When you talk to them you will need to let them know how many cars you currently have insured and how many you will need insured. You will also let them know about any asset changes that you will have such as a new home. Finally, you will need to let the insurance company know if there will be a big change in the mileage you will be putting on your car. So, if you will be commuting a shorter distance for work, that could end up saving you some money on your updated policy.
 
Then, about a month before you move, you should figure out if you are driving to your new location or shipping your car there.
 
It is at this point that you should also contact your new states DMV and see what is required of you to do by the time you get there as well as right after you get there. On top of insurance information, this will include important information regarding registration, inspection, your license and more.
 
About a week before you move, you will want to get your address changed with the insurance company to your new address. Don’t do this much sooner than a week out because there is a very good chance that you might get some things in the mail from the insurance company that you will need to read and/or possibly even send back signed or filled out.
 
Be sure to talk to your new or current insurance company and make sure that you don’t end up with any gaps in your coverage. If you do end up with a gap in your coverage, do not drive during that period as you will be completely responsible for paying any damage in an accident yourself.
 

After you move

 
Once you move you will need to visit your new state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to finish the process. It is best to do this as soon as you arrive so you can be certain you took care of this right away. This way, you can focus on the rest of your move such as setting up your new home without the dreaded trip to the DMV hanging over your head.
 
It might not be required to do so right away, but it would make life easier if you get your car inspected as soon as you can once you arrive in your new state. Having this complete will help speed up the process of getting your insurance changed.
 

Tips for changing your car insurance after moving to a new state

• Look over your current policy – This will allow you to figure out if you can stay with your current car insurance company or you will need to find a new one.

 

• Avoid a gap in coverage – You should be able to do this by planning ahead pretty easily. If you end up with a gap in your coverage, you would be taking a big risk by driving during that period. Avoid this at all costs. Be sure to coordinate any change in your coverage between your old and new insurance companies at least a month before your move.

 

• Plan to pay a new insurance rate – Every state is different with what car insurance will cost. There is a chance that you will end up paying more per month than you had been in your previous state. Be sure you’re ready for this or else you could risk losing coverage.

 

• Have this information ready –
  • Info about all the drivers that you will need to be covered such as dates of birth, license info etc.
  • Driving history for everyone that will be covered on the insurance policy
  • Your new address
  • Vehicle info about every car that will be on the policy. This will include the ID number, when you bought it and if you own it outright or lease it.
  • An approximation of how many miles you usually drive per year. This will likely change in your new state, so, do your best to estimate how far you might be driving each year.
  • What level of coverage you want with your new policy

Conclusion

 
Moving can be a complicated and frustrating experience. There is no need to make it worse by waiting too long to get your car insurance switched. Hopefully, you will be ready to start driving in your new state right away.
 
The most important part about switching your car insurance when you are moving to a new state is the advanced preparation. Remember, the whole process should start as early as two months before you move.
 
You should really consider shipping your car during your move. Doing so will save you a lot of time which you can use for one of the other many things you will need to do. If you are interested in shipping your car, you can get a free quote at RoadRunnerAutoTransport.com.