What to Do with Your Auto Insurance When Moving Out of State

By the Mercury Team

Congratulations on finding your new home! It’s time to pack up your belongings and schedule the move. There are several factors to consider while planning your move, including your auto insurance policy. If your new home is in a different state, you may be wondering, “Do I have to change car insurance when I move states?” The short answer is most likely, because changing your auto insurance is an essential step of the moving process.

“Starting a new chapter in your life with a move can be just as exciting as it is stressful,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of claims and customer experience at Mercury Insurance. “Ensuring that your car insurance is seamlessly transitioned from one policy to another can alleviate some of the stress of moving.”

Here are the steps Quinn recommends to handle your auto insurance during the moving process:

• Start the process early. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll have to get new auto insurance if you’re moving out of state. This process can take between 30 to 90 days, so it’s best to plan ahead if you need to switch your insurance.
• Talk to your agent. One handy tip is to take the time to gather all of your important documents before they’ve been boxed up and keep them on hand for the move. Then, call your insurance agent to inform them you’re moving to a new state and discuss things to consider to update your auto insurance coverage. For example, your premium could be altered based on your commute or, if you’re moving in with a significant other, you might qualify for joint auto insurance. You can also ask about new coverage options if your insurance provider operates in multiple states throughout the U.S. However, there may be changes to your policy to comply with differing laws and policies of the state you’re moving to, so your agent can bring these to your attention.
• Shop around for insurance providers. It’s important to make sure you’re getting the best deal, especially if you need to switch to a different carrier due to a move.  Check to see if the carriers you’re comparing offer the type and amount of insurance you’ll need to protect you and your vehicle against damage, as well as bundled insurance policies to help you create a substantial discount on your premiums.
• Cancel your old insurance if you’ve bought another policy. You should provide the end date of your old insurance policy to create the effective date for your new insurance policy. Only cancel your current policy after you’ve lined up a new car insurance out of state prior to your move so you don’t end up with a gap in your coverage.

Moving can be a laborious and stressful process, but switching your auto insurance policy doesn’t have to be. Follow these steps to stay on top of the process and speak to your insurance agent for further guidance in switching your policy before the move.