Getting a Car Insurance Quote When Moving to a New State

Moving to a new state means lots of changes: you'll need a new driver's license, you'll need to notify business and personal contacts of your new address, and you'll get a new phone number. But, what about your car insurance? Do you need to get a new quote on car insurance once you move?

If your move is temporary - typically less than six months, then you don't need to change your car insurance at all. However, if you're relocating permanently, or for longer than six months, you'll need to get a car insurance quote for your new state.Now, keep in mind, this doesn't necessarily mean that you'll need to change car insurance companies. Most major companies operate in all 50 states, but you'll want your company to quote car insurance for you in your new state, just the same. This is because each state has different laws and requirements governing car insurance. For example:

* There are a few states that don't require liability insurance.
* Coverage limits vary widely from state to state
* Some states have "no fault" coverage, meaning that each party's insurance covers their damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
* Some states require uninsured motorist coverage
* Some states require personal injury coverage
* Some states have different insurance requirements for drivers with poor driving records.

As you can see, without getting an agent in your new state to quote car insurance rates for you, you could be in violation of state law. Therefore, it's important to update your car insurance coverage promptly.

Car insurance rates vary widely by state, as well. You may be shocked when local companies quote car insurance rates for your new state. Be certain to get your current company to quote car insurance rates for you in your new state, if they operate there. If you're moving to a state with higher premiums, you might get a better quote from your current insurance company simply because you've been a customer for a while.

If you find that you're new car insurance rates will be higher than those in your old state, remember that you don't have to transfer your policy for six months. You'll save money by keeping that old policy for as long as you can. On the other hand, if car insurance in your new state is less expensive, you may want to transfer your policy right away.

Shopping for a car insurance quote may seem like just another item in the long list of things to do as you're moving. But, it's important to get your car insurance updated within six months of moving to make sure you're driving within the law.