Moving States Insurance Checklist
Moving to a new state affects nearly all your insurance policies. State laws, coverage requirements, and rates vary significantly. Use this checklist to ensure continuous coverage during your move.
30-60 Days Before Moving
Research New State Requirements
- Look up auto insurance minimum requirements (they vary by state)
- Check if new state requires additional coverage (PIP, uninsured motorist)
- Research whether health insurance plans are available in new state
- Understand homeowners insurance needs (flood zones, earthquake areas, etc.)
Auto Insurance Planning
- Get quotes from insurers licensed in your new state
- Ask current insurer if they operate in the new state
- Compare rates (can vary 50% or more between states)
- Note: Some states are much more expensive (Michigan, Florida, Louisiana)
Health Insurance Assessment
- Verify if your current health plan covers care in the new state
- Moving is a qualifying life event for health insurance changes
- Research new state’s marketplace options if self-insured
- If employer-insured, check if plan network covers new area
Document Everything
- Request copies of claims history from all insurers
- Get proof of continuous coverage letters
- Save any “loss runs” from homeowners insurance
- Document current coverage limits for reference
1-2 Weeks Before Moving
Auto Insurance Updates
- Contact current insurer about your move date
- Purchase new state auto insurance policy (effective on move date)
- Ensure no gap in coverage during transition
- Update policy with new address
Home/Renters Insurance
- Cancel homeowners insurance when you sell (not before closing)
- Get renters insurance for temporary housing if needed
- Get quotes for new homeowners insurance before buying new home
- Consider contents insurance during the move for belongings in transit
Health Insurance Transition
- Notify employer of address change for benefits
- Enroll in new marketplace plan if self-insured (60-day window)
- Ensure prescriptions can be filled in new location
- Research in-network doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies
Within 30 Days of Moving
Auto Insurance Requirements
- Register vehicle in new state (usually required within 30-60 days)
- Update driver’s license to new state
- Provide new insurer with new registration/license info
- Cancel old state auto insurance after new policy is active
- Some states require insurance before registration
Homeowners/Renters Insurance
- Finalize homeowners policy for new home (required for mortgage)
- Update renters insurance with new address
- Inventory belongings and update coverage amounts
- Add any state-specific coverage (flood, earthquake, windstorm)
Final Cancellations
- Cancel old homeowners/renters policy after move is complete
- Cancel old auto policy after new one is in effect
- Request refunds for any prepaid premiums
- Get confirmation of cancellation in writing
State-Specific Considerations
High-Cost Auto Insurance States
- Michigan: No-fault state with unlimited PIP (most expensive)
- Florida: High rates due to uninsured drivers and fraud
- Louisiana: High rates due to litigation environment
- Consider these costs when budgeting for your move
Natural Disaster Coverage
- Florida/Gulf Coast: Wind and flood insurance often separate
- California: Earthquake insurance is optional but recommended
- Midwest: Tornado coverage in standard policy, but verify limits
- Coastal areas: Flood insurance required if in flood zone
No-Fault vs. At-Fault States
- No-fault states (12 total): Your insurance pays regardless of fault
- At-fault states: At-fault driver’s insurance pays
- Requirements and coverage options differ significantly
Things That May Change Your Rates
Factors That Increase Rates
- Moving to urban area from rural
- Higher crime or accident rates in new area
- Longer commute distance
- Natural disaster risk (coast, flood zone, fire area)
- State has higher minimums or mandatory coverage
Factors That May Decrease Rates
- Moving to rural area from urban
- Lower crime rates
- Shorter commute
- State has lower insurance costs
- Access to more insurers (more competition)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t let coverage lapse during the move (even one day gap is risky)
- Don’t assume your current insurer covers your new state
- Don’t forget to update vehicle registration (it’s often required for insurance)
- Don’t wait too long to update policies (may violate policy terms)
- Don’t forget about flood insurance if moving to a new flood zone
Related Insurance Types
- Auto Insurance - State requirements vary significantly
- Homeowners Insurance - Protect your new home
- Health Insurance - Ensure coverage in your new state
- Flood Insurance - May be required in new location
Related Guides
- State Insurance Guides - Find your new state’s requirements
- Auto Insurance Costs by State - Compare rates in your new state
- Home Insurance Costs by State - What to expect for coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about insurance when moving states answered below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my auto insurance when I move to another state?
Yes, you must update your auto insurance when moving states. Each state has different minimum coverage requirements, and your current policy may not meet the new state’s laws. Get quotes from insurers licensed in your new state—rates can vary 50% or more between states. Most states require you to update registration and insurance within 30-60 days.
Will my car insurance go up or down when I move?
It depends on where you’re moving. Insurance costs vary dramatically by state—Michigan and Florida have the highest rates, while Maine and Ohio are among the lowest. Urban areas cost more than rural. Moving from New York City to rural Ohio could cut your premium in half; moving to Detroit could double it.
Does moving trigger a health insurance special enrollment period?
Yes, moving to a new state is a qualifying life event that opens a 60-day special enrollment period for health insurance. If you have employer coverage, verify your plan covers care in the new state. If you’re on an ACA marketplace plan, you’ll need to enroll in a new plan through your new state’s marketplace.
What happens to my home insurance when I move?
Cancel your old homeowners policy only after closing on your home sale. Get quotes for your new home before buying—homeowners insurance costs vary dramatically by state and location. Some areas require additional flood, earthquake, or windstorm coverage. Your new mortgage lender will require proof of insurance before closing.
How long can I keep my old state's auto insurance after moving?
Most states require you to register your vehicle and update insurance within 30-60 days of establishing residency. Driving with out-of-state insurance beyond this period could void your coverage or result in fines. Some states require proof of in-state insurance before you can register your vehicle.
Do I need flood insurance in my new state?
Flood insurance requirements depend on your new home’s location, not the state. If your home is in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone and you have a federally-backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Even outside high-risk zones, it’s worth considering—25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas.
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This checklist is for educational purposes. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.
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