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

This checklist is for educational purposes. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.