New York Car Insurance If You Move To Another State

Although you are not required to change your car insurance when moving states, it often makes sense for drivers to do so. Insurance agents are typically only licensed in one state, and different states have different insurance coverage laws. If you're moving to a different state, you'll usually have up to 90 days to register your car in your new state. You should, however, ensure that your auto insurance policy will cover you as soon as you arrive. If you intend to switch auto insurance companies when you relocate, here's how.

Moving Out-Of-State Insurance Guide

Do you intend to move out of state shortly? Do you know what steps you should take to ensure that your vehicle is properly insured in your soon-to-be-new home state? If this is your first time moving, or if you've moved before but need a refresher, here's what you need to know:

Step 1: Purchase New Insurance

Begin by obtaining insurance in the state to which you will be relocating. Investigate your options online and by speaking with contacts in your new state. Your current insurance carrier or agent can send you a copy of your current policy coverage to compare it to the appropriate coverage offered by the new company you've chosen. Always purchase new coverage before canceling previous coverage – gaps in car insurance coverage, even if unintentional, can result in costly fines and legal complications.

Step 2: Remove Tags and Registration

Remove your license plates, registration, and inspection stickers from your leaving state. Driving a vehicle without valid plates, a current registration, or inspection stickers is illegal, so do so only after you've received replacements from the state to which you're moving.

Step 3: Surrender Your Plates

According to state regulations, you must return your license plates to the state you are departing. Every state in the United States has a state agency that governs motor vehicle regulations, and the majority of them are known as the Department of Motor Vehicles, as is the case in New York State. Instructions on how to return plates and any associated forms can be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles in your area. Plates are usually returned via mail. To ensure that your plates are returned to the DMV, do not give them to someone else to turn in on your behalf. If you're leaving New York, fill out this Plate Surrender Application and mail it along with your NY plates to: NYS DMV 6 Empire State Plaza Room B240 Albany, NY 12228 The date you surrender your plates will be determined by the mail postmark date. In New York, the DMV will then mail you an FS6 form, a tax receipt certifying that the plates have been received. A copy of the FS6 form should be mailed, emailed, or faxed to the insurance company or agency from which you are terminating coverage.

Step 4: Cancel Old Insurance Coverage

Once your insurance carrier or agency receives the FS6 form, they will send you the cancellation form to sign by mail, email, or fax to officially cancel your insurance policy (or its equivalent if moving from a state other than New York). To avoid a coverage gap, don't cancel your car insurance from the state you're leaving until you have your new policy in place.

Step 5: Check Your New State

Examine the website of your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn about registration and auto insurance requirements. You will usually have at least a month, and in some cases up to 90 days, to get your new documents in order. If your insurance company serves your new state of residence, you may be able to keep your current policy. You could keep your existing loyalty discounts and avoid the hassle of switching insurance companies while in the middle of an interstate move. However, keep in mind that the cost of your policy may vary depending on your new geographic area, commute to work, and other factors. Don't forget to get quotes from small, independent insurance companies that only operate in your new state; they frequently offer competitive rates. Moving from a fault state to a no-fault state for auto insurance will certainly result in higher premiums. These states frequently require additional types of coverage, which are divided into four categories:

Bodily injury coverage by accident and by person
Liability coverage for property damage
Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
Personal injury protection

Step 6: Register Your Vehicle

Once you have insurance in your new state, you can go to the DMV and get a new vehicle registration and license plate. In most cases, you will be required to present your driver's license, vehicle title, and proof of insurance. You will also need to provide proof of residency and identification. The majority of states accept Medicaid cards, military IDs, refugee documents, and passports. Before going to the DMV, check the website for a complete list of approved documents. You will also need to pay a registration fee, which typically ranges from $25 to $60. Your vehicle will receive a new license plate from your new home state. The old license plate must be mailed to the DMV in your previous state.

Step 7: Get a Driver's License

You can get a new driver's license simultaneously with new vehicle registration in most states. However, in some states, you may be required to travel to a different location to be photographed. You must also complete a form and pay the required license fee. After completing this process, you will be able to drive in your new home state legally.

FAQs About Insurance When You Move Out-Of-State

Is moving a factor in car insurance?

Yes. Whether you are moving out of state or within the state, your car insurance policy may change because the location of your vehicle is one of the most important factors in determining rates and coverage options. Different car insurance requirements may also affect your coverages and premiums if you move out of state. When you move, it's critical to notify your car insurance company and update your address so that your policy is accurate and provides adequate coverage.

Is it necessary for me to change my car insurance when I relocate?

If your current provider does not sell insurance in the state where you are moving, you may have to change car insurance companies. You will not have to change insurers if you remain in the same state. If you are relocating out of state, check with your auto insurance provider to ensure that they provide coverage in your new state.

What about relocating within the state?

You don't need to get a new policy if you stay in the same state. Notify your auto insurance company of your new address. If you have a Progressive policy, you can change your address either online or by phone. Like moving out of state, an in-state move will affect your car insurance rate, though the difference will likely be less than that of an out-of-state move.

What should I do now that I've purchased a new car insurance policy?

Confirm the start dates of your new policy with an agent at your car insurance company. Inform your previous car insurance provider that you will be switching providers and confirm an end date with them. Confirm an end date for your old policy if you use the same insurance provider. Request new insurance cards, and keep them in your wallet.