How to Change Address on Car Insurance?

If you’re moving to a different location, whether it's another town, city, county, or state, you’re required to update your address on your car insurance policy. If you fail to change or update your address with your car insurer, it can lead to a range of consequences, which include. 

• Your car insurance claim may get delayed or denied 
• Your policy could be canceled or voided due to misrepresentation 
• Your coverage may no longer meet state minimum insurance requirements 
• You could face penalties related to registration, licensing, or compliance

Even when you’re moving just a short distance, such as to a nearby street or neighborhood, updating your address is still important. Insurance premiums are influenced by location-based risk factors, including crime rates, traffic density, accident frequency, weather, and theft statistics.   

If you move to a neighborhood or area with a high crime rate and a higher incidence of accidents, your premiums are likely to increase. Similarly, if it's a safer location with a lower crime rate and fewer accidents, then your premiums can decrease.  

In order to stay financially secure and stay legally compliant, it is essential to change your address on your car insurance if you decide to move. In this guide, you’ll learn how to change your address on car insurance, what information you’ll need, and what to expect after the update.

Steps to Change Address on Car Insurance  

Whether you’re moving to a different town, city, or state, you will need to complete a few key steps to update your address on your car insurance policy. 

Before getting started, contact your insurer to confirm whether they provide coverage in the area you’re moving to. If your current insurer does not operate there, you may need to switch to a reliable insurance provider that offers an affordable auto insurance policy to maintain continuous coverage that fits both your budget and coverage needs. 

If your insurer does provide coverage at your new location, follow the steps below to update your address on your car insurance policy. 

Inform Your Insurer that You’re Shifting  

The first step is to contact your insurer and inform them that you’re shifting to a different location. This is essential mainly to confirm whether they provide coverage in the area and assess how the address change may affect your policy and premium. 

Once your insurer reviews the updated location details and provides a revised quote, you can decide whether to continue with your current policy or switch to another provider before or after your move.

Provide Details of Your New Location   

Once you inform your insurer that you’re moving to a new location, you will be prompted to provide your new address on your car insurance policy. This is typically done by completing an address update form or updating your details through your insurer’s website or customer portal.  

Make sure to enter your full address accurately and specify where your vehicle will be parked. This may include a private garage, a designated parking lot, or street parking near your new residence, as parking locations can influence your insurance risk and premium. 

Get a New Quote Based on Your Location (if required) 

It depends on where you’re moving to. If it’s a different city or state, you may need to get a new quote based on your location, typically because auto insurance coverage requirements and premiums vary based on state regulations and location-specific risk factors.  

So, a part of updating your auto insurance policy may also come up with a revised quote to adjust to changes to your new location. However, if you’re moving to a different house on the same block, or to a nearby street within the same neighborhood, your insurance rate may remain unchanged, and your existing premium may continue to apply. 

Confirm the Documents You Need to Update/Provide

Depending on your insurer, you may be asked to provide supporting documents to verify your new address when updating your car insurance policy. These documents may be requested during the address change process or after your move is completed. 

Commonly accepted documents include: 

• Utility bill: A recent electricity, gas, or water bill showing your name and new address 
• Pay stub: A recent pay stub that lists your current residential address 
• Updated driver’s license: Many states require you to update your address on your license after moving (within 30 to 90 days), which can also serve as proof of residency 
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement: Documents showing your new residence if you’ve rented or purchased a home

Always confirm with your insurer which documents are required, as documentation requirements can vary by provider and state. 

What Happens If You Move to a Different State?  

When you move to a different state, you must ensure that your auto insurance policy meets the minimum coverage requirements of your new state. Insurance laws vary by state, and failing to update your address can leave you with coverage that no longer complies with local regulations. 

If you relocate but continue using your old address, your policy may still reflect your previous state’s requirements even though those limits or coverage types may not be valid where you now live. 

For example, moving from an at-fault state like Texas to a no-fault state such as Michigan often requires significant changes to your auto insurance coverage. Texas primarily requires liability coverage, while Michigan has a no-fault system that includes additional coverage types such as personal injury protection (PIP) and property protection insurance (PPI), along with different liability requirements. 

So, when you move to another state, your existing policy may need to be rewritten or adjusted to meet the local auto insurance laws. And that’s why it is an essential requirement to update your address before moving, or immediately after relocating, to remain legally compliant and fully insured.  

How Long Does It Take to Officially Change the Address on Car Insurance?

If you change your address using your insurer’s online portal, it should get updated immediately after you submit your new address with the required details. In some cases, your insurer may need to verify the new address with you, such as through a follow-up call which can extend the process from a few hours to several business days.  

Most online portals also display an updated quote if your premium changes based on your new location. Alternatively, you can update your address by calling your insurer or visiting a local office, though these methods may take longer to process, typically ranging from a few hours to a few days, depending on the insurer. 

Is There Any Fee for Changing the Address on Car Insurance?

There isn’t any fee for changing the address on car insurance, but your auto insurance premiums may change depending on coverage requirements and associated risk factors.  

When you update your address, your insurer may revise your policy based on factors such as crime rates, traffic density, accident frequency, and state-specific insurance laws at your new location.  

As a result, your premium could increase or decrease even though the address update itself is free. Any change in cost reflects the updated risk profile of your new address rather than an administrative charge for making the change. 

Final Tip: Don’t Forget to Change Your Address When You Move

Keep in mind that it’s essential to change your address no matter where you relocate to, especially to stay legally compliant and ensure you’re properly insured based on state regulations.  

So, when you’re moving, make sure to prioritize changing your address on your car insurance policy. If your current insurer does not offer coverage in your new area, notifying them ahead of time allows you to explore alternative providers, maintain continuous coverage, and avoid a policy lapse. 

If you’re relocating and comparing auto insurance options, you can look for a nearby insurance agent, or you can contact us for guidance in finding a policy that fits your budget and insurance needs.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change my address on my insurance policy?

You can change your address by logging into your insurer’s online portal or mobile app, calling customer service, or visiting a local office. You’ll typically need to provide your new address and effective move date, and your insurer may update your premium if rates differ at the new location. 

Do I need to change my car insurance address when I move?

Yes, you should update your car insurance address whenever you move to ensure your policy remains accurate and compliant with state insurance requirements. Failing to update your address can lead to coverage issues, premium miscalculations, or problems when filing a claim. 

What happens if your car insurance has the wrong address?

If your car insurance has the wrong address, your policy may be misrated, your premium may be incorrect, and claims could be delayed or denied. In some cases, your coverage may no longer meet state insurance requirements, which can lead to policy cancellation or compliance issues. 

Does it matter what address I put on my car insurance?

Yes, it does; the address on your car insurance affects your premium, coverage eligibility, and compliance with state insurance laws. Using an incorrect address can result in incorrect premiums, coverage issues, or problems when filing a claim. 

What happens if I move and don't update my auto insurance?

If you move and don’t update your auto insurance, your policy may be rated incorrectly for your new location, which can lead to premium issues, coverage gaps, or claim delays. In some cases, your coverage may no longer meet your new state’s insurance requirements, increasing the risk of policy cancellation or compliance problems. 

Is it illegal to register a car at an address you don't live at?

In most states, yes, registering a car at an address where you don’t actually live can be illegal. Vehicle registration typically requires your current residential address, and using a false address may be considered misrepresentation, which can lead to fines, registration issues, or other legal penalties. Some exceptions may apply for military members, students, or temporary situations, but it’s best to register your car at your actual residence and follow your state’s DMV rules.