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Car insurance can be complicated, especially when you live and/or work in multiple states. In this article, we’ll talk about when you may need to get car insurance in another state and the best way to keep yourself covered no matter where you are.
Reasons You May Need Car Insurance in Another State
There are several common reasons why drivers may need to purchase auto insurance in more than one state. Here are a few situations.
Snowbirds
If you live part of the year in one state and part of the year in another, you may need to have insurance in both states. Depending on the state’s requirements, you may be driving illegally if you do not. In addition, if you have an accident your insurance company may deny your claim if you are in another state for an extended length of time and do not carry insurance for that state.
The bottom line is that it is your responsibility to make sure you know the laws of the states you spend time in, as well as the requirements of your insurance carrier.
College
For college students who move to a different state, there are no cut and dry rules. Some states allow out-of-state registration and insurance, as long as you notify the state of your vehicle. Other states require students to obtain insurance for the state they are in, especially if the student owns the vehicle and lives in the state full time.
The bottom line for students is to also know the laws of the state they’re in and the rules of their insurance company.
Military
Car insurance for military personnel is a little bit different. Military personnel are required to declare a home state. Sometimes they can be stationed in another state, or several different states, for months or years at a time. If you are in the military and you are in a state other than your home state for your military service, the general rule is that you should have your vehicle registered and insured in your home state.
How to Find Car Insurance Savings
If you must buy insurance in another state, make sure you check out all the discounts available to you. Some carriers are now offering multi-state discounts and if you put your car in storage for part of the year and do not drive it, you may be able to find some stored vehicle discounts.
Many large, national insurance companies are beginning to accommodate drivers who need coverage in more than one state. If you need to insure your vehicle in another state, use the InsuranceWins form to start the process of discovering just how much you might be able to save. Whether you’re a snowbird, in college, or in the military make sure you’re getting the best protection with the most savings.
