Moving to Los Angeles: insurance step by step

Short answer: When you move to Los Angeles from another state, plan to switch to a California auto policy, register your car with the California DMV within 20 days of becoming a resident, get a California driver's license within 10 days, and set up renters or homeowners insurance before you get the keys. California's minimum auto liability is 30/60/15. Standard home and renters policies don't cover earthquake or flood, so decide on those separately. If you buy in a wildfire area, start shopping for home insurance early.

This guide is for people relocating to LA County from outside California. It's general information, not legal advice. For a general checklist that applies to any state, see Moving to a new state: insurance checklist.

Step 1: Before you move, list what you're insuring

Gather your current declarations pages for auto, home or renters, umbrella and any valuables. Note your limits and deductibles. You'll use them to compare California quotes and to decide what to keep, change or cancel. Don't cancel any policy until the replacement is in force.

Step 2: Switch your auto insurance to California

Your out-of-state policy is written for the state where your car is garaged. Once you live in California, tell your insurer and get a California policy. California requires drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility (Vehicle Code §16020). Minimum liability limits are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage (§16056).

The minimum is rarely enough in Los Angeles, where traffic is heavy and vehicle and medical costs are high. Many drivers choose higher liability limits, uninsured motorist coverage, and collision and comprehensive for newer cars. See California auto minimums 30/60/15 explained.

California auto rates must be based mainly on your driving safety record, miles driven and years of driving experience (Insurance Code §1861.02). Bring your driving history and accurate mileage estimates. LA commutes vary widely, so mileage matters.

Step 3: Meet DMV deadlines

• Vehicle registration: Register your vehicle in California within 20 days after you become a resident or take a job here (Vehicle Code §4152.5).
• Driver's license: Get a California driver's license within 10 days of becoming a resident (§12505).

Your California policy should list your new address and garaging location. Check current steps and fees at the California DMV. For more on the auto side of the move, see California car insurance for new residents.

If you bring a leased or financed car, tell your lender or leasing company about the move. Their contract usually sets required coverages and deductibles, and they may need to approve the new registration paperwork.

Step 4: Renters? Get renters insurance before move-in

Most LA landlords' insurance covers the building, not your belongings or your liability. Renters insurance covers your personal property, your liability if someone is hurt or you damage the unit, and additional living expenses if a covered loss forces you out. Many leases require it. See the Los Angeles renters insurance step-by-step guide.

If you're moving belongings across the country, check whether your current policy or the mover's valuation covers items in transit. Movers' default liability is usually limited.

Step 5: Buying? Start home insurance shopping early

If you're buying a home, your lender will require homeowners insurance before closing. In parts of LA County, especially hillside and wildfire-prone areas, finding coverage can take longer than buyers expect. Start shopping as soon as you're in escrow, ideally before your contingencies expire.

Ask for:

• Dwelling coverage based on rebuilding cost, not sale price. LA land values are high, and land isn't insured.
• Extended replacement cost if available.
• Quotes from several carriers, and information on the California FAIR Plan if standard carriers decline. FAIR Plan policies usually need a separate difference in conditions (DIC) policy for coverage the FAIR Plan doesn't include.

Read the seller's Natural Hazard Disclosure statement (Civil Code §1103.2), which tells you whether the home is in a flood hazard area, a fire hazard severity zone or an earthquake fault zone. See the hillside home insurance guide if you're buying in the hills.

Step 6: Decide on earthquake insurance

Standard homeowners and renters policies in California don't cover earthquake damage. Insurers that sell residential property insurance in California must offer earthquake coverage, and many sell California Earthquake Authority (CEA) policies. CEA offers policies for homeowners, condo owners and renters. CEA homeowners deductibles range from 5% to 25% of the dwelling limit. Learn more at earthquakeauthority.com and in our earthquake insurance guide.

Newcomers from places without major earthquake risk often skip this decision. Make it on purpose.

Step 7: Consider flood coverage

Flood is also excluded from standard policies. Heavy rain can cause flooding and mudflow in parts of LA, including areas outside mapped high-risk zones. National Flood Insurance Program policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, so don't wait for a storm forecast. Check your address at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. See the flood insurance guide for LA homeowners.

Step 8: Review wildfire readiness

If your new home is in or near a fire hazard severity zone, defensible space rules may apply, and your insurer may ask about vegetation, roof and vents. California's Safer from Wildfires framework requires insurers to consider certain mitigation actions in rating. Learn more at the California Department of Insurance and CAL FIRE's Ready for Wildfire.

Make a home inventory (video of every room) as soon as you unpack. It makes any claim much easier.

Step 9: Protect your assets with umbrella coverage

If you have significant assets or income, an umbrella policy adds liability limits above your auto and home policies. Umbrella insurers usually require minimum underlying limits, which are often well above California's auto minimums. See Personal umbrella insurance in California.

Step 10: Health, life and disability check

• Health insurance: Moving to a new state is generally a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period. California's marketplace is Covered California. Employer plans usually have their own rules for adding or changing coverage after a move.
• Life insurance: Your policy usually follows you, but update your address and beneficiaries.
• State Disability Insurance: If you work for a California employer, you'll generally pay into State Disability Insurance (SDI), which includes Paid Family Leave. See EDD.

Step 11: Cancel old policies the right way

Once the California policies are in force, cancel the out-of-state ones in writing. Ask for any refund of unearned premium. Keep proof of continuous coverage; a gap can affect future auto pricing.

Your moving-to-LA insurance timeline

Questions to ask your agent

• What liability limits do you recommend for my assets in LA?
• How is my auto rate affected by my commute mileage?
• Does my home or renters policy have replacement cost on contents?
• What are my earthquake and flood options and deductibles?
• What underlying limits does an umbrella require?
• Are there discounts for bundling, mitigation or safety features?

Key terms

• Garaging address: Where your car is kept overnight; it affects your auto rate.
• Financial responsibility: California's requirement that drivers can pay for damage they cause, usually met with insurance.
• Natural Hazard Disclosure: A seller's statement of hazard zones the property is in.
• CEA: California Earthquake Authority.
• DIC: Difference in conditions policy that fills gaps in a FAIR Plan policy.

Common mistakes

• Keeping an out-of-state auto policy after moving.
• Buying only California's minimum liability limits.
• Insuring a home for its sale price instead of rebuild cost.
• Assuming earthquake or flood is included.
• Canceling old policies before new ones start.

Frequently asked questions

Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting.