Insurance is regulated state by state, so a cross-country move changes more than your address. Your auto policy may need new coverages your old state never required. Your homeowners policy may not exist in the same form where you're going. Even your umbrella policy may need to be rewritten. This checklist walks through what to update, in roughly the order you'll need it.
Before the move
1. Research your new state's rules
Each state has its own insurance regulator. Find yours through the NAIC directory of state insurance departments. Look up:
- Minimum auto liability limits. They differ widely. A few states require 50/100 bodily injury limits; Florida doesn't require bodily injury liability at all for most drivers; New Hampshire doesn't require most drivers to buy insurance but imposes financial responsibility rules.
- Whether it's a no-fault state. No-fault states require personal injury protection (PIP), and some, such as Michigan, ask you to choose PIP medical levels. Pennsylvania drivers choose between full and limited tort.
- Uninsured motorist requirements. Many states require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage; others require insurers to offer it.
See our guides by state at alishahiinsurance.com/insurance-by-state.
2. Insure the move itself
- Moving companies that cross state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA's Protect Your Move explains your rights, including the difference between full value protection and released value (which pays only a small amount per pound).
- Your homeowners or renters policy may cover belongings in transit for certain perils; check limits and exclusions.
- Rental trucks: your personal auto policy may not cover large rental trucks. Check before declining the rental company's coverage.
3. Line up new homeowners or renters coverage
- Bind the new policy to start on your closing date or lease start, not move-in day.
- Ask about hazards specific to your new area: hurricane deductibles on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, wind/hail deductibles in the Plains, wildfire underwriting in the West, earthquake coverage in seismic zones, and flood everywhere. Flood coverage typically has a 30-day waiting period through the NFIP, so start early. See FloodSmart.gov.
- If private insurers decline, ask about your new state's FAIR Plan or wind pool and about surplus lines options.
4. Keep your old home covered until it's sold
If your former home will be vacant, tell your insurer. Many policies limit coverage for vandalism, glass breakage or water damage after a period of vacancy. You may need a vacancy endorsement or a vacant dwelling policy.
After you arrive
5. Register your car and update your auto policy
States set deadlines for new residents to obtain a driver's license and register vehicles, commonly within 30 to 90 days; check your new state's DMV. Your auto policy must be rewritten for the new state when you register, because rates, coverages and forms are state-specific. Tell your insurer as soon as you have a garaging address. Driving with a policy written for the wrong state can create claim problems.
6. Rebuild your liability protection
Because minimum limits and required coverages change, this is a good moment to review limits rather than just matching the new minimum. If you carry an umbrella, confirm your underlying limits still meet the umbrella insurer's requirements, and whether the umbrella must be rewritten in the new state. Our umbrella insurance guide explains how underlying limits work.
7. Update valuables and specialty coverage
Scheduled jewelry, art and collectibles may need new appraisals or riders. Boats and RVs need to be re-registered and re-insured too.
8. Health, life and disability
Health plans are often network-based; moving out of the service area is usually a qualifying event for special enrollment on the HealthCare.gov marketplace or your state's exchange. Life and disability policies generally move with you, but update your address and beneficiary designations.
9. Business owners
If you're moving a business, or working remotely from a new state, you may need to register to do business there, obtain workers' compensation that covers employees in the new state, and update commercial property, auto and liability policies. Workers' comp systems differ significantly: a handful of states require employers to buy coverage from a state fund, and Texas allows most private employers to opt out. Payroll in a new state usually must be reported to your comp insurer.
10. Landlords keeping a rental back home
If you keep your old home as a rental, convert the homeowners policy to a landlord (dwelling fire) policy with loss of rents and liability. Our landlord insurance guide explains the coverages.
Printable checklist
- ☐ Look up the new state's regulator, auto minimums and no-fault rules
- ☐ Verify the mover's FMCSA registration and choose valuation coverage
- ☐ Bind homeowners/renters at the new address from the closing or lease date
- ☐ Buy flood coverage early (30-day NFIP wait)
- ☐ Vacancy coverage for the old home, or convert to landlord policy
- ☐ Register the car and rewrite auto insurance for the new state
- ☐ Review liability limits and the umbrella
- ☐ Update scheduled valuables, boats and RVs
- ☐ Special enrollment for health coverage if needed
- ☐ Update business registrations and workers' comp
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545.
Frequently asked questions
Does my car insurance transfer when I move to another state?
Your insurer may be able to rewrite your policy in the new state if it operates there, but the policy itself must change to meet the new state's requirements. Notify your insurer as soon as you have a new garaging address.
How long do I have to register my car after moving?
It depends on the state; deadlines commonly range from about 30 to 90 days. Check your new state's motor vehicle agency.
Does homeowners insurance cover my belongings during a move?
It may cover belongings in transit for certain perils, often with limits. Movers' valuation options and transit insurance can fill gaps.
Do I need to tell my insurer if my old house is vacant?
Yes. Many policies restrict coverage after a home has been vacant for a set period. A vacancy endorsement or vacant dwelling policy may be needed.
Does my umbrella policy follow me to a new state?
Possibly, but the underlying auto and home policies will change, so confirm that your umbrella's requirements are still met and whether it must be rewritten.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. This is general information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and laws change, so confirm current rules with your state regulator.