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When relocating to a new home, you’ll need to plan to pack, hire movers, and to change your address with the post office but don’t forget to update your car insurance. If you’re moving to a new state or just to a new zip code, you will have to make some changes to your insurance to ensure you’re covered at your new residence.
Each state, and sometimes counties and cities, set the requirements for auto insurance coverage. Some states require a higher level of accident coverage, while others may require a coverage lower than what you already have. You need to adjust your policy to suit the demand of the state. If your current coverage meets the requirements, your premiums may still change.
As soon as you are confident you will move, contact your insurance company to see if they conduct business in your new state. Ask your insurance agent about the rules of your prospective state and if you need to change your policy. Doing this early gives you enough time to make the necessary adjustments and have them in place for when you move. If the company you use does not operate in your new state, take some time to research your options.
Insurance costs vary from one carrier to the next because each company emphasizes different factors that might affect your vehicle in your new location. If you need to change your current insurance company, plan to compare prices and policies from at least three different carriers before deciding on which provider you want.
Some states in the US require car owners to have "no-fault" insurance coverage. No-fault coverage means that a car owner's insurance company covers any loss, medical bill, or funeral expenses caused by a car accident irrespective of whose fault the accident was (yours or the other driver). You have to find out if your new state has such a law so that you can put the required coverage in place.
Insurance companies factor the chances of various events occurring before determining your premium. Relocating to another state might increase or decrease the likelihood of you making a claim due to theft, vandalism, or accidents. If you move from a small town to a larger city, it is likely your payments will increase.
For more clarification on your car insurance, speak to an agent in your insurance company before the day of the move. Your realtor can recommend the best options for you to choose from in your new location, so add that to your talking points for the next meeting.
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"