Can A Car Be Registered And Insured In Different States? (original) (raw)
Key Points:
- With the exception of military personnel and college students, most drivers must register and insure their vehicles in the same state.
- How long you have to register a car after moving varies by state, but can range from immediately after becoming a resident of the state to 90 days.
- You’ll also want to update your driver’s license and shop for new vehicle insurance, if necessary when you establish residency in a new state.
Vehicle registrations and auto insurance can be tough to navigate, and you may find yourself asking: Can my car be registered in one state and insured in another?
No, your car cannot be registered in one state and insured in another. Generally, your car should be both registered and insured in your state of legal residence. If you have recently moved, you have some time to switch your car insurance policy, but we recommend doing it as soon as possible.
This article describes some of the common scenarios for having a car registered and insured in different states and explains how to switch your insurance when the time comes. If you need to make a switch, read our round-up of the best car insurance companies and compare quotes from a few providers.
Timeframe To Register Your Vehicle In A New State
Your car should not be registered in one state and insured in another. Insuring your car in a state where you don’t reside is fraud. Insurance fraud carries heavy penalties, the least of which is that your claims will be denied.
Your driver’s license, registration, and car insurance need to match. In many states, you can’t even register your car until you’ve provided proof of insurance. Even states that allow you to register a car without evidence of insurance require you to provide proof of insurance within a certain timeframe.
If you move, you’re required to register your vehicle with that state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The timeframe in which you must do so varies by state. If you are visiting another state temporarily, you do not need to register your vehicle. All states allow you to drive an out-of-state car for a certain number of consecutive days (usually around a month).
Here’s how long each state allows drivers to register vehicles after moving:
| State | Timeframe to Register Your Vehicle |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 days |
| Alaska | 10 days |
| Arizona | 15 days |
| Arkansas | 60 days |
| California | 20 days |
| Colorado | 90 days |
| Connecticut | 90 days |
| Delaware | 60 days |
| District of Columbia | 60 days |
| Florida | 10 days |
| Georgia | 30 days |
| Hawaii | As soon as current registration expires, if on a week day |
| Idaho | 90 days |
| Illinois | 30 days |
| Indiana | 60 days |
| Iowa | 30 days |
| Kansas | 90 days |
| Kentucky | 15 days |
| Louisiana | 30 days |
| Maine | 30 days |
| Maryland | 60 days |
| Massachusetts | As soon as you become an MA resident |
| Michigan | As soon as you become an MI resident |
| Minnesota | 60 days |
| Mississippi | 30 days |
| Missouri | 30 days |
| Montana | 60 days |
| Nebraska | 30 days |
| Nevada | 30 days |
| New Hampshire | 60 days |
| New Jersey | 60 days |
| New Mexico | 30 to 90 days |
| New York | 30 days |
| North Carolina | 60 days |
| North Dakota | 90 days |
| Ohio | 30 days |
| Oklahoma | 60 days |
| Oregon | 30 days |
| Pennsylvania | 20 days |
| Rhode Island | 30 days |
| South Carolina | 45 days |
| Tennessee | 30 days |
| Texas | 30 days |
| Utah | 60 days |
| Vermont | 60 days |
| Virginia | 30 days |
| Washington | 30 days |
| West Virginia | 30 days |
| Wisconsin | 60 days |
| Wyoming | As soon as you become a WY resident |
After you establish residency in a new state, changing your license, registration, and auto insurance should be among your first priorities.
Car Insurance
Changing your insurance policy is usually very easy. Simply contact your auto insurance carrier and explain that you’ve moved.
Many providers let you change your policy online in a matter of minutes. Insurance requirements and discounts vary by state, so you may be able to get lower insurance rates with your new provider.
There are two states where car insurance is not mandatory: Virginia and New Hampshire. These states have their own special rules for insurance, but both require you to register your vehicle.
Driver’s License
The process for obtaining a new license is different in each state. Contact your local DMV for details. In some cases, if you already have a license in another state, it is simply a matter of paperwork.
In some states, the requirements are more burdensome. You might need to pass a written test. If you do need to take such a test, it is strongly advised that you spend some time studying first.
The test may ask about obscure rules like, how old you need to be to ride in the back of a pickup truck in North Carolina.
Most state DMVs will provide free review materials online or at local offices.
Car Registration
Vehicle registration is also different between states but is usually just some paperwork and a fee. Most states require that you have in-state insurance and an in-state driver’s license before you can register your car and get a license plate, so you should take care of those things first.
What If I Split My Time Between States?
Can your car be registered in one state and insured in another if you split your time between states?
You may be a snowbird and spend your winters in one place and summers in another. Or, you may commute between states for work. Or, you live in Kansas City.
In these cases, having your car registered in one state and insured in another may not be as much of an issue.
If you’re frequently driving in multiple states or have a vacation home you frequently visit, discuss the particulars with your insurer. The best thing you can do is accurately inform your car insurance agent of your situation and work out a personalized solution.
Failing to inform your auto insurance carrier of your multi-state status is a bad idea. It may save money in the short term, but when it comes time to file a claim, the truth will come out. You don’t want to pay into an insurance policy for years only to have your claim denied when you need it most.
Noteworthy Exceptions When Insuring Your Car In A Different State
In general, your car cannot be registered in one state and insured in another, but there are some exceptions to that rule.
Military Personnel
If you are a member of the military, the rules are a little different for you. Service people declare residency in the state to which they intend to return after deployment. Laws differ in each state, but almost all states make registration exceptions for active-duty military.
As long as your vehicle registration is current in your declared home state, you do not usually need to register in the state in which you are stationed.
Temporary Moves
For temporary moves, you may not have to change your registration, depending on the length of your stay (see table above).
If you are working in your temporary state, be aware that most states consider employment a means of establishing residency and will likely require you to change your car insurance and registration.
College Students
If you are a college student attending school out of state, you will probably need to register any vehicle you bring with you.
Speak with your auto insurance provider directly to find the best solution. If you need to leave your car behind but need to keep it insured, there are options for reducing fees, like low-mileage discounts and parked car insurance.
Can My Car Be Registered And Insured In Different States: Our Take
Though there are few exceptions, typically you can’t insure your vehicle in a state where it isn’t registered. To ensure you have the right coverage that meets your home state’s minimum requirements, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle is insured in the state listed on its registration.
If you’re looking for insurance in a new state, we can help you sort through the options. We’ve reviewed dozens of reputable insurance providers and ranked each one based on coverage options, cost, customer reviews, and other factors. We recommend taking a look at the providers below to compare quotes before signing up for a six-month or one-year insurance commitment.
Our Recommendations For Car Insurance
If you are unhappy with your car insurance provider or simply searching for a cheaper option, make sure that you compare quotes from a variety of different providers. Use our auto insurance quote comparison tool to get started, and be sure to look into our top recommended providers.
USAA: Best For Military Members
USAA auto insurance is only available to military members and their families. If you are eligible to purchase USAA insurance, we think there is no better choice. Offering a range of discount options, USAA provides affordable full-coverage auto insurance.
Read more: USAA auto insurance review
Geico: Best For Basic Coverage
Geico has become one of the most popular insurance providers because of its nationwide availability, affordable rates, and easy claims process. Geico’s DriveEasy app allows customers to track driving habits and reduce their premiums. This and other quality discounts make Geico one of the lowest-cost providers available. It’s a great place to start when comparing auto insurance quotes.
Read more: Geico auto insurance review.
Can My Car Be Registered And Insured In Different States: FAQ
Take a look at answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about registering and insuring a car in different states below.
Can my car be registered in one state and insured in another?
You almost always need to have your license, registration, and insurance in the same state. You usually cannot register a vehicle without first providing proof of insurance. Most states have a 10- to 60-day grace period until you need to update your insurance and registration after moving.
Can I drive a car registered in a different state?
You must register your car in the state where you reside. When you visit other states, you are allowed to drive your car that is registered in your home state. Most places have rules for how long you can continue to operate a vehicle registered outside of the state. Check local laws, but the average is about 30 days.
Does my license have to match my vehicle registration?
Your driver’s license needs to match your vehicle registration. In most states, you cannot register a vehicle without holding a state-issued license.
Can you have out-of-state car insurance?
Most auto insurance policies in the U.S. will cover you when driving in all 50 states and Canada. However, you cannot buy out-of-state car insurance. In most cases, you need to buy car insurance in your state of residence.
Can you live in one state and have car insurance in another?
No, you need to have car insurance in the state where you live. If you move, you need to update your insurance company with your new address as soon as you can. The company may deny your claims if you are living in another state.
Can a car be owned by one person and insured by another?
Yes, a vehicle can be owned and insured by two separate people. You’ll need to call an insurance agent directly to set this up. It’s known as non-owners insurance and is applicable in different situations.
Do you have to live at the same address for car insurance?
Auto insurance companies sometimes allow people living at separate addresses to have the same policy, but this is not the rule. You’ll have to contact the company directly and have a good reason to include someone at another address on your insurance coverage.
How We Rate Auto Insurers
Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
- Pricin g: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
- Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
- Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.
*Data accurate at time of publication.