Your Car Insurance Address Change Is More Important Than You Think
You must change your address for auto insurance when you move, as not doing so has serious consequences. If your policy information is determined to be inaccurate, your car insurance company can deny your claims and you may be charged backdated fees.
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Written by
Rachel Bodine
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Reviewed by
Daniel Walker
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UPDATED: May 20, 2022
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- Insurance companies usually use your ZIP code to calculate insurance rates
- Where you park your car can also impact the cost of insurance and the amount and type of insurance you need
- Changing your address just to get cheaper rates could be considered insurance fraud, and the penalties could be fines or even prison time
You may think that where you live isn’t a significant factor when determining your car insurance rates. However, it’s an important part of the underwriting process, and it impacts your insurance rates. Depending on the auto insurance laws where you live, the amount you pay could change dramatically or stay about the same after you move.
Keep reading for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about auto insurance and address changes.
For affordable auto insurance rates, enter your ZIP code into our free rate comparison tool. This will give you auto insurance quotes for a change of address to see if you could save money legally at your new address.
Table of Contents
Do I need to change my address for auto insurance when I move?
Changing your address with your car insurance company is required, even if it increases your premium. A local move can increase your auto insurance rates. Auto insurance companies consider several statistics based on your ZIP code to determine yours. These could include crime rates, severe weather or other natural disasters like earthquakes, the average number of accidents per year, and the amount of traffic or congestion in the area.
In addition, different states may have their own minimum auto insurance requirements, so if you move out of state, your premium could increase to comply with your new state’s laws.
If you have the same ZIP code as your old address, your rates will likely be the same or similar. How each company weighs your address varies, so an address change with GEICO may have a different impact than with another company, like State Farm.
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Is it fraudulent to use a different address for auto insurance?
If you intentionally deceive your insurance provider by giving an inaccurate address or not updating your information after moving, this could be considered fraud. In most states, people are given 30 days to update their information.
However, if you forget to update your new address, your provider will likely backdate it when you do provide the information. It’s important to note that if you file a claim during this time the claim could be due to the failure to report your address change.
This table shows how much automobile fraud can end up costing.
| Auto Insurance Fraud Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Automobile Claim Fraud Cost | $5.6 billion-$7.7 billion |
| States with Highest Car Insurance Fraud Rate | - Florida (31%) - New York (24%) - Massachusetts (22%) - Minnesota (22%) |
| Most Common Type of Car Insurance Fraud | Claim Buildup |
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As you can see, auto insurance fraud is a serious problem, and it drives up the cost of insurance for everyone.
Can your parking spot influence your insurance rates?
Yes, some insurance companies may ask you where you park for auto insurance rating purposes. People who park in the street or on a driveway may need to pay a higher rate in some areas than people who use carports, secure parking garages, or garages. These structures can help protect vehicles from theft, vandalism, severe weather, and other risks. If your garage has a security system, carbon monoxide detectors, cameras, or additional protective features, you may be able to get an even better discount.
Is separate auto insurance needed for a temporary address?
As long as you’re away for less than 30 days, your current car insurance policy will cover you, even if you travel to another state. However, you should notify your provider if you plan to stay longer.
Your rates may change while you’re away, but they should return to normal when you come back. If you split your time between two residences, you should discuss your options with your insurance company.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Final Thoughts on Updating Your Car Insurance Address
Where you live is an essential factor when determining your car insurance rates. You only have a certain amount of time to update your address with your insurance company before it affects any claim you might file. Depending on where you move and the auto insurance laws in that state, your rates may change significantly or minimally.
If you’re ready to buy auto insurance after changing your address, enter your ZIP code into our free tool to start comparing auto insurance rates for a change of address today.