How Changing Your Address Affects Auto Insurance in 2024
Learn how changing your address affects auto insurance rates for the best rates. Crime rates, traffic, population, and number of uninsured drivers impact premiums. So, while rates average $57/mo in Idaho, you'll pay around $114/mo in Louisiana. We'll show how a car insurance change of address impacts rates here.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Do auto insurance companies check where you live? Yes, while you may not think twice about rate changes when you move, your car insurance address change is important.
So, if you’re planning a move or recently moved, we’ll detail how changing your address affects auto insurance. We’ll also explore why keeping your auto insurance address up to date is essential, what happens if you don’t, and how to change a car insurance address.
Ever wonder, “Why does car insurance go up when you change address?” If a change of address on car insurance caused rates to increase, use our free quote comparison tool above to find more affordable car insurance.
- Always change your car insurance address when you move, even if it’s not far
- Using a different address for car insurance is fraud and could lead to penalties
- Crime rates, traffic, population, and your parking spot can all influence premiums
How Changing Your Address Affects Auto Insurance Rates
So, does changing your address affect your car insurance? Your premium is the amount you pay for your car insurance coverage, and where you live has a big impact on how much your policy costs. This is because minimum auto insurance requirements by state determine how much coverage you need.
More coverage means higher rates. Local crime rates, commute times, and the number of uninsured drivers in your area also impact your premiums.
Compare auto insurance rates by state to see how changing your address affects car insurance:
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State & Coverage Level
| State | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $33 | $72 |
| Alaska | $45 | $86 |
| Arizona | $42 | $81 |
| Arkansas | $33 | $76 |
| California | $41 | $82 |
| Colorado | $43 | $82 |
| Connecticut | $54 | $96 |
| Delaware | $67 | $103 |
| Florida | $71 | $105 |
| Georgia | $46 | $87 |
| Hawaii | $38 | $73 |
| Idaho | $29 | $57 |
| Illinois | $37 | $74 |
| Indiana | $32 | $63 |
| Iowa | $25 | $59 |
| Kansas | $30 | $72 |
| Kentucky | $44 | $78 |
| Louisiana | $65 | $117 |
| Maine | $28 | $59 |
| Maryland | $51 | $93 |
| Massachusetts | $51 | $94 |
| Michigan | $66 | $114 |
| Minnesota | $38 | $73 |
| Mississippi | $38 | $83 |
| Missouri | $35 | $73 |
| Montana | $32 | $72 |
| Nebraska | $30 | $69 |
| Nevada | $57 | $92 |
| New Hampshire | $33 | $68 |
| New Jersey | $72 | $115 |
| New Mexico | $41 | $78 |
| New York | $67 | $113 |
| North Carolina | $30 | $66 |
| North Dakota | $25 | $64 |
| Ohio | $33 | $66 |
| Oklahoma | $38 | $84 |
| Oregon | $49 | $75 |
| Pennsylvania | $42 | $81 |
| Rhode Island | $63 | $109 |
| South Carolina | $44 | $81 |
| South Dakota | $25 | $64 |
| Tennessee | $34 | $73 |
| Texas | $44 | $92 |
| Utah | $41 | $73 |
| Vermont | $29 | $64 |
| Virginia | $35 | $70 |
| Washington | $50 | $81 |
| Washington, D.C. | $52 | $111 |
| West Virginia | $41 | $85 |
| Wisconsin | $31 | $61 |
| Wyoming | $27 | $71 |
| U.S. Average | $45 | $84 |
In addition, moving from a rural area to a densely-populated city will cause your insurance rates to go up. Check out the table below to see the cheapest ZIP codes in each state for car insurance:
Cheapest ZIP Codes for Auto Insurance by State
| State | City | ZIP Code | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Ozark | 36360 | $35 |
| Alaska | Angoon | 99820 | $38 |
| Arizona | Lake Havasu City | 86403 | $40 |
| Arkansas | Cotter | 72626 | $42 |
| California | San Luis Obispo | 93401 | $46 |
| Colorado | Grand Junction | 81504 | $35 |
| Connecticut | Groton | 6340 | $64 |
| Delaware | Bethany Beach | 19930 | $54 |
| District of Columbia | Washington | 20001 | $82 |
| Florida | Waldo | 32694 | $47 |
| Georgia | Moody AFB | 31699 | $53 |
| Hawaii | Anahola | 96703 | $30 |
| Idaho | Boise | 83716 | $21 |
| Illinois | Kewanee | 61443 | $22 |
| Indiana | Lafayette | 47909 | $35 |
| Iowa | Coralville | 52241 | $32 |
| Kansas | Salina | 67401 | $35 |
| Kentucky | Owensboro | 42303 | $53 |
| Louisiana | Hornbeck | 71439 | $46 |
| Maine | Fort Fairfield | 4742 | $39 |
| Maryland | Smithsburg | 21783 | $69 |
| Massachusetts | Nantucket | 2554 | $32 |
| Michigan | Saint Louis | 48880 | $114 |
| Minnesota | Albert Lea | 56007 | $51 |
| Mississippi | Starkville | 39759 | $36 |
| Missouri | Sedalia | 65301 | $39 |
| Montanna | East Helena | 59635 | $29 |
| Nebraska | Grand Island | 68803 | $36 |
| Nevada | Fallon | 89406 | $34 |
| New Hampshire | Keene | 3431 | $28 |
| New Jersey | Brookside | 7926 | $35 |
| New Mexico | Alamogordo | 88310 | $88 |
| New York | Corning | 14830 | $37 |
| North Carolina | Alexander | 28701 | $48 |
| North Dakota | Fargo | 58104 | $72 |
| Ohio | Tiffin | 44883 | $31 |
| Oklahoma | Manitou | 73555 | $38 |
| Oregon | La Grande | 97850 | $52 |
| Pennsylvania | Bellefonte | 16823 | $37 |
| Rhode Island | Middletown | 2842 | $61 |
| South Carolina | Seneca | 29672 | $48 |
| South Dakota | Watertown | 57201 | $18 |
| Tennessee | Johnson City | 37601 | $26 |
| Texas | San Angelo | 76901 | $49 |
| Utah | Cedar City | 84721 | $43 |
| Vermont | Colchester | 5446 | $34 |
| Virginia | Lexington | 24450 | $30 |
| Washington | Port Townsend | 98368 | $35 |
| West Virginia | Martinsburg | 25401 | $33 |
| Wisconsin | Kaukauna | 54130 | $43 |
| Wyoming | Sheridan | 82801 | $24 |
On the other hand, the table below shows the most expensive cities for auto insurance in each state:
Most Expensive ZIP Codes for Auto Insurance by State
| State | City | ZIP Code | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Birmingham | 35218 | $103 |
| Alaska | Anchorage | 99504 | $105 |
| Arizona | Phoenix | 85009 | $116 |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | 72202 | $112 |
| California | Beverly Hills | 90210 | $140 |
| Colorado | Denver | 80219 | $115 |
| Connecticut | Hartford | 6103 | $123 |
| Delaware | Groton | 6340 | $129 |
| District of Columbia | Washington | 20002 | $156 |
| Florida | Miami | 33142 | $142 |
| Georgia | Atlanta | 30314 | $132 |
| Hawaii | Captain Cook | 96704 | $83 |
| Idaho | Kamiah | 83536 | $86 |
| Illinois | Chicago | 60636 | $77 |
| Indiana | Gary | 46402 | $92 |
| Iowa | Council Bluffs | 51501 | $92 |
| Kansas | Kansas City | 66115 | $111 |
| Kentucky | Lookout | 41542 | $145 |
| Louisiana | New Orleans | 70117 | $173 |
| Maine | Surry | 4684 | $101 |
| Maryland | Baltimore | 21216 | $129 |
| Massachusetts | Boston | 2119 | $80 |
| Michigan | Detroit | 48201 | $238 |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | 55411 | $124 |
| Mississippi | Hermanville | 39086 | $102 |
| Missouri | Saint Louis | 63120 | $105 |
| Montanna | Wyola | 59089 | $107 |
| Nebraska | Omaha | 68111 | $86 |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | 89101 | $124 |
| New Hampshire | Manchester | 3104 | $104 |
| New Jersey | Newark | 7102 | $86 |
| New Mexico | Albuquerque | 87121 | $138 |
| New York | Brooklyn | 11212 | $105 |
| North Carolina | Charlotte | 28205 | $114 |
| North Dakota | Fort Yates | 58538 | $138 |
| Ohio | Columbus | 43224 | $82 |
| Oklahoma | Tulsa | 74110 | $118 |
| Oregon | Portland | 97236 | $102 |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | 19133 | $112 |
| Rhode Island | Providence | 2907 | $143 |
| South Carolina | Miley | 29933 | $117 |
| South Dakota | Pine Ridge | 57770 | $109 |
| Tennessee | Memphis | 38118 | $102 |
| Texas | Laredo | 78049 | $133 |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | 84104 | $96 |
| Vermont | Vershire | 5079 | $81 |
| Virginia | Alexandria | 22312 | $93 |
| Washington | Seattle | 98118 | $80 |
| West Virginia | Gilbert | 25621 | $94 |
| Wisconsin | Milwaukee | 53206 | $116 |
| Wyoming | Alta | 83414 | $104 |
Where you park your car can also affect your insurance rates. For example, if you usually park on the street, you could pay more for auto insurance than if you park in a secured garage or driveway.
If you park your car in a secure parking lot or garage at your new address, update this information with your insurance company. It could result in lower rates for you. You can get an even better deal if your garage has safety features like an alarm system or security cameras.
Read More: Auto Insurance for Parked Cars
Other factors that car insurance companies take into account when determining your premium include:
- The type of car you drive
- Your driving record
- Your age, gender, and marital status
In some states, insurance companies are not allowed to use gender to determine rates.
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Consequences for Not Changing Address for Car Insurance
Do I need to change my address on car insurance? Yes, you could face several penalties for not changing your car insurance address, such as:
- Legal charges: Using the wrong address on car insurance is a violation of auto insurance laws. It’s considered insurance fraud to use a different address from where you live to get cheaper rates.
- Policy cancellation: Failing to change your address for car insurance could result in policy cancellation. For example, to ensure you keep your policy, it’s important to change the garage address State Farm policyholders have on file if you move. (Read More: State Farm Auto Insurance Review)
- Higher rates: While using a different address for car insurance to get cheap rates sounds tempting, you face higher rates if your insurer discovers your car insurance has wrong address.
- Claims denial: If you get in an accident and need to file a car insurance claim, it could get denied if your insurer finds out you have the wrong address on your insurance policy.
So, if you forgot to change your address on car insurance, contact your insurer to make the change and avoid any headaches down the line.
Why Providers Require a Change of Address on Insurance
Your insurance company needs to have up-to-date information for your car insurance coverage to remain valid and properly process any claims. If you fail to update your address, it could result in higher rates or denied claims.
It’s essential to change address on your insurance policy when you move.
You need to update your car insurance address when you move. There are a few reasons to do this:
- Insurance companies use your address to help determine your premiums.
- If you’re involved in an accident, the insurance company will need to know where you live in order to process your claim.
- Each state has its own laws and requirements for car insurance coverage, so your current policy may not be valid in your new state.
- If you’re leasing or financing your car and don’t update your auto insurance address when you move, you could violate your lease agreement or loan contract.
Most insurance companies give policyholders up to 30 days to update their address after moving. If you forget to change your car insurance address, many insurance companies allow you to update your address online or call a customer service representative.
Can you put a different address on your car insurance from where you live?
Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
If you intentionally use a false address to try and lower your rates, this is considered insurance fraud and can result in penalties such as fines, a suspension of your driver's license, and even jail time.
However, college students, active duty military, and people with two homes can usually list a different address.
What should I do if someone is using my address for auto insurance? If someone is using your address for insurance, it’s important to contact your insurance company and inform them of the situation.
Car Insurance for Temporary Address: How it Works
If you’re only temporarily living at a new address, like on a business trip or vacation, you may not need a change of address for car insurance. It depends on the length of your stay and where you’ll be driving.
If you meet your policy’s terms, your auto insurance should cover you after an accident.
It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company before making any temporary changes to ensure you’re fully covered. Some insurance companies may require you to update your address if you’re going to be staying at a temporary location for an extended period.
So, can I use a different address for car insurance? Generally, you can’t use a different address from where you live, unless you have a temporary address, are a college student, or have two homes.
Learn More: Cheap Auto Insurance for Temporary Residents
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Why Changing Your Address on Car Insurance Is Important
Now that you understand how changing your address affects car insurance, make sure to update your auto insurance with any changes to your address, whether it’s a permanent or temporary move. Failing to change your insurance address could result in fines or cancellation of your insurance.
Thinking about moving❓? Does the fact that auto insurance is the cheapest💲in Vermont and Idaho help you narrow down your options? Find out where your state lies in the rankings for cheapest car 🚗 insurance.👉 https://t.co/ocK3NhDHcM pic.twitter.com/63TbSHRaH9
— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) March 20, 2024
Of course, changing address for car insurance is one of many factors that affect auto insurance rates. So, take a look at quotes from top providers with our free comparison tool below to find better rates at your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do auto insurance companies ask for your address?
Insurance companies need to know your address to calculate rates and send policy and claim documents.
Will changing my address affect my car insurance?
You might be wondering, “Does changing address affect car insurance rates?” If you need to change address for car insurance, your rates and coverage may be impacted due to various factors, such as the crime rate in the area and the likelihood of natural disasters. Compare auto insurance rate quotes by ZIP code to learn more.
Can I change my address on my car insurance?
Yes, auto insurance companies will allow you to change your address. If you’re wondering how to change your address for car insurance, simply call your insurer.
How do I change my auto insurance address?
Wondering how to change your address on car insurance? If you need a car insurance change of address, the process is simple and can be done online or over the phone.
You’ll need to contact your insurance company and provide your new address. The insurer will send a new insurance card or update the mobile app with your new information. In most cases, you will also need to update your registration with the DMV.
Can I transfer my current auto insurance policy to my new address?
In most cases, you can transfer your current auto insurance policy to your new address. However, the availability of coverage and rates may vary based on your new location.
How do auto insurance companies know you moved?
Insurance providers will find out if you moved when they check your information at renewal. Insurers use driver’s licenses, utility bills, vehicle registrations, and more to verify the identity of an auto insurance policyholder.
Does address matter for car insurance?
Yes, insurance companies use your garaging address to assess your risk level and set rates. For example, if you live in a bigger city with more traffic, you’ll likely have higher rates.
However, having a car insurance address different to your home address could result in policy cancellation, claims denial, and higher rates. So, if you’re planning to move, call your insurer to learn how to change address on your insurance policy.
What happens if I don’t change my address on my car insurance?
So, what happens if I don’t change my car insurance address? Failing to update your auto insurance address could result in a dropped policy, denied claims, higher rates, and even legal charges.
Why did my car insurance go up when I change my address?
A top question readers ask is, “Why does changing my address increase my car insurance?” You likely saw higher rates after moving due to risk factors associated with your new location, such as high crime rates, more traffic, or a different parking situation.
Can I put a different address on my car insurance?
You might be asking, “Can I use a different address for my car insurance?” Generally, you can’t have a different address on car insurance than where you live, unless you’re a college student, active duty military member, or have a second home.
Learn More: Can your car be registered at a different address than where you live?
How long do I have to change my car insurance after moving with Geico?
Generally, it’s a good idea call Geico for change of address as soon as possible when moving to a new area. Failing to request a Geico change of address could result in policy cancellation or higher rates down the line.
Find out how to change address on your insurance policy in our Geico auto insurance review.
How long do I have to change my car insurance after moving with Progressive?
You should contact Progressive to change address as soon as you can to avoid future policy cancellation or higher rates.
Learn More: Progressive Auto Insurance Review
Does credit score affect auto insurance?
Credit score can impact your auto insurance quotes depending on where you live. Check your state insurance laws to see how credit scores affect auto insurance rates in your area.
How does location affect auto insurance?
Where you live and park your car will raise your car insurance rates if your area has increased theft rates and commute times.
Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to check out rates from the top providers in your area.
Is car insurance invalid if wrong address?
Insurance companies will drop your policy if you don’t get a change of address on car insurance after moving or other personal information.
How can I avoid an auto insurance premium increase?
Paying your premiums on time and maintaining a safe driving record will keep your auto insurance rates low.
Read More: Best Auto Insurance for Good Drivers
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.