Will your out-of-state car insurance cover you?

With spring and summer on our way, you might be planning a cross-country trip. One common concern for drivers is whether or not their car insurance cover is out of state if they have had an out-of-state accident. Unless you are traveling to a foreign country, you don’t have to worry.

Although auto insurance coverage has different requirements from state to state, your coverage will be valid throughout the United States. So you can pack your bags, load the car, and head out with peace of mind.

Where car insurance is not valid

Outside the United States, your insurance will not cover it if you want to drive in a foreign country, except for Canada. So if you head north, you’re covered. The south is another matter. You will always be required to purchase Mexican car insurance. If you will be driving in a different country, your car rental company will likely offer the appropriate insurance policy.

Requirements in other countries

Some states require that you have a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system. This is important if you have an accident in the case of PIP. Instead of checking on a case-by-case basis, you might be better off with PIP coverage anyway. Your insurance company can provide you with PIP coverage, even temporarily.

Another area that can vary from state to state is the lower bound. However, if you are in a car accident in another state with higher coverage requirements, your insurance will likely adjust your coverage limit to what is required in the state you are traveling in.

Does your car insurance cover out of state?

When you move out of state the chances are good that you will need new car insurance. Your current carrier may not cover your new location. Additionally, each state has the option to require different minimums for coverage, and many do. Check out this helpful, interactive guide to find out what’s needed in your new case.

Once you move to a new state, you usually have 30 to 90 days to register your vehicle. In the meantime, update or replace your policy before you go to register your car because you must show proof of insurance in your current state in order to do so.

Is car insurance affected when moving?

When you move your premiums it may change, up or down. This is because different neighborhoods and locations have different pros and cons when it comes to car insurance. Some of the changes that may affect your rates in your new area or situation include:

• Traffic and car accidents statistics in the region
• Change where you park your car, on the street or in the garage
• the length of your trip
• Number and ages of drivers in your policy
• Whether you own or rent
• If you move to a different country
• Whether or not your current carrier is operating in your new location
• If you have a different car

Contact your auto insurance provider to alert them of your move and update all relevant information. Compare premium coverage and costs from several companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal for you, whether you have to get coverage from a different carrier or you just want to compare your current provider’s policy to see what’s out there.