Auto insurance is a very important aspect of owning a vehicle. It provides financial protection for the vehicle and its owner whenever an accident or theft occurs.
Most often, when a vehicle owner plans on moving to a new state or when a new vehicle is purchased, the topic of transferring the auto insurance from one vehicle to the other comes up.
This article gives a step-by-step guide to ease this process if you are looking for how to transfer your auto insurance from one vehicle to another.
How to Transfer Auto Insurance
There are two instances where you will need to transfer auto insurance: when you move to a new state and when you purchase a new vehicle.
We will treat each instance separately to make it easier for you to follow the correct steps.
Transferring your auto insurance after moving out. The following steps will give you a guide and aid you when the time comes to transfer auto insurance after moving to a new state.
Step 1: Research the auto insurance requirements in your new state.
Every state has its own insurance policy, and you need to understand their requirements before you can transfer your auto insurance.
If you just bought a new vehicle and you did not move to a new state, then you should research the auto insurance requirements in your current state.
This step is necessary as you need to comply with the laws and regulations on auto insurance in any state you find yourself in.
These requirements are usually available online, or you could contact the Department of Insurance in that state. Some common requirements among states are
- Liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
- Coverage for medical expenses
- Coverage for rental car expenses
- Coverage for towing and labor costs
Be aware that each state has different auto insurance requirements, and you have to check for the specific requirements for the state you will be using your automobile in
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Step 2: Contact your insurer
The next step after doing research on the auto insurance requirements in your new state is to contact your current insurer.
After doing the research, it is now time to let your current insurer know about your current state of residence.
Your insurance would be recalculated at this point, and you may have to pay fees—midterm adjustment fees or cancellation fees.
Whichever is the case, your insurance provider will provide guidance on what steps to take next.
If you have moved to a new state, the insurance provider will let you know if they can transfer your policy to the new state and provide the steps you must follow.
Step 3: Shop for Auto Insurance Quotes
Your insurance provider may be able to transfer your auto insurance to your new state; this may even simplify the auto insurance transfer process and protect your loyalty discounts.
Although shopping around for auto insurance quotes is not a bad idea, different insurance companies offer different rates and coverage options, so take the time to compare auto insurance quotes and find the best and most affordable one for yourself.
Step 4: Provide your address to your current provider
After shopping for auto insurance quotes and finding one that suits your budget, let your current provider know that you are transferring your insurance policy, and they will request your address and other information. These details are necessary to complete the transfer.
Step 5: Complete the transfer of your Auto Insurance Policy
Now it’s time to transfer your auto insurance policy. Do not cancel your previous auto insurance before setting up a new one, as it is against the law to have a vehicle that is not insured, and this could land you in legal trouble.
Transfer your auto insurance and ensure to sign all the necessary documents provided to you by your auto insurance provider.
Step 6: Keep your policy up-to-date
Now your auto insurance has been successfully transferred. Ensure that you keep your information updated on the necessary documents as often as possible.
If any information becomes obsolete, rush down to your insurance provider and update it as soon as possible.
That’s all you need to do to successfully transfer your auto insurance after moving from one state to another.
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Transferring your auto insurance to a new car
If you recently purchased a new vehicle and you have successfully completed the registration process, it is now time to transfer your auto insurance to the new vehicle.
Step 1: Notify your current auto insurance provider
The first step after purchasing a vehicle is to notify your auto insurance provider. To make things easier for you, you can begin this process before the purchase is completed.
This would hasten the process, and you could have an already-insured vehicle by the time your vehicle’s registration is complete.
Step 2: Provide the necessary information
Your insurance provider will need the vehicle information so they can prepare an accurate quote for you.
They will request the make of the vehicle, the model, year, and VIN number.
These are details you can find on the registration papers and even in a vehicle history report from Detailed Vehicle History.
Step 3: Review your current auto insurance policy
The next step to take to transfer auto insurance to a new car is to determine if your coverage needs to be updated to suit your new vehicle or not.
If it needs to be updated, then you would need to discuss your options with your insurance provider as soon as possible.
You would have to raise your coverage limits if your new car is worth more than your old one.
To make sure your coverage can cover the cost of repairs if your car is damaged, you might even want to purchase collision and comprehensive insurance.
Step 4: Provide proof of ownership of your new car
Next, to transfer auto insurance to a new car, provide proof of ownership of your vehicle, such as the bill of sale, certificate of title, and registration documents.
Ensure your policy is properly updated and all fees are paid. Usually, you may be charged a mid-term adjustment fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to transfer auto insurance to a new car?
Yes, it is possible to transfer auto insurance to a new car. To transfer your auto insurance to a new vehicle, you have to first inform your current auto insurance provider and initiate the process.
How much is car insurance?
Car insurance, also known as auto insurance, according to Nerd Wallet, typically costs $2,014 per year for full coverage and $622 per year for minimum coverage. This is just an average estimate, so you must confirm from your local insurance provider to get the actual amounts.
What is the best car insurance right now?
The best car insurance for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and even location, but some of the highly-rated insurance companies are
State farm.
Allstate.
Geico.
USAA.
Amica.
Safeco.
Auto-Owners.
Progressive.
New Jersey Manufacturers.
