Car insurance protects drivers from financial loss if they are involved in an accident. There are many factors that can impact the outcome of an accident. Your insurance company will need information about the accident. This includes the details of the vehicle’s damage, the location and the person responsible. Your insurer might even ask you if the accident occurred in a state other than where your vehicle is registered.
These questions can impact your financial protection in an accident. It is important to be familiar with the rules in advance.
Is your car insurance able to cover you if you are out of the state?
Car insurance covers you in all 50 states. There may be other rules that apply to you if you drive or move out of your state.
Mexico does not recognize car insurance that was issued in Mexico. This means that U.S. citizens are not legally allowed to purchase Mexican auto insurance. Car insurance is not considered adequate coverage. If you cause an accident and don’t have the proper coverage, your car could be impounded. There are many Mexican insurance companies that have partnered with insurers so that you can easily purchase the coverage you require. To ensure that you have coverage for the entire trip, it is a good idea to purchase your insurance in advance. You will usually need proof of your current insurance to travel to Canada. However, you can always check with your provider to confirm.
Common misconception is that insurance won’t cover you if your destination is not covered by your carrier. Car insurance policies often include a clause known as a broadening clause that protects drivers when they travel out of state.
What is a broadening provision?
Your insurance company may provide coverage if you are injured in an accident while traveling to another state that has different insurance requirements. This is known as a broadening provision by insurance companies. Broadening clauses allow you to avoid having to purchase new insurance every time you travel to a country that may have different coverage requirements than your home.
Is car insurance available for students who are not from the state where they live?
While many states allow college students from out-of-state to remain on their parent’s policy, as long as the parent’s address is still their main residence, some states do not. Some states, such as Idaho, allow you to keep your own policy. Others, like Massachusetts, might not. However, you need to notify the police in advance about your car.
If you are a student living out of state all year, or if you own your car and don’t go home during break, it is possible you will need to buy a separate policy. You should contact your insurance provider to ensure that you are adequately covered based on your state’s requirements.
Can you insure your car in another state than the one you reside in?
Many people are disappointed by the lack of out-of-state insurance for their cars. Most drivers will need to insure the car in the same place they live. Nearly all states have different coverage requirements. You will need to meet these requirements to be able to drive legally. Although many states have the same requirements, there are often differences in the law.
For example, Kentucky as well West Virginia both require drivers to buy a 25/50/25 insurance policy. However, Kentucky is a no-fault state, so the claim process will be completely different. Kentucky may allow you to be held responsible for your injuries if you are involved in an accident. West Virginia may place the responsibility on the at-fault driver.
While you can’t have car insurance in any state while your vehicle has been registered in another state, there are exceptions.
Two states are home to you
You may be eligible for auto insurance if you live in two states. However, it won’t technically be out of state because you’ll be splitting your time. The rule of thumb is that your car must be insured in the state it is registered. Each state has its own laws and rules. You will need to talk to your motor vehicle commission (MVC), or an agent from insurance to ensure you are following state law and fully covered.
A vacation home can be a reason why many drivers split their time between states. If you have a vacation home and one is your main residence, those factors will be considered when determining what type of insurance you need.
Another variable is the time. To qualify for dual residency, some states only issue tags to vehicles who are present in the state for 183 days or more. You will need to insure each vehicle in the state where you intend to keep them.
You are a military member stationed in another country
Many states allow military personnel to keep their coverage while stationed abroad. This may not be true if you are stationed at a permanent change in station (PCS), or if you stay for 20 weeks or more at one location. You will need to purchase new coverage if you move to another state. Talk to an agent if you need this.
Questions frequently asked
What time do you need to get new car insurance?
It all depends on the car insurance company. The window usually lasts 30 to. It is best to inform an agent about your plans for moving as soon as you know. You could be in an accident and not have insurance.
Is it possible to get car insurance in another state?
Your insurance provider may have issues if you apply for car insurance in a place other than your primary residence. This can increase your chances of having a claim denied or even be construed as insurance fraud.
You may be eligible to insure your vehicle if you have a residence in more than one state.
