Do I Need to Tell Insurance if I Move?

Yes, you must tell your insurance company when you move. This is true for all types of insurance - car, home, health, life, and disability insurance. Moving without telling your insurance company can lead to denied claims, canceled policies, or even legal trouble.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about updating your insurance when you move. We'll cover what happens if you don't tell them, how to update different types of insurance, and the best ways to handle your move.

Why You Must Tell Your Insurance Company When You Move

Your Location Changes Your Risk

Insurance companies use your address to figure out how much risk you pose. Where you live affects things like:

• Crime rates in your area
• Weather risks like floods or tornadoes
• How far you drive to work
• Local laws and rules

When you move, these risks change. Your insurance company needs to know so they can adjust your rates and coverage.

It's Required by Law

Most insurance contracts say you must tell the company if you move. This isn't just a suggestion - it's a legal requirement. If you don't follow this rule, your insurance company can cancel your policy.

You Could Face Claim Denials

If you get in an accident or need to file a claim, your insurance company will check your address. If they find out you moved without telling them, they might deny your claim completely. This could leave you paying thousands of dollars out of your own pocket.

What Happens If You Don't Tell Your Insurance Company

Your Policy Could Be Canceled

Insurance companies can cancel your policy if you don't report a move. This happens because:

• You broke the contract by not reporting the change
• They can't send you important notices
• Your risk profile has changed without their knowledge

You Might Miss Important Mail

Insurance companies send you bills, policy updates, and legal notices through the mail. If you don't update your address, you might miss:

• Premium payment notices
• Policy renewal information
• Important coverage changes
• Claim forms and deadlines

You Could Pay the Wrong Amount

Your insurance rates are based on where you live. If you move to a safer area, you might be overpaying. If you move to a riskier area, you might be undercharged - which could cause problems later.

Car Insurance When You Move

Moving Within the Same State

If you're staying in the same state, you don't need a new policy. You just need to update your address with your current insurance company. Here's what to do:

1. Call your insurance company or update online
2. Give them your new address
3. Ask about any rate changes
4. Update your vehicle registration

Your rates might change even for a short move. Moving to a high-crime area could increase your rates, while moving to a safer neighborhood might lower them.

Moving to a Different State

Moving to a new state is more complex. You'll need a completely new policy because:

• Each state has different insurance laws
• Coverage requirements vary by state
• Your old policy won't be valid in the new state

Steps to take:

1. Contact your current insurance company - See if they offer coverage in your new state
2. Learn about new state requirements - Different states require different types of coverage
3. Get quotes from multiple companies - Don't assume your current company offers the best rates
4. Buy your new policy - Make sure it starts before your old policy ends
5. Cancel your old policy - Do this after your new policy begins

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you typically have 30-90 days to update your car insurance and registration after moving to a new state.

Home and Renters Insurance When You Move

Homeowners Insurance

You cannot transfer homeowners insurance from one house to another. Each home has different risks, so you need a new policy for your new house. Here's what to do:

Before you move:

• Get quotes for insurance on your new home
• Make sure your new policy starts before closing day
• Your mortgage lender will require proof of insurance

After you move:

• Cancel your old homeowners policy
• Make sure there are no gaps in coverage
• Update your address with your lender

Renters Insurance

Good news! You can often transfer renters insurance to your new place. Here's how:

1. Check if your company covers your new area - Not all companies operate everywhere
2. Call your insurance company - Tell them about your move
3. Update your address - This can usually be done online or over the phone
4. Review your new rate - Your premium might change based on your new location

If you're moving from renting to owning, you'll need to cancel your renters insurance and get homeowners insurance instead.

Health Insurance When You Move

Moving Within the Same State

If you stay in the same state, you usually just need to update your address. Your coverage and doctors should stay the same.

Moving to a Different State

Moving to a new state is more complicated for health insurance:

Marketplace Insurance:

• You'll need to apply for a new plan in your new state
• Moving is a "qualifying life event" that lets you change plans outside of open enrollment
• You have 60 days from your move date to enroll in a new plan

Employer Insurance:

• If you have an HMO plan, you'll likely need to pick a new plan
• PPO plans might work in your new state but check your network
• Talk to your HR department about your options

Medicare:

• Original Medicare works in all states
• Medicare Advantage plans might not be available in your new state
• You have a special enrollment period when you move

Medicaid:

• You need to apply for Medicaid in your new state
• Each state has different income requirements
• Some states expanded Medicaid while others didn't

Moving to a new state can be a good time to shop for better health insurance options. Check what's available in your new area and compare costs.

Life Insurance When You Move

Life insurance is the easiest type to handle when you move. In most cases, you just need to update your address with the insurance company. Here's what you need to know:

Life Insurance Follows You

Life insurance policies work in all 50 states. You don't need a new policy when you move. Just update your address so the company can:

• Send you policy statements
• Process any claims
• Contact you about important changes

How to Update Your Address

Most life insurance companies let you update your address:

• Online through your account
• Over the phone
• By filling out a form

What Happens If You Don't Update

If you don't update your address, you might:

• Miss important policy notices
• Have trouble when beneficiaries try to claim benefits
• Face delays in processing claims

According to industry experts, failing to update your address can cause serious problems during the claims process, especially for your beneficiaries.

Disability Insurance When You Move

Social Security Disability (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program, so your benefits follow you to any state. Your payment amount stays the same no matter where you live. Here's what to do:

• Update your address with Social Security immediately
• You can do this online at my.socialsecurity.gov
• Call 1-800-772-1213 if you need help

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is also federal, but some states add extra money. Your benefits might change when you move because:

• Some states offer supplemental payments
• State supplements vary in amount
• A few states don't offer supplements at all

Private Disability Insurance

If you have disability insurance through work or a private company:

• Notify your insurance company in writing
• Update your banking information
• Find new doctors in your new state
• Follow all the procedures in your policy

Tips for a Smooth Insurance Transition

Plan Ahead

Start working on your insurance changes 4-6 weeks before your move. This gives you time to:

• Get quotes from multiple companies
• Avoid gaps in coverage
• Handle any problems that come up

Keep Good Records

Save all your insurance documents during the move. You'll need:

• Current policy numbers
• Proof of continuous coverage
• Contact information for all your insurance companies

Don't Cancel Too Early

Never cancel your old insurance before your new insurance starts. Even a one-day gap in coverage can cause big problems if something happens.

Update Everything at Once

When you move, update your address with:

• All insurance companies
• Your bank and credit cards
• The post office
• Your employer
• Government agencies

Consider Professional Help

For complex moves, especially out of state, consider working with an insurance agent who can help you navigate the process.

How Your Location Affects Insurance Rates

Crime Rates

Areas with higher crime rates typically have higher insurance rates for:

• Car insurance (theft and vandalism)
• Homeowners insurance (burglary and property damage)
• Renters insurance (theft of personal property)

Weather Risks

Your new location's weather patterns affect your rates:

• Flood-prone areas need flood insurance
• Tornado zones have higher homeowners rates
• Hail-prone areas see higher car insurance rates

Local Laws

Different states and cities have different insurance requirements:

• Some states require more car insurance coverage
• Building codes affect homeowners insurance
• Local healthcare costs impact health insurance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting Too Long

Don't wait until after you move to start the insurance process. Many states give you only 30 days to update your insurance and vehicle registration.

Assuming Your Current Company is Best

Moving is a perfect time to shop around. Your current company might not offer the best rates in your new area.

Forgetting About All Types of Insurance

Make a list of all your insurance policies:

• Car insurance
• Home or renters insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Pet insurance

Not Reading the Fine Print

Each insurance policy has different rules about moving. Read your policies or call your insurance companies to understand what you need to do.

Moving Checklist for Insurance Updates

4-6 Weeks Before Moving

• [ ] Contact all insurance companies
• [ ] Get quotes for your new location
• [ ] Research new state requirements
• [ ] Start the application process for new policies

2-3 Weeks Before Moving

• [ ] Purchase new insurance policies
• [ ] Schedule start dates for new coverage
• [ ] Confirm all details are correct
• [ ] Update banking information

Moving Week

• [ ] Update addresses with all companies
• [ ] Confirm new policies are active
• [ ] Schedule cancellation of old policies
• [ ] Save all confirmation emails and documents

After Moving

• [ ] Register your car in your new state
• [ ] Update voter registration
• [ ] Find new doctors and update health insurance
• [ ] Review all policies for accuracy

Final Thoughts

Moving can be stressful, but dealing with insurance doesn't have to be. The key is to start early and stay organized. Remember that you must tell your insurance company when you move - it's not optional.

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, taking the time to properly update your insurance will save you money and headaches down the road. Don't let a simple address change turn into a major problem later.

If you're planning a move in the Edmonton area, Last Stop Moving can help make your relocation smooth and stress-free. Our experienced team understands the challenges of moving and can help you stay organized throughout the process.

Start planning your insurance updates today, and you'll be ready for whatever comes next in your new home.