Best Auto Insurance for Out-of-State Drivers in 2024
You don’t need auto insurance for out-of-state drivers since personal coverage applies in every state. Insurance companies don’t sell multi-state car insurance since you can’t insure a vehicle in a different state than it’s registered. Compare auto insurance rates by state to get the lowest rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 15, 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.
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 15, 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
- Insurance companies do not allow you to register a car in one state and insure it in another to prevent fraud
- Car insurance policies include out-of-state coverage, allowing you to drive in any state while maintaining your insurance
- Some states limit how much time you can drive before you need to register your car and update your insurance
There are many situations where you might find yourself splitting time between states. From car insurance for military members on deployment to finding affordable auto insurance for snowbirds who spend a few winter months in warmer climates, knowing how and when auto insurance for out-of-state drivers applies can be confusing.
Regardless of how much time you spend in another state, you can’t insure a car in a state it’s not registered in. The primary reason for this is to prevent insurance fraud, but it also keeps car insurance simple. This way, your auto insurance will cover you while you’re out of state, no matter how long you’re gone.
Depending on the state you’re visiting, you might need to register your car and update your insurance after a certain period. Read on to learn more about how your car’s registration affects its insurance. Then, compare quotes with as many companies as possible to make sure you find the most affordable coverage for out-of-state drivers.
The Best Auto Insurance Companies for Out-of-State Drivers
While there’s not a particular company that offers multi-state car insurance, some companies are better suited to people who travel than others. If you need new insurance and you split your time between states, consider the following companies:
- USAA: USAA sells insurance to military members and their families and often has the lowest rates. Its focus on serving military members comes with unique features designed to help people on deployment. For more information, check out our USAA auto insurance review.
- Geico: Geico usually has affordable rates, but it’s also a good choice for older adults spending their retirement as snowbirds. Geico’s Prime Time contract guarantees coverage renewal for drivers over 50. For more information, check out our Geico auto insurance review.
- The Hartford: The Hartford writes insurance policies for AARP members and offers special perks for older drivers. For more information, check out our The Hartford auto insurance review.
- Travelers: Travelers is a good option for students who spend the school year away from home and offers several academic discounts. For more information, check out our Travelers auto insurance review.
Although these are excellent places to start looking for quotes, many factors affect your car insurance. The best way to find the most affordable plan for your needs is to compare quotes with as many companies as possible.
When to Tell Your Insurance Company About Moving to a New State
You should inform your insurance company about moving to a new state as soon as you can after you move.
Changing your home address is usually easy — simply call a representative and let them know you’ve moved.Jeff Root Licensed Insurance Agent
If you have coverage from a local or small insurance company, you might have to shop elsewhere if it doesn’t operate in your new home. When that’s the case, compare quotes with as many companies as possible so you can find affordable rates.
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Comparing Auto Insurance Rates for Out-of-State Drivers
If you move to or register a car in another state, you’ll almost certainly see new rates since location is one of the key factors that affect auto insurance rates. Use this table to see how much drivers pay for insurance by state:
Liability vs. Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates by State
| States | Monthly Liability Rates | Monthly Full Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $33 | $72 |
| Alaska | $45 | $86 |
| Arizona | $42 | $81 |
| Arkansas | $33 | $76 |
| California | $41 | $82 |
| Colorado | $43 | $82 |
| Connecticut | $54 | $96 |
| Delaware | $67 | $103 |
| District of Columbia | $52 | $111 |
| 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 |
| West Virginia | $41 | $85 |
| Wisconsin | $31 | $61 |
| Wyoming | $27 | $71 |
| National Average | $45 | $84 |
Auto insurance for out-of-state drivers is eligible for discounts if you’re only driving in the state for part of the year. For example, low-mileage auto insurance discounts are available to those who drive less than 10,000 miles annually. You can also earn an additional garaging discount if you park or store your vehicle in a safe place when you’re not driving it.
Read More: Auto Insurance Discounts
Common Exceptions to Auto Insurance for Out-of-State Drivers
While your vehicle’s coverage and registration should be in the same state, there are a few situations where you might be able to get car insurance in another state. These include:
- Military members: Since military members are often on deployment, registration rules are a little different for them. Usually, you register your car in the state you plan to return to once your deployment is over. Find out the best auto insurance companies for veterans and military personnel.
- Temporary moves: The amount of time you can live in a state before you need to register your car varies, but you usually don’t need to update your registration for a short stay.
- College students: The best auto insurance for college students has different rules. Although you’ll probably need to register your car if you bring your vehicle to an out-of-state school, you might be able to stay on a parent or guardian’s policy.
No matter your situation, you should contact an insurance representative from your company. They know all your options for out-of-state insurance and can make sure your car is always covered.
You Can’t Register a Car in One State and Insure It in Another
As a rule, you should always get insurance in the state your vehicle is registered in. The U.S. Department of State requires that all vehicles must be registered with the Department Office of Foreign Missions Diplomatic Motor Vehicle (DMV) program.
There are many situations where drivers may register and insure a car outside of the state they reside. For example, many workers in Portland, Oregon, commute over the Washington state line from Vancouver. In this situation, it might make sense to register your car and buy insurance in the state where you work rather than where you live.
Complicating matters further is that insurance rates vary by state. If your car is insured in a state you don’t live in, any claim you make might be denied as fraudulent. Because of this risk, you should speak with an insurance representative and tell them about your situation. They might be able to offer you a personalized, affordable solution.
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You Don’t Need Auto Insurance in Two Different States
While insurance companies won’t sell you a policy for a state you don’t live in, there are a few ways of insuring cars in two different states. However, you should check with a representative before you purchase anything, as you may not need it.
Your insurance covers you when traveling in the U.S., no matter which state you’re in. So if you travel between state lines for work, your car insurance should be in the state you call home.Kristen Gryglik Licensed Insurance Agent
For people with two homes, most insurance companies will cover your car year-round without having to change your policy. Your insurance should be in the state you spend the most time in. For example, Montana residents who spend four months in Arizona during the winter should get their car insurance in Montana.
If you have two or more cars at homes in different states, you should register and insure your vehicles in whichever state you leave them parked in.
Since you’ll be covered by your car insurance while traveling or taking an extended vacation, there’s no need to worry about getting car insurance in another state. However, you should check how long you can stay in a state before you’re legally required to register your car.
Get the Best Auto Insurance for Out-of-State Drivers
Can you have car insurance in two different states? No, you must pick one state to register and insure your vehicle. Fortunately, that means auto insurance for out-of-state drivers isn’t required — your personal policy will cover you in whichever state you travel.
Even if you have an existing insurance policy, comparing rates with other companies is still beneficial to ensure you’re getting the best price. Comparing quotes is especially important if you spend extended time in a new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will your auto insurance cover you in another state?
For the most part, your insurance will cover you when you travel between states, no matter where you’re from. You won’t be able to find multi-state insurance that lists two or more states as the home location for your policy.
Can you have auto insurance in two states?
While you can, it’s usually not the best option. If you have a vacation home with a designated vehicle, you can insure the car in that state as long as it’s registered. However, you won’t be able to get insurance from two different states simultaneously because insurance companies require you to get coverage in your primary residency.
Can I insure two cars at different addresses?
Cars typically must be at the same address to be insured on the same policy.
Can you register a car in Texas with out-of-state insurance?
Texas requires an inspection, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license to register cars. You can register a vehicle in Texas with out-of-state insurance, but you’ll need to update your coverage soon.
Can you live in California and register your car in another?
Generally speaking, it’s illegal to register your car in a state you don’t live in. While there are a few exceptions to that rule, you should register your vehicle wherever it’s garaged.
Can I have out-of-state auto insurance in Arizona?
All vehicles registered in Arizona must have Arizona auto insurance, but you have seven months to register your vehicle after moving to Arizona.
Can people in the same house have different auto insurance?
People living together have their own auto insurance policies unless they are listed as a driver on a family member’s or roommate’s policy.
Do two people who drive the same car need auto insurance?
Yes, anyone regularly driving a vehicle needs car insurance. If two people are driving the same car, they can buy a policy together and list the other as a named driver. Likewise, the driver who doesn’t own the vehicle but drives regularly can buy non-owner auto insurance.
Are the minimum auto insurance requirements the same in every state?
No. Each state sets its own mandatory insurance laws, including the minimum levels of liability coverage. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the state you are visiting or driving through to ensure compliance.
Can I use my out-of-state auto insurance policy if I move to a new state?
If you move to a new state, you will typically need to update your auto insurance policy to comply with the laws and requirements of your new state of residence. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to inform them of your move and discuss the necessary changes to your policy.
How can I find auto insurance for out-of-state drivers when I am in a different state?
You can contact your current insurance provider and inquire about extending your coverage to the new state. Alternatively, you can seek quotes from insurance companies operating in the state you are visiting or moving to, comparing prices and coverage options to find the best policy for your needs.
What documents do I need to carry as an out-of-state driver?
As an out-of-state driver, you should carry the following documents:
- Valid driver’s license from your home state
- Proof of current auto insurance coverage
- Vehicle registration documents
- Any additional documents required by the state you are visiting or driving through
It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the state you are visiting to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
How long do you have to register your car in a new state?
The amount of time you can stay in a state before you need to register your car varies. For example, popular states for snowbirds during the winter often let people stay for several months before requiring registration.
- Alaska: 10 days
- Arizona: Seven months
- Arkansas: Six months
- Florida: 10 days
- New Mexico: Six months
- Oregon: Six months
- Washington D.C.: 30 days or seven months after a fee
- Wyoming: Six months
Many states — such as Delaware, Maine, Illinois, and Pennsylvania — only require you to register your car if you accept employment within the state or enroll a child in a public school.Other states like Colorado or Idaho are more generous.
Do you need a new license when you move to another state?
Along with registering your car, you’ll also need a new license when you move. Some states require that you pass a written driving test. If you’re moving to a new state, you should check what the DMV requires to get a new license.
How many cars can you have on the same auto insurance policy?
Most insurers allow policyholders to list up to five cars on one policy.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto 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.