There’s nothing like moving when it comes to the sheer number of things you have to get in order. Moving across state lines adds a whole host of additional items to the list, not least of all car insurance.
Depending on your current insurer, you may need to find new coverage when you move. Even if they’re licensed in New Jersey, it’s a good idea to use this change as an opportunity to re-evaluate your needs and find the best policy.
Check out our rundown of New Jersey car insurance requirements, and use this simple guide to make the transition quickly and easily.
Do talk to an agent
Qualified independent insurance agents are intimately familiar with the regions they serve, from laws and regulations to discounts that may not have been available in your old home state. It’s likely that an agent near your new home will help you find better coverage at a better price than you’d be able to find on your own.
Instead of working with a single insurance provider, independent agents can choose from multiple carriers. By comparing each carrier’s offerings and rates to your unique situation and needs, they can help you find the perfect policy.
Don’t stress about insurance before moving
With everything you have to remember when moving, it’s easy to shove car insurance down the list a bit. That’s fine! In fact, you don’t need to worry about new coverage at all till after you move. Your old policy will continue to work just fine, just like when you drive out of state.
A good rule of thumb is to switch insurance coverage before exchanging your out-of-state driver’s license and registering your vehicle (when you have to show proof of coverage). In New Jersey, you have 60 days from the date you move to make the trip to the MVC, giving you plenty of time to iron out your policy after the stress of moving.
Oh yeah, and we call it the MVC—Motor Vehicle Commission—here, not the DMV.
Do change your address with your old insurer
When you cancel a car insurance policy, you’re entitled to a full refund of any premiums paid for coverage beyond the date of cancellation. If you paid your policy in full up front instead of choosing to pay in installments, this refund could be a nice chunk of change.
By changing your address with your old insurer instead of just canceling the policy, you’ll make it easier for any money you’re owed to get back to you.
Don’t cancel your old policy before starting your new coverage
Driving without insurance isn’t just illegal—it can cost you a lot of money in future premiums. Previous coverage is one of many factors insurers use to set your rates; drivers with lapsed coverage (even for a day) have been shown to get in more accidents and pay higher premiums as a result.
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