Switching States? Update Your Progressive Auto Insurance

Changing your auto insurance state with Progressive is a straightforward process. You may need to change car insurance companies when moving out of state if your current provider doesn't offer insurance in your new state. Progressive offers insurance in all 50 states and Canada, so you may not need to switch providers. However, you will need a new insurance policy, as each state has different coverage requirements and regulations. Progressive has a dedicated team to handle your move quickly and seamlessly. Here are the steps to update your insurance when moving out of state:

Contact your current insurance company

Contacting your current insurance company is the first step in changing your auto insurance state. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do:

Verify Your Current Company's Coverage in Your New State

Firstly, check whether your current insurance company offers auto insurance in the state you are moving to. Each state has different coverage requirements and regulations, so your current provider may not sell insurance in your new state. You can do this by calling your insurance company or checking their website. If they do not offer coverage in your new state, you will need to switch to a new insurance company.

Notify Your Insurance Company of Your Relocation Plans

Once you know your moving date and new address, it is essential to inform your current insurance company immediately. Even if you need to move suddenly, communicate your plans to them as soon as possible to ensure you have the right coverage in place. Providing them with your new address and moving date will help them assist you effectively.

Understand the Insurance Requirements in Your New State

Since insurance laws and requirements vary by state, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of your new state. Your new policy may include additional coverages that you didn't have before, such as underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, or medical payments coverage. Understanding these requirements will help you make informed decisions about your new policy.

Evaluate Your Current Coverage and Make Necessary Adjustments

When moving to a new state, take the opportunity to reevaluate your current coverage selections and make adjustments as needed. Consider factors such as the claims history of your new area, your annual mileage, and commuting distance, as these can impact your insurance rate. You may want to consult with your insurance agent or company representative to review your policy and ensure it aligns with your new state's requirements and your specific needs.

Ask About Discounts and Savings Opportunities

Before switching to a new insurance carrier, consider discussing your options with an agent at your current company. They may be able to identify new discounts or savings opportunities that could lower your premium. They can also help you determine if you are over-insured and advise you on dropping any coverages that may not be necessary for your new location.

Check your new state's insurance requirements

When moving out of state, it's important to check your new state's insurance requirements as car insurance requirements vary from state to state. Your new policy may include additional coverages that weren't necessary in your previous state. Understanding the insurance laws and requirements of your new state will help you make informed decisions about your coverage selections.

• Liability Insurance: This is required in almost all states. It helps cover the cost of injuries or damages you cause in a car accident, including those to the other driver and their passengers. The minimum amount of liability insurance required varies by state.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: This type of coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver with little or no insurance. It helps pay for injuries to you and your passengers, as well as damage to your car and other property. About half of the states require UM/UIM coverage, and some states only mandate coverage for bodily injury.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP is typically required in no-fault states, but some at-fault states also include it as a requirement. It covers medical expenses for insured drivers and their passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. PIP can also cover lost wages or other benefits not covered by health insurance.
• Medical Payments Coverage: This coverage is specifically for medical expenses due to injuries from a car accident. It covers you, your family, or your passengers. Only Maine requires this type of coverage.
• Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: While no state requires these, they are optional coverages that can protect your car from damages caused by fire, theft, vandalism, animal strikes, acts of nature, glass breakage, and collisions.
• At-Fault vs No-Fault States: Most states are considered at-fault states, where the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other driver's injuries and damages. However, some states, such as Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York, are no-fault states. In these states, drivers must file bodily injury claims with their own insurance through their PIP coverage.
• States with Unique Requirements: It's worth noting that Florida only requires liability coverage for property damage, along with PIP coverage. On the other hand, New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't mandate car insurance, but drivers must meet the state's financial responsibility requirements if they choose not to have insurance. Virginia also has a unique option where drivers can opt-out of insurance by paying an annual uninsured motorist fee.

Remember, understanding the specific requirements of your new state will help ensure you have the necessary coverages in place and allow you to make any needed adjustments to your policy.

Compare insurance companies and buy a new policy

Comparing insurance companies and buying a new policy can be done online or offline. However, comparing insurance policies online is quicker, simpler, and more convenient. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you compare insurance companies and buy a new policy:

Step 1: Gather Information

Before you start comparing insurance policies, gather all the necessary information. This includes personal information such as your age, gender, address, and driving history, as well as information about your vehicle, such as its make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). You will also need to decide on the type and amount of coverage you need. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, but you may want to consider additional coverage options such as comprehensive, collision, or uninsured motorist protection.

Step 2: Research and Compare

Use online tools and websites to compare insurance policies from multiple companies. Visit the websites of different insurance providers and review their policy coverage, features, premiums, and add-ons. You can also use comparison sites that allow you to obtain and compare quotes from multiple insurers at once. Consider factors such as the company's reputation, customer service, claims handling process, and available discounts when making your decision.

Step 3: Choose a Policy

Once you have compared different insurance policies, choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Consider the coverage benefits, premium costs, and claim settlement process when making your decision. You may also want to read customer reviews and research the company's after-sales services.

Step 4: Purchase the Policy

After you have made your decision, purchase the policy by providing the necessary information and payment details. You can usually do this directly on the insurance company's website. Make sure to review the policy documents carefully before finalizing the purchase.

Step 5: Review and Adjust

Remember to review your insurance policy regularly and make adjustments as needed. Life changes, such as moving to a new state, buying a new car, or adding a new driver to your policy, may require you to update your coverage. Shop around and compare quotes from different companies annually to ensure you are getting the best rate.

Register your vehicle and obtain a new license plate

Registering your vehicle and obtaining a new license plate is a crucial step when changing your auto insurance state with Progressive. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Register Your Vehicle

To register your vehicle, you will typically need to present several documents to your new state's department of motor vehicles (often known as the BMV or DMV). While the specific requirements may vary by state, here are the key documents you will generally need:

• Driver's license: This serves as proof of identification and residence in your new state.
• Proof of auto insurance: Ensure you have valid auto insurance that meets the minimum requirements of your new state.
• Bill of sale or proof of sales tax payment: This is necessary to show that you have paid the applicable taxes for your vehicle.
• Car title or signed lease agreement: The car title proves your ownership of the vehicle. If you are leasing the vehicle, a signed lease agreement may be required instead.
• Certificates of state-required safety or emissions checks: Some states mandate that your vehicle passes certain safety or emissions tests before registration.
• Vehicle registration fee: Each state sets a fee for registering your vehicle, which you must pay during the registration process.
• Completed registration form: This form will include information such as the vehicle's make and model, odometer reading, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

It's important to note that if you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, they may handle the registration process for you, although this is typically done for a fee. Additionally, some states allow you to register your vehicle online, while others require you to do it in person. Therefore, it's essential to check your new state's specific requirements and processes.

Obtain a New License Plate

Once your vehicle is successfully registered in your new state, you can obtain a new license plate. Here's what you need to know:

• License plates are issued by your state's motor vehicle department: After registering your vehicle, you will receive your new license plate(s) from the same agency where you registered.
• Displaying a current license plate is mandatory: Driving without a valid license plate is illegal in all 50 states. Ensure your new license plate(s) are properly attached to your vehicle, typically on the front and rear, although some states only require a rear plate.
• Tags or stickers indicate up-to-date registration: In addition to your license plate, you may receive dated stickers or "tags" that signify your registration is current. These are usually placed on the license plate itself.
• The process may take a few weeks: Obtaining your new license plate typically takes a few weeks, and it's important to ensure you meet your state's permanent plate requirements within this timeframe.
• Temporary plates may be available: If you have recently purchased a new vehicle, you may be able to obtain temporary plates from the dealer while waiting for your permanent plates to arrive.

Cancel your old insurance policy

When you're ready to cancel your old auto insurance policy, there are a few steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition to your new provider. Firstly, always remember that it is your responsibility to cancel coverage with your previous insurer. While your new insurance company may provide proof of insurance to your old company, they are not authorized to cancel a policy with another insurer on your behalf. Therefore, once you have purchased a new policy, you should contact your former insurer immediately to cancel your old policy.

There are a few ways to cancel your old policy. Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to cancel by calling your insurer or agent, or they may require you to sign a cancellation form. Some insurers may even allow you to cancel online. It's best to contact your insurer or agent to find out the best way to cancel your policy.

Remember, in nearly every state, drivers must carry a minimum amount of auto liability coverage, so make sure you are covered by another company before cancelling your existing policy. You don't want to have a lapse in coverage, even for just a day, as this could create problems. For example, if your car is stolen, damaged, or involved in an accident while you're uninsured, you could be responsible for repairs and medical bills. A gap in coverage could also raise your insurance rates.

After you cancel your old policy, you will receive a refund for any unused portion of your policy, assuming you paid in advance. However, depending on your state and when you cancel, your insurer may charge a cancellation fee.

Frequently asked questions