Texas Vs Florida: Switching Geico Insurance

If you're moving from Florida to Texas, you'll need to update your Geico insurance policy to reflect your new state of residence. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding insurance coverage and discounts, so it's important to make sure you're in compliance with Texas law. Texas law mandates that all drivers carry at least the minimum liability coverage, which includes $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. You can update your address on the Geico Mobile app or on their website, and it's recommended that you also contact your DMV to update your license and vehicle registration.

Minimum insurance requirements in Texas

Texas law requires all drivers to have adequate car insurance. The minimum insurance requirements in Texas are as follows:

• Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. This coverage pays for the medical expenses of individuals involved in an accident where the insured is at fault.
• Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident. This coverage helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing property, such as vehicles or structures, damaged in an accident where the insured is at fault.
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident, unless you reject this coverage. This provides protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
• Uninsured motorist property damage: $25,000 with a $250 deductible, unless you reject this coverage.
• Personal injury protection (PIP): $2,500, unless you reject this coverage. PIP pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for the policyholder and their passengers, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

These requirements are known as 30/60/25 coverage and are the minimum amount of insurance that Texas drivers must carry. However, it's important to note that these minimums may not be sufficient to cover all the costs associated with an accident. Therefore, it is recommended to consider additional coverage options to ensure adequate protection.

Updating your address

If you're moving to a new state, you'll need to update your address with GEICO. You can do this by downloading the GEICO Mobile app or by logging into your account on the GEICO website. Your premium may change based on your new location, but the rest of your policy will remain consistent.

Remember to also contact your DMV to update your driver's license and vehicle registration. You should also notify your bank, USPS, and anyone else who sends you mail.

If you're moving to a new state, you may need to update your driver's license and vehicle registration within a certain time frame. Check your new state's Department of Motor Vehicle website for more information.

Most states require you to switch your car insurance within 30 to 90 days of your move. Even if you're keeping the same insurance company, you need to notify them of the move, or your insurance could be invalid.

Changing your billing state

Step 1: Understand the Requirements and Differences

Before making the switch, it's important to understand the car insurance requirements and laws in Texas. Texas has specific minimum liability coverage requirements, including $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. This is different from Florida's requirements, so make sure you review the details for Texas. Additionally, Texas has a high number of uninsured drivers, and weather events like hailstorms can impact insurance rates.

Step 2: Update Your Address

You can update your address by using the GEICO Mobile app or logging into your account on the GEICO website. This step is crucial for ensuring your billing information is accurate and up-to-date. Remember that your premium may change based on your new location, as rates can vary between states.

Step 3: Review State-Specific Coverages and Discounts

Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding coverages and discounts. Take some time to explore the coverages and discounts offered in Texas. For example, Texas offers a Good Student Discount for students who meet certain academic criteria. Understanding these state-specific offerings will help you optimize your insurance plan for your new location.

Step 4: Contact GEICO for Assistance

If you have any questions or concerns during the process, don't hesitate to reach out to GEICO. Their experienced agents are available to provide personalized service and answer any queries you may have about your policy or the transition to a new state. You can contact them through their app, website, or phone, and they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Step 5: Update Your Driver's License and Vehicle Registration

After changing your insurance, don't forget to update your driver's license and vehicle registration to reflect your new state of residence. In Texas, new residents have 90 days to secure a Texas driver's license and update their vehicle registration. You will need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas vehicle registration, and liability insurance.

Texas car registration

Step 1: Get a Vehicle Inspection

First, take your vehicle to a certified Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) inspection station. You can find your nearest inspection station on the DPS website. You'll need to bring your insurance card, as proof of insurance is required in Texas.

Step 2: Get Your Vehicle Registration and Plates

Next, visit your local county tax-assessor collector office to get your Texas license plates and registration sticker. You will need to bring:

• Your insurance card
• The Vehicle Inspection Report issued by the inspection station
• Proof that you own the vehicle, such as the registration or title from your previous state, or a foreign/military ownership document
• A completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)

Registration Fees

The base registration fee in Texas is $50.75, plus $1 for TexasSure, the electronic insurance verification program, for a total of $51.75. However, counties may add other fees, such as local fees, processing and handling fees, and inspection fees.

Renewing Your Registration

You can renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person. You can renew your registration online 90 days prior to the expiration date or up to 12 months after the expiration date if you haven't received a citation for an expired registration. You will receive a $1 discount for online renewal.

To renew your registration, you will need to provide:

• Your registration renewal notice
• A copy of your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)
• Proof of current liability insurance
• All fees listed on your renewal notice

Discounts in Texas

Texas has one of the highest numbers of uninsured drivers in the United States, with approximately 12% of its drivers lacking car insurance in 2023. Texas also has a high incidence of severe weather events, including hailstorms, which can lead to increased car insurance rates due to the prevalence of comprehensive coverage claims for hail damage.

Texas law mandates that all drivers must carry at least the minimum liability coverage, which includes $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

There are several discounts available in Texas to help reduce the cost of car insurance. These include:

• Good driver discount: If you haven't filed an insurance claim and have a good driving record, you may be eligible for a good driver discount. Companies see good drivers as less of a risk, which can result in lower premiums.
• Multi-car discount: If you have more than one car on your policy, you may be eligible for a multi-car discount.
• Low-mileage discount: If you don't drive much, your chances of staying accident-free are better. Let your insurance company know if you work from home or only drive for pleasure, as this may qualify you for a low-mileage discount.
• Good student discount: If you have high school or college students who get good grades, you may be eligible for a good student discount. Companies often reward good students with lower insurance rates.
• Defensive driving course discount: Completing a defensive driving course can result in a discount on your car insurance. This discount is available in Texas and can help lower your insurance premiums while maintaining adequate coverage.
• Multi-policy discount: You may be able to get a discount by bundling your car insurance with other types of insurance, such as homeowner's or renter's insurance.
• Safety features discount: Cars equipped with safety features and good crash-test ratings may qualify for lower insurance rates. Check with your insurer about discounts for safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes.
• Usage-based insurance discount: Participating in an insurance company's usage-based insurance program can result in lower rates if you exhibit safe driving habits.
• Pay-in-full discount: Some insurance companies offer a discount if you pay your premium in full upfront, rather than paying monthly.

Frequently asked questions