CarInsurance.com Insights
- Check your insurer’s availability. Not all companies operate in every state, so you may need a new provider.
- Military-friendly insurers like USAA, GEICO and Armed Forces Insurance offer flexible PCS support and discounts.
- Update quickly — notify your insurer and update coverage within 30 days of your move to avoid cancellation or denied claims.
You or your spouse received your orders for a permanent change of station (PCS) and it’s time to move to the next duty station. That means it’s also time to consider switching car insurance for a military relocation.
PCSing, especially to a new state, can affect the amount and cost of auto insurance coverage you need to carry. You’ll need to ensure your coverage complies with the state regulations of your new home.
Learn when and how to switch your coverage for a military move, plus which insurance companies specialize in helping military families with PCS car insurance.
Why relocation changes your car insurance needs
Car insurance is regulated at the state level. Moving to a new state means your car insurance needs to comply with that state’s laws and regulations. Some states are no-fault states, some require PIP coverage, some require specific amounts of uninsured motorist coverage, depending on the state.
Minimum coverage requirements vary by state
Since different states have different minimum coverage requirements, your new state’s minimum could be more or less than what is required where you live now.
For example, say you are relocating to California, home to the largest number of military defense installations (30) and the highest concentration of active-duty military personnel (157,500). The state minimum coverage there is 30/60/15:
- $30,000 in liability coverage for injury or death per person
- $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage
If you’re currently insured for less, you’d need to change your coverage upon your move to California.
Car insurance rates vary by location
Beyond state regulations, where you live affects car insurance rates, too. Location is one of the primary drivers of the cost of insurance.
Areas with high crime rates, including theft and vandalism, will typically have higher rates. Moving to a place with more frequent natural disasters, like hurricanes and wildfires, could drive your premiums up, too. Even your ZIP code can affect your costs.
Louisiana, which frequently faces severe flooding and wind risk from hurricanes, has the highest car insurance rates in the country, with an average premium of $4,180. In Vermont, however, the average annual premium is just $1,504.
Steps to switch coverage when moving states
“A state-to-state move usually requires policy updates,” says Rajni Kapur, CEO of All Solutions Insurance, “but military members often get more flexibility through the SCRA (Servicemember Civil Relief Act).
“However, the car’s location and use — not the service member’s official residency — drives insurance costs and requirements,” she says.
To switch car insurance coverage to another state for a military relocation, follow these steps:
1. Check the state requirements for your next duty station
Contact your current insurance provider to let them know you’ll be moving and determine whether your coverage will remain valid. If not, find out the requirements for your new state so you can make sure your new policy complies.
2. Make sure your insurer operates in your new state
You’ll also need to ensure your insurance provider is licensed to operate in your new state, because some insurers may not be available. If so, you’ll need to find a new insurer. Don’t cancel your old policy just yet.
3. Compare quotes
Shop around for multiple auto insurance quotes to ensure you get the best deal.
4. Activate your new policy
If you’re getting a new policy, ensure your new policy is active before cancelling the old one. This helps you avoid a lapse in coverage, which can make it tougher to find affordable premiums in the future.
5. Change or retain your registration
The SCRA allows service members to keep their home state driver’s license and vehicle registration even though they are stationed elsewhere, Kapur says.
As a military member, you may be able to keep your vehicle titled and registered in your home state, especially if you’re the sole owner. Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your new state to know whether you’ll need a new registration based on your circumstances.
Military-friendly insurers with flexible relocation policies.
When it comes to car insurance providers that are military-friendly, “USAA (United Services Automobile Association) is on the top of the list, as they have specialty programs for military members,” Kapur says.
“GEICO has good discounts for active members and veterans. AFI (Armed Forces Insurance) has good options, too. The majority of the other carriers also have discounts for military members,” she says.
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Avoiding coverage gaps during a PCS move.
When your new duty station is in a different state, update your insurance as soon as possible — within 30 days is a good rule of thumb. Reporting a change of address too late can lead to the cancellation of the policy, loss of coverage and denied claims.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to switch car insurance
Do I need to register my car in my new state?
You may not need to re-register your vehicle in your new state if it’s registered correctly in your home state (or “domicile”). Some states, like California, waive registration renewal penalties for residents who are deployed.
“Active duty service members also get a pass on renewing their driver’s license(s),” says Prateek Agarwal, co-founder of Best Online Traffic School.
How fast should I update insurance after a PCS move?
Update your insurer as soon as possible after your move so your policy can be updated accordingly. It’s best to do this within 30 days of your move.
Sources
- Servicemember Civil Relief Act. “Vehicle registration and driver’s license.” Accessed October 2025.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “You have rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.” Accessed October 2025.
- Pew Research Center. “6 facts about the U.S. military.” Accessed October 2025.
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