Where you park your car at night matters a lot to insurers. A move, even across town, can change your premium noticeably.
Why location matters
Insurers price risk by ZIP code using local data on:
- Theft and vandalism rates
- Accident frequency and traffic density
- Weather and claim history
- Repair and medical costs in the area
Moving can cut or raise your rate
A move from a dense urban ZIP to a quieter suburb often lowers premiums. Moving to a high-theft area or a state with higher minimums can raise them.
What to do when you move
- Update your address with your insurer right away.
- Re-shop your policy, since the cheapest carrier in your old town may not be cheapest in the new one.
- If you cross state lines, confirm you meet the new state's minimum coverage.