Changing Addresses? Now Is The Perfect Time To Shop Around For Auto Insurance

By Abbey Wagner, InsWeb  So, you’re moving. This is always a stressful time; lots of money to be spent, information to update, packing and moving trucks to arrange, etc. However, in this expensive period of your life, there is at least one thing you can do to cut some expenses – shop around for auto insurance rates. Are you paying too much for your auto insurance? Your new address makes this the perfect time to find out, as rates can change when you move, and you have to update your policy anyway.

When do I need to update my policy?

It’s a good idea to update your address information with your insurance company as soon as you can. If you get in an accident and you have not updated your information, your insurance company could refuse to pay any claims you’ve had since you’ve moved. And as discussed above, before you update your address and blindly decide to stay with the same company, you might as well shop rates and see if you can save some money at the same time. When you’re moving, every little bit helps!

Why might rates be different in my new location?

It’s a fact – auto insurance rates in rural communities are almost always lower than those in large urban centers. Accidents tend to happen much more frequently in big cities, due to the number of cars on the road (AKA: Traffic!)

You may be moving to a new state, and your current auto insurance company may not be a licensed insurance provider in that state, or if they are, the rates they offer may be much higher. Certain states have higher insurance rates than others due to the percentage of claims filed. States like New Jersey , Washington D.C. , New York and Massachusetts typically have the highest average insurance rates.

It can also cost more to settle claims in certain areas, and this can add to the cost of your insurance premiums. Expensive cars cost more to repair or replace, and wealthy urban communities will sometimes have higher average insurance rates. Regardless of whether you’re moving to a new state or just across town, now is the perfect time to compare multiple rates and find the lowest one. Rates can differ by hundreds of dollars from company to company.

Another way to save: multiple-policy insurance

If you bought a new home, you are going to have to purchase homeowners insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for insuring your home and your vehicle together. For the greatest possible savings on your homeowners policy, be sure to check our low rates on auto insurance, and mention to your sales representative that you are also interested in a homeowners policy. This multi-policy discount often applies to an auto insurance/renters insurance combination as well. Besides auto insurance, InsWeb also offers competitive quotes for homeowners insurance , condominium insurance and renters insurance

Remember, saving money on your auto insurance will give you more money to spend on your move or on your new home. Compare rates today and find out how much you can save!

Tips to save money on your move:

• Get free boxes. Ask a friend, family member or co-worker who just moved if you can use their boxes, or ask your local grocery, liquor or department stores for their empty boxes.




• Shop around for the cheapest deals on moving supplies, such as moving tape, bubble wrap, etc.




• Just like you should compare multiple insurance rates, you should also compare rates of several moving companies. Compare rates for just renting a truck and for using a full service moving company before you decide.




• If you decide to move yourself, round up as many friends and family members as you can to help. Offer them food and beverages during the move or throw them a dinner party once you are in your new home to thank them for their help.




• If you are moving to a location further away than a days drive, research the cheapest places to stay on your trip. You may want to camp along the way (make sure and ask the campground if they allow moving trucks if needs be), stay with a friend or relative, or find the best deal on a hotel or motel. You can also pack a cooler of food to save money on your trip.