Leaving California? What to Do with Your Insurance Policies
So, you are packing up and heading out of the Golden State? Whether you are chasing lower costs, more space, or just tired of traffic on the 405, make sure your insurance doesn’t get left behind during the move.
Here’s your simple (and sanity-saving) checklist for adjusting your insurance policies when leaving California:
1. Update Your Mailing Address
First things first – change the mailing address on all of your California insurance policies.
Why? Because if there’s a refund check, policy notice, or cancellation confirmation coming your way, you want it to land in the right mailbox (not with the new tenant who thinks your mail is their free scratcher ticket).
2. Auto Insurance: Don’t Drive Uninsured
Taking your car with you instead of packing it into a transport trailer? Maybe planning a scenic road trip to your new state of residence? That’s exciting, but let’s make sure you are covered every mile of the way.
Pro tip: If you’re hitting the road and crossing state lines, know this – insurance laws and minimum coverage requirements vary from state to state. Before you hit the road, check with your California Auto policy to see if your current liability limits and coverages will apply in every state you’ll be driving through. Some policies adjust automatically – others don’t. Don’t just assume your policy travels as well as you do.
And hey – if you are wondering whether that road trip speeding ticket or a little fender bender will follow you home, this article breaks it down. Spoiler: it probably will.
Also, before you throw snacks in the glovebox and cue up the playlist, check out our Road Trip Insurance Checklist to make sure you are fully prepped – coverage, claims info, ID cards, and all.
Once you are settled in your new state, get insured locally and then cancel your California Auto policy. That’ll keep you street-legal and properly protected.
3. Home and Condo: Selling? Renting?
Selling your California home or condo?
Cancel your insurance policy once escrow closes.
👉 Don’t wait for your mortgage company to cancel your insurance for you – they won’t.
Renting it out instead?
Give your California insurance broker a quick call. Your Homeowners or Condo policy will need to be changed into a Landlord policy, which gives you the right kind of protection for a rental property.
4. Umbrella Insurance: Don’t Let It Slip
Umbrella policies are usually connected to your Auto policy, and this coverage must move, too. So, when purchasing Car insurance in your new state, mention to the agent or broker that you also need an Umbrella policy.
They’ll help set up a new insurance that matches your new home base and asset setup.
5. Cancel What You Don’t Need Anymore
After you’ve settled in and replaced all your California-based policies with new ones in your new state, circle back and cancel anything still hanging around in California.
Whether it’s Renters, Umbrella, or that Homeowners policy on the property you just sold, your California broker can help clean up what’s no longer needed.
Bottom Line:
Changing states is a big move – don’t let your insurance become an afterthought.
Stay protected, stay proactive, and tie up those loose ends before they turn into loose liabilities.
