You are finally moving to a new province and you are pretty excited. You can’t wait to explore the new terrains, lakes and even valleys. The majority of people assume that you only need to pack your belongings and you are set to go. But is your car insurance in check? Moving to a new province involves a lot of planning especially with car insurance. Forgetting to follow up with your car insurance can end being an expensive mistake, which many movers make.  So, what exactly happens to your car insurance once you make a move to another province?

The first step when moving to a new province is ensuring your car insurance provides coverage in the new location. And if not, what measures can you undertake to ensure you are covered? Start by talking with your insurer about the move. Provide details on the specific locations that you are moving to. While most insurers may provide car insurance policies to the new locations, others may not. This may need you to look for a new insurer. 

Will your insurance rate increase once you move to a new province? 

As we discussed above, you can choose to stick with your current car insurance provider. This will, however, depend on the services your insurer provides in the new province. You can also opt to ditch your current insurer and shop for new coverage in your new location. The important thing to note is that you may remit higher premiums if you opt to stay with your current insurer. But why so? 

• Provinces have different insurance rates 

If you are not aware, different provinces have varying car insurance rates, coverage requirements and policies. As such, do not expect to remit similar amounts as per what you have been paying. Before you choose your car insurance provider, ensure you shop around and take note of the variance in costs and coverage. 

• New variables

Have you considered the driving risks in your new province? If you move to an area with riskier roads, poor visibility due to environmental factors as well as heavy traffic, the rate of your car insurance may increase. This is because of the higher chances of causing or being involved in an accident. Also, if you move to an area further from your job, the long driving periods make you more susceptible to accidents, hence raising the rate of your car insurance. 

• Your insurance history

Are you considered high-risk? If you have many cases of traffic violations or even many claims, your car insurance could significantly go higher in the new province. Start by contacting your current insurer and get info on your insurance records. 

• How old are you? 

If you are a senior, your car insurance rates may go up. Seniors are more prone to accidents in new areas since they take more time getting used to the roads. However, you can use your clean insurance records to bargain your way to lower rates. 

How can you cut down the high car insurance rates in the new location? 

• Start by shopping around for a car insurance provider

It is always wise to shop around for car insurance policies before settling for one. With different insurers having varying pricing strategies, you will be surprised by how much you can save just by comparing quotes. However, always ensure you get quotes for the same coverage. 

• Are you discount-worthy? 

Discounts can significantly lower your car insurance rates. Always check whether you are a discount-worthy driver by checking your car insurance records. Most people often assume that insurers offer fixed rates on the quotes. Even if you do not get that discount, there is no harm in asking!

• Raise your deductible

Raising your deductible is a brilliant way to lower your premiums. This can be quite a risk, especially when moving to a new province. With different terrains and weather, it might take a while to get used to the new roads. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the new roads before raising your deductible. Also, if you are prone to causing more accidents as with the case for seniors and less experienced drivers, raining the deductible may end up being more costly in the long run. 

• Evaluate your car insurance coverage

Do you still need to pay car insurance for that old car that has not been used for 6 months? Or for that teen driver who is no longer in your household? These could be unnecessary costs in your car insurance policy. When moving to a new province, ensure you review your coverage and rid of all those unnecessary coverages. 

Here are some more car insurance tips when moving to another province. 

• Do not cancel your car insurance until you get a new one

This is one of the most common mistakes that movers make. If you move to a new province, the grace period given to allow new residents to register their vehicles ranges between 30-90 days.  This should give you sufficient time to shop around for a new car insurance provider. And since you need valid car insurance when driving or moving to a new province, it is important to confirm that your current insurer can provide coverage in the new location. If not, you need to shop for a new policy before moving. While most car insurers may provide coverage in the new province, the rates may be higher. Use the grace period to shop around for a new policy. 

• Use an agent in your search for new insurance

Moving to a new province can be a thrilling experience. But the confusion is not any fun. Picture this. You just moved to a new location with your location. Between settling, you may not have enough time to move around looking for an insurer. An agent will make this process seamless. If you do not know where to start in your search for agents, your old agent can refer you to other agents in your new locations. You can also take advantage of online platforms as well as referrals from friends and colleagues.

• Ensure your goods are covered when on the move

If you opt to hire movers in the relocation process, it is imperative to ensure they have valid insurance for goods in transit. What happens when they are involved in an accident? Will you be compensated for the damaged goods? This is a case that only valid insurance coverage can guarantee. You can also purchase insurance coverage for stored goods as an add-on to your insurance policy. Among the options available from the majority of insurers include released liability or replacement value protection.

Moving to a new province brings a lot of changes. While you will love some, it might take some time to get used to others. Before you make that move, ensure you understand car insurance regulations in the new province. This will help you get the best car insurance provider while also making your stay enjoyable.