Reader question:

I’m going to be living in Florida for a bit, but I’m actually from Michigan. Do I have to get Florida auto insurance coverage?

Alex

Depends.

Most auto insurance coverage extends all over the United States and Canada, and even occasionally into Mexico, so while you are temporarily living in another state you are normally covered and thus not required to buy car insurance in that state. In fact, most car insurance companies make all of this much simpler by making it to where your policy complies with the laws of whatever state you are traveling.

If you are going to be in Florida for more than six months, then it is usually a good idea to get car insurance coverage there, especially since in six months in when a car insurance policy normally goes out. If you are only going to be in Florida for a short time after your home state auto insurance policy goes out, then you might want to consider getting a temporary one month policy every month until you leave, although these cost more.

Cheers,

Fashun Guadarrama.