If you are amongst the snowbirds who fly the coop for warmer climates every winter, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind when buying for an auto insurance quote.


Nearly 1 million people from northern states escape to Florida in the course of the colder months, according to University of Florida investigation, whereas an Arizona State University study identified that far more than 300,000 snowbirds call that state property each and every winter.


Some leave their cars up north for the winter and maintain yet another automobile at their second residence. Others use a single vehicle to drive back and forth. Each are good possibilities but it can complicate issues when it comes to auto insurance coverage.


Coverage specifications


How much coverage you need to have will depend on a few elements.


Very first, are you driving your car south? Or are you keeping it up north? If you’re taking your automobile with you, you will require to make certain you meet insurance coverage needs in each states. Your policy in Ohio, for instance, may not meet standards set in a no-fault state like And some states like Florida require element-time residents to insure and register their vehicles there. So even if your existing coverage already meets state insurance coverage minimums, you must nonetheless buy Florida insurance coverage from an agent licensed in the Sunshine State.


But do not be concerned: If you’re covered by a large auto insurance coverage firm, your agent can likely recommend a colleague in Florida to talk to.


If you are leaving your car at home, it may possibly be tempting to reduce or suspend coverage until you return. Even so, most states need all registered cars to carry liability insurance coverage, so suspending coverage usually is not a viable alternative.


In some states, like Florida, you can drop coverage on the automobile stored there by surrendering the license plates and registration when you leave. But this only works if your vehicle is paid off. A lender will still insist on full extensive and collision coverage. And you will have to get new insurance and re-register your car every single time you return, which can be a discomfort. Even so, registering a automobile in Florida typically charges less than $ 200, so it could be worth your time if you are seeking to save some money.


Florida law needs any individual staying 90 days or longer (it does not matter if the days are consecutive) to register and insure their vehicle there. In Arizona, one more popular snowbird refuge, this standard applies if you strategy on staying 6 months or longer. So be sure to verify your destination state’s laws ahead of obtaining an auto insurance quote.


What about driver’s licenses?


A single issue you do not require as a snowbird is a new driver’s license, as extended as you are a U.S. citizen. If you’re Canadian, it depends on the state. Florida passed a law in 2012 requiring some foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit, but repealed it the next year following confusion and outcry amongst Canadian vacationers. In Arizona, you’ll need a state driver’s license if you reside there 6 or much more months out of the year, equivalent to automobile registration needs.


Escaping the icy clutches of winter for warm weather every single year is one of the very best perks of retirement. But make certain your auto insurance coverage requirements are covered to avoid problems, each at property and down south.


Sarah Cooke is a staff writer covering private finance for NerdWallet. Adhere to her on Twitter @sarah_wolfe and on Google+.


Image via iStock.