I have an insurance question. I’ve been living in Louisiana for a few years now, but I’d like to keep my Wisconsin insurance since it’s much cheaper. I still have WI plates, and a valid WI license with a valid WI address on it (my parents). Can I get away with this, or do I need to bite the bullet and change my registration, insurance, etc.?
There are legal ways you’re allowed to keep your registration and Drivers license from one state while living in another. College student, Military, Temporary work assignments.
But if you actually moved to Louisiana then you legally can NOT keep your vehicle registered in WI. The question is how well it’s enforced.
The other thing you have to worry about is if you get in an accident. The insurance company may not like it that you are living in another state.
First, you’re probably breaking the state law in Louisiana by not registering the car there, as MikeInNH says.
Second, your insurance company is probably basing your rates on the car being kept at the Wisconsin address. If so, this means you’ve been committing insurance fraud all along. It wouldn’t be surprising to have any insurance claims denied (including any huge liability ones that would wipe you out financially).
Yep, if it seems like too good of a deal, it is. Time to make the switch to LA.
You might get away with it for a traffic stop, if all your documents are in order. But, if you have an accident and file a claim that’s when things can get sticky. You current insurance company may not like that you’ve mislead them regarding the location of the car and where you are driving the car on a daily basis. The cheaper rates in WI are likely due to less claims dollars paid out.
Actual laws vary from state to state so you’d have to know the law(s) in both WI and LA to know where you stand legally. Your insurance carrier is WI could reject a claim, and then drop your coverage. That action gets reported and shared among all the insurance companies. Then, you will find out you have to spend a lot more $$$$ to get new insurance on the car after your coverage is “cancelled”.
Yeah, actually you are not a Wisconsin resident anymore, most likely, and should not have a Wisconsin license or plates. Insurance is rated by where you live. In most states, you need to spend the majority of your time at your home residence. Exceptions are made for students that sometimes can have dual residencies for hunting licenses etc., but I think you are out of luck.
Most states are now actively prosecuting people for insurance fraud, and what the OP is doing constitutes insurance fraud.
You can’t afford to save money in this way…unless you are eager to spend a few years manufacturing license plates for the state.
Typically when you change address the companies give you 3 months to change your insurance to the new address. Don’t get into an accident; you may have difficulty collecting. Students and military are exceptions. When I was in college there was a military guy from Mexico who brought his own car and had plates with “Fuerzas Militaras” on them.
In Alaska you see many out of state plates, since many guys get sent there on temporary assignments. and live in hotels.
Thanks for the advice, all! I’ll switch my registration & insurance ASAP!
Thanks for the advice, all! I’ll switch my registration & insurance ASAP! - See more at: http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2292951/out-of-state-insurance#latest
Why? Unless you have a job in Louisiana and they can PROVE you are a permanent resident, your Wisconsin paperwork is good…If you get a traffic ticket, the cop will probably ask you a few questions and then encourage you to register the car in Louisiana …
@Jordan1256, when I read your post, I assumed that you went to college in LA and now have a job there. If that is true, then you should change your residence with your insurance company if they operate in LA. You might have to find another insurer. Check their web site to see if they insure drivers in LA. If not, find another insurer, then switch. Get your LA plates at the same time. If you are a graduate student, you might still be considered a temporary resident and could keep your WI residence.