Do I need multi-state car insurance?

Does multi-state car insurance exist as a separate policy?

No, there's no such thing as a separate multi-state car insurance policy since a standard car insurance policy generally provides "out-of-state" coverage in all 50 states. There's also no such thing as a multi-state car insurance policy that originates from two or more states. Any auto policy you buy will originate from one state only, typically the state where you reside.

Can you have two car insurance policies?

You can buy two car insurance policies to insure two separate vehicles. However, buying two policies to insure the same vehicle may result in automatic cancellation of one of them.

Common multi-state scenarios for car insurance

What if I work in a different state than where I live?

In most cases, you only need one policy that covers you in both states. The key to determining which state to buy your insurance from is where you keep your vehicle most of the time. For example, if you live in Connecticut but work out of state in New York, you would have a Connecticut car insurance policy since the vehicle is kept there overnight.

The rare exception would be keeping a second vehicle at your workplace. In that case, you would need two car insurance policies — one for your vehicle that's kept overnight in Connecticut, and one out-of-state policy in New York for the vehicle that's stored at your job.

What if I have homes in two different states?

If you keep vehicles at both homes, you'll need a separate policy for each state. For example, if you have homes in Massachusetts and Florida and you keep a car at each residence, each vehicle will need its own policy.

Snowbird exception

If your car travels with you between houses, you'll only need one policy. This is commonly called the "snowbird exception" because it usually impacts "snowbirds" who spend the winter months in a warm-weather state. For example, let's say you split your time between Ohio and Arizona and keep your car in the state where you're currently residing. You'll have an Arizona policy for the fall and winter months when you're living in that state. When you move back to Ohio for the spring and summer months, you can cancel your Arizona policy and start an Ohio policy. This is known as rewriting your policy for a different state; if your car moves with you, it helps you avoid paying for separate out-of-state insurance coverage that isn't needed.

If you need to rewrite your policy for a different state at Progressive, the easiest way is by calling us at 1-866-749-7436.

Here's how to get the right coverage now

Current Progressive customers

If you're consistently driving in different states, we're always here to answer questions and customize a policy to your unique situation:

Log in to your policy or call us at 1-866-749-7436.

New Progressive customers

Get a free car insurance quote online or call 1-866-749-7436. We'll ask about your address(es) and make sure you have the right policy for the right state.