Quick answer: When you move to Indiana, you need auto insurance that meets Indiana's minimum liability requirements. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles gives new residents 60 days to register their vehicle and get an Indiana driver's license. Don't cancel your existing policy until your new Indiana policy is active. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has an office in every one of Indiana's 92 counties and can help you get set up before you arrive.
Welcome to Indiana. Whether you're here for a new job, to be closer to family, or because you fell in love with the Hoosier State's mix of affordability and community, there's a lot to sort out after a move. Somewhere on your to-do list, between changing your address and finding the nearest coffee shop, is switching your car insurance.
It doesn't have to be complicated. Here's some insight on what you may need to do, what Indiana requires and how you may save money in the process.
Your car insurance change checklist
These steps can help you maintain coverage during the switch:
Keep your current policy active. This is an important rule. Do not cancel your existing insurance until your new Indiana policy is in effect. Even a single day without coverage counts as a lapse and can result in higher rates going forward or a claim denial.
Contact your current insurer. Let them know you're moving to Indiana. Some national carriers can transfer your policy to a new state, but coverage terms, rates and available discounts may change. It's worth comparing.
Get quotes from Indiana insurers. Collect free quotes from multiple companies, including Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, so you can compare pricing, coverage and service. Don't just compare prices. Compare what you're getting for that price.
Purchase your new Indiana policy. Once you've chosen the best option for your circumstances, buy your new policy and get your proof of insurance.
Cancel your existing policy. Only cancel your existing policy after your new policy is active. Call your previous insurer and confirm the cancellation date matches the start date of your new policy. This will avoid a gap in coverage.
Visit the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Within 60 days of moving to Indiana, register your vehicle and get your Indiana driver's license. You'll need proof of insurance, proof of address, your Social Security number and your certificate of title.
What car insurance does Indiana require?
Indiana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, commonly referred to as 25/50/25 coverage:
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Bodily injury liability (per person) | |
Bodily injury liability (per accident) | |
Property damage liability (per accident) | |
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage | Required unless rejected in writing |
Important for people moving from no-fault states: Indiana is an at-fault (tort) state. That means the driver who is found responsible for causing an accident is held responsible for the other driver's damages. If you're coming from a no-fault state like Michigan, Florida or New York, your insurance will work differently in Indiana. Typically, the at-fault driver's liability coverage pays, not your own auto policy coverage. Make sure your Indiana policy reflects this system. (Related: If someone hit my car, whose insurance should I call?)
How are Indiana auto insurance rates determined?
Your premium in Indiana depends on several factors: your age, marital status, where you live, where your vehicle is garaged, how you use your vehicle, your driving record and the vehicle itself. But there's a bigger factor many people don't think about, the state you're moving from.
Each state has different insurance requirements, risk profiles and regulations. The state you're moving from may not have the same exposure levels as Indiana, which can affect your premium. Additionally, you may be carrying coverage that exceeds what you may need or what is required in Indiana.
An Indiana-only company like Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance prices policies based solely on Indiana risk factors, not national exposures. Getting a free quote helps you right-size your coverage and understand your actual costs. If you're moving from a high-cost state like California, New Jersey or Florida, your auto insurance premium may decrease in Indiana. Moving from a lower-cost state might mean a slight increase. The only way to know for sure is to get a quote.
Your first 60 days in Indiana: a timeline
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| Get Indiana auto insurance quotes. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance's Advance Quote Discount can help save you money if you quote seven or more days before your policy effective date. |
| Purchase your Indiana auto policy. Cancel your existing policy only after the new one is active. |
| Visit the Indiana BMV to register your vehicle and get your Indiana driver's license. Bring proof of insurance, proof of address, Social Security number and title. |
| Complete all vehicle registration and license transfers. The BMV allows 60 days for new residents. |
Ways to save on your Indiana auto insurance
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance offers several discounts that may help lower your premium as a new Indiana resident:
Planning a move to Indiana?
Get a free auto insurance quote now, and save with the Advance Quote Discount when you quote seven or more days before your policy starts.
Frequently asked questions about switching car insurance to Indiana
Do I have to change my car insurance when I move to Indiana?
Yes. Your car insurance policy must be written in the state where you reside. Some national carriers can write a new policy in Indiana, but each state has different requirements and rates. It's worth comparing quotes from Indiana-based companies like Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, which specializes in Indiana coverage and has offices in all 92 counties.
Do I need insurance to register my vehicle in Indiana?
Yes. The Indiana BMV requires proof of at least 25/50/25 liability coverage to register a passenger vehicle. You must present this proof when you visit the BMV.
How soon do I need to update my insurance after moving to Indiana?
The BMV allows new residents 60 days to register vehicles and obtain an Indiana driver's license. However, you should typically have an Indiana auto insurance policy in place as soon as you arrive. Don't wait for the full 60 days to get coverage.
Will moving to Indiana increase my car insurance premiums?
It depends on where you're moving from. Rates are determined by factors including your location, vehicle, driving record and the risk profile of your area. Moving from a high-cost metro area to a smaller Indiana town often means lower premiums. The best way to find out is to request a free quote.
Does Indiana require emissions testing?
Most of Indiana does not require emissions tests. The exceptions are Lake County and Porter counties (northwest Indiana), where vehicles manufactured after 1975 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 pounds or less must undergo emissions testing every two years.
What makes Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance different from national carriers?
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance is an Indiana-based company with offices in all 92 counties. Because we only insure Indiana residents, our rates reflect Indiana-specific risks, not national exposures. We've been serving Hoosiers for more than 90 years, and our agents are part of their local communities.
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