What About My Car and Car Insurance?

There are vast differences in how your car, license, and insurance are treated depending on whether you are transferred within the continental United States or to a non-combat station overseas. Let’s look at these separately.

Transfers Within the Continental United States

If you are transferred to a base within the continental United States, inform your car insurance company of your move. Typically, you’ll need to obtain insurance in your new state within 60 days of your move. Try to find out in advance of your move what your new insurance rates will be so you can set aside the necessary funds. Ask your current insurance agent to put you in touch with an agent near your new location. Bring your insurance paperwork when you meet with your new agent. If you can’t find it, your current insurance agent should be able to provide a copy.

Some insurance companies cater to military families and offer insurance that “travels with you” when transferred. In this case, you just need to inform the company of your move by telephone or e-mail. Again, ask about your new rates. Also, make sure you obtain tangible proof of insurance for your new state shortly after arrival. In addition to thinking about insurance, you also should consider the following:

• If your vehicle is leased, read your lease agreement carefully to make sure you are allowed to move the vehicle to another state.



• Think about how your vehicle (or vehicles) will get to the new installation. Will you (or your spouse) drive the vehicle or will you need to hire someone to deliver it?



• You must register your vehicle with your new base or post. Your new installation will supply registration information.



• You may need to register your vehicle in the new state. If you are transferred to a state that is not your “domicile of record” (home state), find out what vehicle fees and taxes actually apply to you. Not all motor vehicle employees are familiar with registering vehicles for military personnel who are living temporarily in their state. They may try to charge you fees (such as personal property taxes) that don’t apply to you.



• Many states have Web sites that detail their motor vehicle fees and taxes and explain what charges apply to military personnel. The fees and taxes charged are likely to be different for a nonmilitary spouse who owns a vehicle in his or her name.



• Many states don’t require you to get a new driver’s license. Again, the rules are different for nonmilitary spouses. Check with your base or post for specifics.

Transfers Overseas

If you are transferred overseas to a non-combat area, bringing your vehicle with you is much more complicated—and expensive. Consider the following:

• Your vehicle will have to go through an inspection in the host country.



• Leased vehicles usually cannot be taken overseas.



• You will need to obtain an international driver’s license and adequate insurance.



• You may need a rental car until your car arrives.



• You will have to pay the cost of shipping if you ship a second vehicle.

To be financially prepared for these expenses, read the information you are given about shipping private vehicles overseas and talk with others who have gone through this experience. When you have a rough idea of what costs you’ll face—whether being transferred within the continental United States or overseas—write that amount on your Moving Fund Worksheet.