Insurance checklist for a military move
PCS orders move your household on the military's schedule. Get the policies ready first.
A permanent change of station (PCS) can mean a new state, a new country, cars in storage and belongings in transit for weeks. Each affects a different policy. Here's what to check.
Car insurance
- Tell your insurer where each car will be garaged. Some service members keep home-of-record registration; the insurer needs to know the real location.
- If a car goes into storage, ask about reducing to comprehensive-only coverage rather than cancelling.
- Moving overseas? Ask whether your insurer can cover you there, or how to insure a car at the new duty station.
Your belongings
The government's liability for household goods in a PCS move has limits. Renters or homeowners insurance can fill gaps, but check how your policy treats belongings in transit and in storage.
Life insurance
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) now provides up to $500,000. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act can also protect some commercial life insurance policies from being cancelled or having premiums raised because of military service. Review your beneficiaries before a move or deployment.
Common questions
Tell your insurer where the car will be kept. A new state may mean a new policy or updated coverage, and stored cars may qualify for reduced coverage.
The government's liability for household goods is limited. Renters or homeowners insurance may cover more, depending on your policy.
SGLI coverage is available up to $500,000.
Want this priced for your situation?
This page is general information, not advice about your specific circumstances. A licensed insurance professional can tell you what’s actually available to you.
Sources
- SGLI increase to $500,000 FAQs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Checked 23 September 2026.
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Military OneSource. Checked 23 September 2026.
General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage, availability, and terms vary by insurer and by state, and are subject to underwriting. Quote My Policy LLC connects you with licensed insurance professionals. Nothing here binds coverage.