Car insurance for snowbirds
Where the car spends the winter can change what coverage it needs.
Snowbirds split the year between two homes, and often two cars or one car that travels. The insurance questions are where each car is kept, for how long, and what happens to the car left behind.
When the winter state's rules apply
Some states require out-of-state cars to carry their own required coverage once they've been in the state long enough. Florida is the best-known example: under Florida law, a nonresident's car that has been physically in Florida for more than 90 days in the preceding 365 days must carry Florida's required security, including personal injury protection, for as long as it stays.
Other states have their own residency and registration rules. Tell your insurer where the car will be and for how long, and ask whether the policy meets that state's requirements.
The car you leave behind
If a car sits unused for months, some insurers let you reduce coverage to comprehensive only, which covers theft, fire, storms and falling objects but not driving. Don't remove all coverage from a financed car, and check whether your state requires liability as long as the car is registered.
Your home, too
The house you leave for the season may be unoccupied for months. Many home policies have conditions about unoccupied homes and freezing pipes. Check them before you go.
Common questions
Under Florida law, if your car is physically in Florida for more than 90 days in a 365-day period, it must carry Florida's required security, including personal injury protection, while it remains there. Ask your insurer how to meet that.
Some insurers let you keep comprehensive only on a car in storage. Don't drive it without full coverage, and check your state's registration rules and your lender's requirements.
Yes. Where each car is kept, and for how long, affects which state's rules apply and how the insurer prices and handles claims.
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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
- Florida Statutes § 627.733, Required security, The Florida Senate. 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.