What is a snowbird?

A snowbird is an individual who temporarily relocates to a warmer climate during the winter months, often from a northern state to a southern state like Florida or Arizona. Snowbirds may own a second home in their winter destination or rent a property for the season.

As a snowbird, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements and regulations for car insurance in your winter state, as they may differ from those in your home state. Ensuring you have the right car insurance coverage can help you avoid legal issues and ensure you’re protected while enjoying your winter retreat.

What is snowbird car insurance?

The term snowbird refers to individuals – typically retired – who travel south from the northern part of the country for the winter. Snowbird insurance is car insurance for vehicle owners who live in a northern state but spend the winter months at a second home in warmer areas such as Florida or Arizona.

That home could be a vacation rental, a home the person owns or even a timeshare. There's no difference in terms of the insurance policy itself, but rather how coverage works when you spend a long period away from the state where your car is registered. It is important to inform your insurance provider about your snowbird status and ensure adequate coverage. Snowbird car insurance may differ from vacation car insurance for a shorter trip.

How does car insurance work if I drive a car in another state?

If you visit another state, most car insurance companies will automatically adjust your coverage to match the required limits in that state and cover you while you are there. However, if you are not on a short vacation or road trip and call another state home for a months at a time, you may have to get a car insurance policy in that state.

If you're a part-time resident of another state, you will need to check that state's laws to find out if you can use your out-of-state policy or need to buy a new one.

Can you have car insurance in a different state than your registration? 

Insurance companies generally require your car to be insured in the state where it is registered and where you primarily use it. When you move to a different state, you must usually register your car and obtain insurance in that new state. 

However, when you are a part-time resident of more than one state, it can become complicated. State laws regarding auto insurance and vehicle registration vary. In Florida, if you stay for 90 days, you must register your car and get Florida car insurance. However, if you live in Arizona for less than seven months a year, you're classified as a part-time resident, and you don't have to register your vehicle in Arizona. 

Can a snowbird register a car in Florida?

In Florida, if you have a car in the state for more than 90 days each year — and those days don't have to be consecutive — you have to comply with Florida's registration requirements.

Do you have to have a Florida license to register a car in Florida? You can register a car in Florida even if you have an out-of-state license, but you will need to provide the garaging address and proof of a Florida car insurance policy.

tip iconTIPIf you’re driving south for the winter, you might want to look at all your insurance options. “There are special coverages such as trip interruption, roadside and theft of personal property,” says Jimmi Lewis of the Voi Insurance Solutions insurance agency. “Trip interruption coverage can pay for expenses such as hotel and food if your vehicle breaks down. … Roadside assistance is a no brainer. And since regular auto policies do not provide any coverage for your personal belongings in your car, personal property coverage can help.”

Canadian snowbirds heading to Florida may face more complications. Canadian insurance is valid in the U.S., but you will come up against Florida's law about registration if you are there for more than 90 days. If you need to get a Florida insurance policy, you should speak with a local insurance agent who is familiar with the process for Canadians.

What do you need to register a car in Florida?

To register a vehicle that’s titled out of state, you’ll need:

  1. The out-of-state title
  2. A completed HSMV 82040 application for a certificate of title
  3. A copy of your driver’s license or passport
  4. Proof of Florida car insurance
  5. The bill of sale

How much insurance does a snowbird need in Florida or Arizona?

Every state sets minimum insurance standards. Arizona and Florida have some of the least stringent requirements.

Under Florida law, to drive legally, you'll need to have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage.

To meet Arizona car insurance law, you'll need to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for one person and $50,000 for two or more people. You'll also need to have at least $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.

Your home state likely has higher minimum requirements than Florida and Arizona do. (See what levels of coverage drivers like you typically buy using Insurance.com’s auto insurance coverage calculator.) Plus, snowbirds with significant assets should consider bumping up their coverage limits. Florida and Arizona’s minimum coverage requirements are not enough to protect you in case of a serious accident or lawsuit. Skimping could cost you your savings and homes.

The senior driver discounts in Florida and Arizona may be a little different as well. Make sure you ask.

Do snowbirds have to insure their car in other states?

We've covered two popular snowbird destinations, but there are other warm states where you might be headed for the winter. Your best bet is to check with the DMV in that state to find out what the rules are. In most states, there is a specific number of days you can reside there without needing to change your registration or insurance.

It's also a good idea to talk to your insurance company; most major insurers will work with snowbirds to adjust coverage as necessary from state to state,

Can I buy temporary car insurance in another state?

Many drivers look for temporary car insurance to cover relatively brief stays in other states, but it's generally not necessary. An insurance policy in one state will cover you in any state.

Your insurance will automatically cover you for the legal requirements of the state you're in if an accident happens. If you are required to register your car and buy insurance in your winter home state, temporary car insurance is unlikely to meet the legal requirements. You're better off asking your insurance company to switch your policy to that state for a few months.

If you're concerned about the cost of insurance in another state, there are ways to save:

  • Ask for a senior discount. You may find that senior driver discounts in Florida and Arizona may be a little different from your home state.
  • Ask about low-mileage discounts if you drive very little while on vacation

Insurance company requirements for snowbirds

Insurance companies have specific requirements for snowbirds, including proof of residency and vehicle registration in the winter state. In Florida, snowbirds must register their vehicle with the Florida DMV and obtain auto insurance from a Florida-based insurance agent. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties, including a license and registration suspension of up to three years.

It’s essential to notify your insurance company of your snowbird status and review your policy to ensure you have sufficient coverage.

What happens if I don't insure my car at my vacation home?

Failure to follow state laws regarding car insurance can have consequences. If you're caught without proper registration and auto insurance in Florida, you can be ticketed by law enforcement officers.

Your auto insurance rates are determined based on where your car is housed. If you don't provide accurate information to your insurance company, it could deny a claim or non-renew your coverage when the truth comes to light.

It's a type of insurance fraud according to Frank Scafidi, spokesman for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), and while it isn't likely to result in criminal charges, it could make things harder for you when you go to buy new insurance.

– Ashlee Tilford contributed to this report.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to register my car at my winter home?

You can’t insure a car and register it in two different states, except in rare circumstances. That means your first hurdle is finding out whether you must register in your winter home state. The rules differ from state to state, so make sure to check with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out which rules apply to you. In some states, you are required to register your car if you plan to stay for a specific period.

If you own a home in that state, you can be considered a resident and subject to the same laws as other residents of the state, even if you're not full-time.

Do I have to insure my car at my winter home?

It depends on how long you will be staying. Your car insurance covers you in all 50 states, D.C., U.S. territories and Canada. But if you are considered a resident rather than just a visitor, it can affect the insurance rules.

In Florida, the rules depend on how long you will be staying in the state; if you plan to stay more than 90 days, you are required by law to register the car in Florida. And if you register the car in Florida, it will need Florida insurance.

That means that even if you live in New York for nine months of the year and in Miami for just three months a year, you need to register your vehicle in Florida.

You must get your coverage from an insurance company and agent licensed in Florida. That means you can't use your agent back home in New York unless they're licensed in both states. But you can use the same insurance company if it is licensed to do business in Florida.

In Arizona, the same rules apply. If you register the car there, you must insure it through a company licensed in that state.

Do snowbirds need to register a car in Arizona?

If your winter roosting place is Arizona, you'll have a much easier time. If you live there less than seven months a year, you're considered a part-time resident and don't have to register your vehicle in Arizona, says Ryan Harding, a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Can I register a car in AZ with an out-of-state license?

Yes, you can register a car in Arizona with an out-of-state license. However, you must comply with Arizona's motor vehicle registration requirements and may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of insurance. It's recommended to contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) or visit their website for specific instructions and requirements.

How long can I drive in Florida with an out-of-state license?

If you're just visiting Florida, you can generally drive with your valid out-of-state license. But if you are planning to stay in Florida for a long period, you’ll need to get a driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.

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