Why You Need To Keep Your Title And Registration Up To Date

Title and registration fees are already expensive. To make things even worse, you don't get a refund if you move before they expire, but you still have to pay the full fee to your new local DMV within just a few weeks of moving into your new home. Many people try to put off updating their title and registration until their current documents actually expire.

This is a very bad idea. It's both illegal and could end up costing you a lot of money.

You Could Get a Ticket

If you get pulled over, the police officer will usually ask if the address on your title and registration is still valid. Most states have laws requiring you to update your address within a certain number of days of moving.

If you missed the deadline and tell the officer the address is wrong, you'll probably be cited for having an invalid title and registration. If you lie and tell the officer the address is correct, you could be facing a ticket plus a charge of lying to a police officer if the officer finds out you lied.

Your Auto Insurance Policy Might Not Be Valid

Your auto insurance policy will probably have some sort of provision requiring you to notify the company of any address changes. This is because different areas have different risks and different rates.

If you're involved in an accident, the insurance company will almost surely find out your new address during the insurance claims process. If they find out you moved without telling them, they can legally cancel your policy and refuse to pay out for any claims. They also won't help you to recover from the other driver if that driver was at fault.

You Could Go to Jail

If your insurance company finds out you're using the wrong address, they might immediately cancel your policy and notify the DMV. Any police officer who checks your license plate will be notified you don't have valid insurance.

In most states, driving without insurance is a crime that could land you in jail.

You Could Save Money On Your Car Insurance

Moving doesn't mean your insurance rates will go up. You may be moving to an area where rates are lower. In that case, your insurance company will adjust you to the lower rate as soon as you tell them you moved.

To learn more about what to do with your title and registration when you move, contact a local auto insurance agent, like R L Jones Insurance Services Inc, today.

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