Update on Out-of-State Student Car Insurance
In December, my son took one of our cars from Florida to Virginia for university. Unfortunately, Virginia’s insurance requirements are significantly higher than Florida’s, which caused our Progressive policy to nearly triple in cost when adjusting the limits and garaging the vehicle in VA.
After discussing our options with the insurer, we decided to obtain a separate policy for the car through Geico while it’s in Virginia.
Now, we have one policy in Virginia for my son and me for one car, and another policy in Florida for my son and me for our other car.
However, I’ve just received a notice from the state of Florida indicating that they plan to cancel my registration because, according to their records, the Cadillac (covered under the Geico policy in Virginia) has no insurance.
I’m wondering if Florida will accept the VA policy? I can’t register the car in Virginia as we don’t live there, and since my son is a student and holds a Florida license, his residence remains in Florida.
Is paying three times the amount the only solution?
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tricky situation. Here are a few things you can consider:
Contact the Florida DMV: Reach out to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and explain your situation. They may have specific guidelines for out-of-state students and how insurance policies are handled. It’s important to clarify that your son is a student in Virginia but still a resident of Florida.
Insurance Verification: Make sure that Geico can provide proof of insurance for the car garaged in Virginia. You may need to communicate this documentation to the Florida DMV to avoid cancellation of your registration.
Temporary Registrations: In some cases, states offer temporary registration options or grace periods for students. You could ask if Florida provides such options for students who are attending school out-of-state.
Consult Your Insurance Agents: Talk to both Progressive and Geico about your situation. They may have encountered similar scenarios before and could offer solutions. Geico, in particular, might help clarify how their coverage can be recognized by Florida.
Re-evaluate Coverage Options: If the VA policy is significantly less expensive, consider if there are other insurers or options in Florida that might provide a middle ground without trippling your cost.
Legal Residency Consideration: Since your son is a student with a Florida license, ensure that his insurance status reflects that he is still a Florida resident. Some states have specific rules regarding car insurance for students, and deterring coverage may involve proving residency.
Discuss with a Local Agent: If the situation becomes too complex, consulting with a local insurance agent who understands both Florida and Virginia laws might be beneficial.
Ultimately, understanding both state laws and insurance company policies will be key to finding a solution that works for you.