Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Can I get car insurance without a home address?

I am between homes right now and living in a hotel. My insurance canceled and I need to get a new policy. Do I have to wait until I move in to my new apartment before I can buy one?

May 29, 2016 Portland, OR

Answer
Author profile picture

The Zebra

The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

Unfortunately it seems like you are in a tough spot until you have moved into your new place. Lots of information is used by insurance companies to determine the rate that they will charge to insure a driver and a major factor in rating that price is your home address. If you are only living in a location temporarily, and the insurance company is aware of that, they won't issue a policy because of what they call a "transient risk". Since there is no lease or rental agreement where you are currently staying, there is nothing keeping you in that location for any extended period of time and this creates too much risk for the insurance company to issue a policy. If you plan on moving into your new place within 30 days, most companies will allow you to use that address to start a policy before you actually move in. If that doesn't work then you will just have to wait until you have signed your lease agreement.  
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Is Auto-Owners as good as big insurance companies?

Auto-Owners is one of the largest insurers in Indiana, and they’re well regarded for both their pricing and their customer service. But this is a question that comes up fairly often with newer drivers. And yes, they've got an app! It may not be as "fancy" as bigger companies, but it should help eli…
Sep 25, 2025 Fort Wayne, IN

How do I prove I am staying in the same address I reported to my car insurance company?

It depends on the insurance company, but most will accept proof in the form of a utility bill or something similar to prove where you live. I recommend calling your insurance company to find out what documentation they will require to prove your residency and reinstate your policy. Good luck and if…
Jul 4, 2019 Los Banos, CA

Does my son-in-law's military status (Marine) qualify me as USAA member?

It is my understanding that USAA eligibility flows "downstream" – which means you need to be a child or spouse of an established member to get a USAA policy. Therefore parents, or in your case in-laws, of USAA members are likely not eligible to get their own policy. This applies to all insurance ty…
Feb 15, 2018 Austin, TX

Why did my Farmers rate go up if I haven’t had any accidents or tickets?

Farmers (and honestly, most major insurers) have been raising rates across the board. Even with a perfect driving record, your price can go up because of rising repair costs, more expensive parts, higher medical payouts, and a big jump in claim frequency over the past couple of years.In your case, …
Oct 9, 2025 Hood River, OR