How do I know if a company even covers my state?

How do I know where an insurance company, like Shelter, actually writes policies? I keep hearing about smaller companies, and one of my friends likes Shelter, but she lives in a different state. This is my first policy, and I don't know how to know which ones operate in every state. I don’t want to waste time getting quotes if the company doesn’t even cover where I live. I also plan to move in a year or two and really don't want to do this every time.

That’s a really common question, especially when you’re new to insurance. Shelter is a good company, but they don’t currently write auto policies in Nevada — they focus more on states in the Midwest and South. Not every company is licensed to sell policies in every state. Larger carriers like Progressive, or GEICO tend to be available almost everywhere, while regional companies usually stick to certain states.

The easiest way to check is by:

• Looking on the company’s website for a list of states they serve (often under “Find an Agent” or “Where We Operate”).
• Calling a local agent in your ZIP code — if they don’t sell in Nevada, they’ll tell you right away.
• Checking with the Nevada Division of Insurance, which keeps a record of all insurers licensed in the state (every state has its own insurance department!)

Since you also mentioned moving in a year or two, it may make sense to go with a company that has a national footprint, so you won’t need to switch every time you relocate. Shelter could still be worth keeping on your radar if they expand, or if you relocate to a state they service, but right now a larger carrier will likely give you more flexibility.

If you want to chat with one of our helpful agents, they'd be happy to help talk through your options and compare rates (along with availability) of companies you're curious about. I hope this helps!