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As you get ready to move and settle in Texas, keep in mind that you typically can’t keep insurance plans from your previous state. To make sure you stay covered, report your move to the insurer as soon as possible. This way, you’ll be able to enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage and avoid paying for coverage you can’t use in Texas.
How to Become a Texas Resident?
One of the primary steps to making Texas your home is establishing residency in Texas.
This will allow you to get a driver’s license, register your vehicles, and obtain access to local perks and discounts like Texas-resident access to certain parks and in-state tuition at colleges and universities.
Texas Moving Checklist
There’s a lot that goes into moving to Texas, and that’s after you’ve taken care of all the packing, cleaning, lifting, moving companies, rental agreements, mortgages, jobs… (the list goes on – yeah, it’s a lot!)
Well, after the fun part is taken care of, there are a couple more things that you’ll want to make sure you mark off your list when moving to Texas.
We’ve detailed them for you below. The checklist includes:
- Updating your address & update the USPS.
- Obtain Texas vehicle Insurance Click here to request a quote
- Have your car inspected within 30 days after moving to Texas (bring proof of insurance)
- Once your car has passed inspection, Register your car within 30 days after moving to Texas at the Texas DMV. Click here for Title & Registration Info new Texans.
- Getyour Texas driver’s license. You have 90 days after moving here to get it.
- The easiest way to transfer your DL when moving to Texas is to surrender your current valid driver licenseto the Texas DMV in exchange for a new Texas driver license.
- Along with your out-of-state driver license you will also need to takethe following items to yourlocal DPS office to apply for your new Texas driver license:
- Proof of identity (your current DL will suffice)
- Proof of Texas residency (ie: utility bill for your new address)
- Citizenship or lawful presence (ie: SS Card)
- Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration for the vehicles you own
- Proof of Insurance for each vehicle you own.
- This link will give you additionalinformation on applying for a Texas Driver License
- Registering to voteYour vote counts!
- Update your Health Insurance-When you move to Texas, you’ll need to update your health insurance and find new healthcare providers – doctors, dentists, optometrists, oh my!
Moving to Texas makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you’ll be able to enroll in new coverage or change plans even if the annual Open Enrollment Period is over.
It’s important to report moves out of state as soon as possible so you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage — and avoid paying for coverage that doesn’t apply in Texas.
You may also want to check in with your current doctors about getting copies of your medical records or finding out what will need to be done to get your records to your new providers.
Health insurance options:
You can get health insurance through:
- Your employer if they offer health insurance. If you lose your job, you can stay on the plan through COBRA for a period of time
- A membership, union, or church
- An insurance company or agent
- The health marketplace
- Your parent’s plan until age 26
- Your spouse’s plan
- And your college or university if they have a student health plan
- Government programs (see below)
- If you own a small business with employees, learn about small employer health insurance.
8. Getting the other insurance policies you may need – More insurance… yeah, it’s a lot. But, when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it.
Along with your Auto insurance policy and health coverage, you’ll also want to make sure to consider and update any other policies you had or will need, including:
- Home insurance.
- Umbrella insurance
- Renter’s insurance.
- Pet insurance.
- Boat insurance.
- RV coverage.
- Motorcycle insurance.
- Business Insurance
- Life Insurance
As with your auto insurance policy, it’s definitely worth comparing quotes to get the best rates before you switch. Plus, if you need different policies, you may be able to get a deal when you bundle. This is an excellent way to save serious cash – which is always a plus during a move.
Conclusion
In conclusion, they say Everything’s bigger in Texas – and that includes all that this big state has to offer. There are plenty of things to do and see within the Lone Star State. Texas offers a thriving economy with many jobs available at all skill levels. Cost-of-living is lower than in most other states. Affordable housing options abound throughout the state. Low crime rates mean families often feel safer here than they would elsewhere. Welcome to the Lone Star State!
The Walls Insurance Agency, LLC is a local agency that represents many carriers & writes all lines of insurance. They provide you with the opportunity to compare companies to find the best coverage at the best rate. Check them out…they’d be honored to assist you. www.wallsinstx.com
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