Moving to a new state is always a whirlwind of tasks, but for those relocating to Kentucky or Iowa in 2025, switching insurance might be the most overlooked—and crucial—item on the to-do list. As highlighted by HelloNation in a recent feature with State Farm Agent James Baker of Williamsburg, Kentucky, and reinforced by a comprehensive analysis from The Wall Street Journal’s Buy Side team, understanding the ins and outs of insurance requirements can save newcomers from legal headaches, financial pitfalls, and even missed discounts.
According to HelloNation, James Baker emphasizes a central point: “Many people are surprised to learn that insurance does not automatically adjust after a move.” In Kentucky, this means existing insurance policies must be rewritten to meet the state’s specific regulations. Kentucky’s laws are clear—auto insurance policies must be updated to reflect local liability minimums and risk factors such as traffic patterns, weather exposure, and even local repair costs. “Switching insurance is not just an administrative step but a necessary process to ensure policies align with new legal and regional requirements,” Baker notes in the HelloNation article.
Home insurance is no less complicated. The construction styles and environmental risks in Kentucky differ from those in other states, so a policy written for a previous home may leave new residents underinsured. HelloNation stresses the importance of reviewing coverage limits, deductibles, and protections to ensure they match the new property. Simply assuming that home insurance will transfer unchanged is a recipe for trouble.
Timing matters, too. Kentucky requires continuous auto insurance coverage, and any delay in updating a policy can result in fines or even registration headaches. Baker’s advice is straightforward: “Addressing insurance coverage early in the moving process helps prevent lapses and unnecessary complications.”
But what about the financial side? Many worry that switching insurance will mean higher costs. Surprisingly, that’s not always the case. Adjusting deductibles or coverage levels can often lead to more suitable protection—sometimes without increasing premiums. In fact, HelloNation points out that moving can unlock new regional discounts, such as savings for bundling auto and home insurance or for specific vehicle safety features. Without a careful policy review, these opportunities often go unnoticed.
Liability minimums are another critical area to reassess. Every state sets its own standards, and Kentucky’s may differ from what a newcomer is used to. Baker advises that these minimums should be considered alongside personal assets and financial responsibilities to ensure adequate protection. “Working with a local insurance agent can simplify these decisions,” the HelloNation article suggests, noting that agents like Baker have a deep understanding of Kentucky’s unique landscape and can quickly spot any coverage gaps.
Renters aren’t off the hook either. Requirements and risks for renters insurance can vary not just by state but even by location within Kentucky. Updating renters insurance ensures that personal property and liability protection reflect the realities of the new residence.
Ultimately, HelloNation’s message is clear: moving to Kentucky involves more than just changing an address. Insurance policies must be tailored to legal, environmental, and practical differences to provide reliable protection during and after the transition.
Meanwhile, in Iowa, the landscape for auto insurance is just as complex—and competitive. According to The Wall Street Journal Buy Side’s 2025 analysis, Progressive tops the list as the highest-rated car insurance company in the state. Progressive offers the cheapest rates for good drivers, seniors, and even drivers with a DUI, making it a popular choice among Iowans. The company’s three accident forgiveness options—including small-accident and large-accident forgiveness, which are free for most customers—stand out as particularly attractive features.
Progressive’s policies go the extra mile with roadside assistance, offering up to $500 in trip interruption coverage for necessities like hotel stays or food if you’re stranded more than 100 miles from home. Pet owners will also appreciate that Progressive’s collision coverage includes up to $1,000 for veterinary bills if a pet is injured in a car accident. However, it’s not all roses—while Progressive’s complaint level is lower than the industry average, its collision repair score from the Crash Network is only a C, albeit still the best among Iowa’s top-rated insurers.
Farmers, Geico, and State Farm also rank highly in Iowa. Farmers shines for drivers with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, offering the cheapest rates for these groups and a whopping 27 discounts. Farmers’ customized equipment coverage and policy for replacing damaged vehicle equipment with original manufacturer parts (for cars under 10 years old) are notable perks. Despite these advantages, Farmers’ collision repair score lags behind, earning a C- in the 2025 Crash Network study.
State Farm is another strong contender, especially for good drivers, seniors, and those with a less-than-perfect record. State Farm’s rideshare coverage and driver-training program for young drivers are unique offerings. Still, its collision repair score is the lowest among the top companies, and its complaint level, while below the industry average, is the highest among Iowa’s best-rated insurers.
Geico rounds out the list, offering mechanical breakdown insurance for new or leased vehicles with fewer than 15,000 miles and less than 15 months old. Geico’s rates are below average for a range of driver profiles, and its complaint levels have been improving. However, like its competitors, Geico’s collision repair score is only a C-.
So, what do Iowa drivers actually pay? The average full coverage auto insurance cost in Iowa is $147 per month. But that’s just the average—rates can vary widely depending on claims history, coverage limits, deductibles, discounts, driving record, ZIP code, vehicle make and model, and the ages of all drivers on the policy. Iowa’s minimum car insurance requirements are $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. The Buy Side article cautions that these minimums may not be enough in a serious accident, recommending higher liability limits to better protect assets.
Additional coverages are worth considering. Collision insurance pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash, while comprehensive insurance covers non-collision events like theft or flood damage. Rental reimbursement and uninsured motorist coverage provide extra peace of mind. The Buy Side team encourages drivers to compare quotes, ask for a discount review, drop unnecessary coverage, increase deductibles, and maintain a clean driving record to keep premiums in check. In Iowa, for example, a speeding ticket can bump up rates by an average of 19%, and a DUI can cause an 86% increase.
Both HelloNation and The Wall Street Journal Buy Side stress the importance of reviewing insurance policies carefully when life changes—like a move—happen. Whether you’re settling in Kentucky or Iowa, taking a proactive approach can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure you’re getting the best value and protection for your needs.
In the end, insurance isn’t just another box to check when moving. It’s a living, breathing contract that needs to reflect your new reality—wherever you land.