I’m currently living in Chicago but my legal address and car registration are in Michigan. I’m staying with friends in Chicago until summer while working here. My car is registered at my parents’ address in Michigan, and I have Michigan insurance. Do I need to switch to Illinois registration and insurance if I’m here most of the time? I don’t plan to change my legal ID address to Illinois.
If you’re not in school and are primarily living and working in Chicago, then yes, this could be an issue. Your car is mainly garaged in Illinois, so your insurance might not cover a claim if they find out you’re not in Michigan most of the time. It’s best to talk to your insurance company about your living situation. Also, Illinois may require you to register the car there if you’re staying long-term and working in the state. Check with the Illinois Secretary of State office to confirm.
@Hart
Can I register my car and get insurance in Illinois without officially becoming a resident?
Ezra said:
@Hart
Can I register my car and get insurance in Illinois without officially becoming a resident?
You’d need to check with the Illinois Secretary of State and your insurance company for specifics, but usually, registration and insurance align with where the car is primarily located. Michigan, for example, requires vehicles driven in the state for more than 90 days annually to have Michigan registration and insurance. Policies vary by state, so reach out to clarify.
@Hart
Thank you! I’ll contact my insurance company on Monday to figure this out.