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Why did I get a letter from the DMV saying there is a lapse of insurance coverage after moving from New York to Texas?

I moved to Texas from New York about a month ago. The day before I moved, I called my insurance carrier and updated my address. Now I have a letter from the NY DMV with a fine! They are saying I have a lapse; how is that possible?

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Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Every state has its own guidelines about handling your insurance when you move, and New York has the strictest rules in the country.
Once your policy is updated to a new state, the NY DMV is notified electronically that you no longer have New York insurance. If they have not received your license plates, they assume you are driving without
car insurance
and assess a per-day fine.
With New York, it is best to work closely with your carrier and follow these steps:
  • Have your carrier update only your mailing address to your new state; you will want to keep the New York address listed as the garaging territory.
  • Print an ID card for your new state.
  • Go to the local DMV and get your new license plate and driver’s license.
  • Mail your New York plates to the NY DMV.
  • Once you receive the plate surrender receipt, contact your carrier to complete the rest of your address change.
In this case, get in touch with the NY DMV, get their overnight address, and send in your plates right away. “
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