I’m transitioning to a more nomadic lifestyle and will be using TrustedHousesitters while also renting short-term (3-6 months at a time) in the US (my job has me tied here for now–going international later). I’m trying to figure out the best way to handle auto and renters/liability insurance with frequent moves.
For auto insurance, do you update your garaging address every time you change locations, or do you keep it at a legal residence?
For renters/liability insurance, do you have a policy that covers your belongings no matter where you’re staying? And do you carry additional liability coverage in case something happens in a homeowner’s house (like accidental damage or pet injuries)?
Would love to hear how other US citizens/residents handle this! Thanks!
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My husband and I are fully nomadic and we have established residency in South Dakota–they have a program for full-time travelers that is very easy to set up. A few other states allow it too but they seemed like the easiest. For years we used the address of family in NJ but once we found out about this, it made so much more sense. There is no state income tax, car insurance is dirt cheap, and there really wasn’t any reason to maintain NJ residency.
We have a PO box there that serves as our official address that allows us to get a driver’s license and register and insure our car there. There are a few companies that offer the mailing service. We use the South Dakota Residency Service (choosesd.com) and we are very happy with them.
To maintain residency you must spend one night in the state every 5 years (this is how long a driver’s license lasts for) and provide proof of a hotel receipt of a stay when initially getting and renewing your driver’s license. The stay has to have been within one year, at least when it comes to the renewal.
We only did this in October 2023 so I haven’t been through any of the license renewal process but it seems pretty staightforward and can even be done by mail I believe.
Also, I know South Dakota and a few other states allow people to register their vehicles there even if they are not residents but I am not really sure how it works.
I can’t speak to the other issues as I don’t maintain the other types of insurance mentioned.
If you have any questions about this arrangement, happy to help
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Lots of people do it: RVers, boaters, and other general nomads. If you have a family member or a friend who is willing to handle your mail and be your legal address, that works for health insurance, car insurance, voting and tax filing as well. You could also be covered by their home owners insurance for your belongings.
Search the Web for RV residence sites that will give you more details.
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Thanks, I think this might be a solution. I have the added complication of owning a home that is a rental property in the state where I currently live, but I understand there should be nothing strange at all about being a resident of SD while owning a property elsewhere. Does SD also work if someone is a global nomad? I’m thinking yes, as long as you return to the US to visit one day every five years and renew your drivers license. How about the voting situation? Will SD send election ballots overseas? Ages ago I lived in Oregon and they sent my ballots overseas wthout issue. Thanks again.
Where you actually spend your time has no impact on the process or your eligibility, so whether you are traveling in the US or abroad, really doesn’t matter. My husband and I sit internationally a good deal of time as well. Also, another advantage is there is no vehicle inspection so no need to worry about having to be in the state to get that done either. From what I have read, you should be able to vote absentee if you are out of the country.
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Great, thank you very much! This is super useful!