In 2026, the rise of “split-living”—spending six months in a northern state and six months in the south—has created an underwriting nightmare. If you keep a car at a second home, simply “hoping” your primary policy covers it is a recipe for a denied claim.
The 183-Day Rule Most states in 2026 use a 183-day threshold for residency. If your vehicle stays at your secondary residence for more than half the year, it must be registered and insured in that state.
- The “Garaging Address” Conflict: If you insure a car in a low-rate state (like Ohio) but it actually sits in a high-rate city (like Miami), this is considered Rate Evasion Fraud.
- Multi-State Policies: Some 2026 carriers now offer “Dual-Residency” riders. These allow you to maintain one policy with two garaging addresses, adjusting your premium based on the GPS location of the car during each season.
Pro-Tip for 2026: Always check the “Permissive Use” clause. If family members use the car while visiting your second home, they may not be covered unless they are explicitly listed as occasional drivers on the policy.
