Moving interstate: What to know when bringing your car to Queensland

An interstate move is an exciting time filled with new possibilities. It’s also filled with a lot of practical to-dos - including the responsibility of bringing your car with you. When you relocate, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle has the right papers and car insurance for Queensland.

In this article we’ll highlight some things you’ll want to be aware of before and after you make your move. Doing your own research to get specific answers to your questions is essential. However, we’ve compiled a short list of considerations that will help to start your planning.

Whether you’re coming from New South Wales or further afield, we discuss some issues to be aware of.

Before you make the move

Talk to your current provider about your move

One of the first things you’ll want to do is reach out to your current car insurance provider. Let them know about your move so you can make sure you are covered during the transition. They might need to adjust your policy to reflect your new circumstances. They can also point out any potential changes in coverage from moving to a new location including changes to your premiums.

Get familiar with the rules of the road in your new state

The rules on driving and operating a vehicle will mostly be similar between states. However, there are some small differences when you go across the border that you might not be aware of. For example, in New South Wales and Victoria you may not have a problem with an open container of alcohol held by a passenger. Whereas, in Queensland it is expressly illegal to have an open container anywhere in the car. It’s worth reviewing the driving handbook from Queensland transport to discover these important differences. You’ll be able to keep yourself safe by knowing the rules here and avoiding hefty fines.

Research Queensland insurers

You may want to keep your existing insurance, but it’s worthwhile to look at other insurers. A company that understands the conditions in Queensland may provide you more reassurance. You may also find there are benefits to choosing a locally-based insurer. For example, more than 1.7 million Queenslanders depend on RACQ for their insurance and roadside assistance needs. RACQ Car Insurance includes membership, giving you access to member benefits like discounted theme park tickets and savings on everyday purchases.

When you get to Queensland

Register your car

When you get to Queensland, one of the first things you’ll want to do is register your vehicle. During this registration process you will also be required to choose which CTP insurer to use. This is the minimum requirement of insurance for Queensland and you can select from the list of providers on the form. You have 14 days to get this done at a Department of Transport office, otherwise you may be subject to fines.

Transition your policy

After you have registered your car in Queensland, you can then notify your current car insurance provider about transitioning your policy to your latest address, or you may wish to take out a new car insurance policy with a new insurer and cancel your old one.

Apply for a new driver licence

According to Queensland Transport, drivers who have just relocated to the state are to obtain their Queensland driver licence within three months. It might be nice to know you have a little more time to get this done but doing so as soon as possible may make life easier. Your licence not only allows you to get behind the wheel, it’s often used as an important piece of identification.

Remember to plan ahead for a smoother transition

Relocating to Queensland from another state is an exciting journey, and with the right information and preparation your transition can be a seamless process. When it comes to your car and car insurance, make sure you have the right local knowledge to ensure a hassle-free move.