PCSing to Panama City?
Your Insurance Checklist.
Orders to Tyndall AFB or Naval Support Activity Panama City? Florida insurance works a little differently. Here is what to handle before, during and after your move.
The Short Version
- Get renters or homeowners coverage in place before move-in day, and ask how your belongings are covered in transit.
- Active duty can usually keep home-state plates, but tell your auto carrier your car is now garaged in Bay County.
- Florida plates require at least $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. Add uninsured motorist coverage.
- Homeowners and renters policies never cover flood. Check the flood zone before you sign.
- SGLI covers up to $500,000 while you serve. Consider private term life for a spouse or after separation.
Welcome to Bay County! Between Tyndall’s growing F-35 mission and the Navy, Coast Guard and civilian community at NSA Panama City, we meet new military families every week at our Panama City office. Here is the checklist we walk them through.
Before you arrive
Line up renters or homeowners insurance
Most landlords in Callaway, Lynn Haven and Panama City Beach require renters insurance before you get the keys. It covers your belongings, your liability if a guest is hurt, and your living costs if a storm makes the rental unlivable. If you are buying, your VA lender will require homeowners insurance at closing, plus flood insurance if the home is in a high-risk flood zone.
Look up the flood zone
Bay County is surrounded by water: St. Andrew Bay, East Bay, Grand Lagoon and the Gulf. Renters and homeowners policies never cover flood. Check the address before you sign, and if it is near the water, ask about flood coverage. It is often inexpensive outside the high-risk zones.
When you get here
Update your auto insurance
Active duty service members can generally keep their home-state registration while stationed in Florida. If you decide to register in Florida, you may qualify for a fee exemption. Either way, your insurance company needs to know your vehicle is now garaged in Bay County, since rates and coverage rules follow where the car lives.
Florida-registered vehicles must carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability. Florida has one of the higher rates of uninsured drivers in the country, so we strongly recommend bodily injury liability and uninsured motorist coverage too.
Bundle where it makes sense
Renters or home plus auto is usually cheaper together. If you have a motorcycle, boat or golf cart for weekends in Mexico Beach, we can add those as well.
While you are stationed here
Plan for deployments and TDYs
If a vehicle will sit for months, ask about reducing coverage while it is stored. Make sure your spouse is listed on policies and can make changes while you are away.
Look at life insurance
SGLI provides up to $500,000 while you serve. It does not cover your spouse’s income, and it ends after you separate unless you convert it. Many families add a private term policy. Our life insurance agents, including Eve and Alexis, can compare options in one conversation.
When orders take you somewhere else
Planning to keep your Bay County home and rent it out? Your homeowners policy usually needs to switch to a landlord or dwelling policy before your tenant moves in. Call us a few weeks before your move so there is no gap.
Learn more on our Tyndall AFB insurance and NSA Panama City insurance pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my out-of-state license plates at Tyndall or NSA Panama City?
Active duty service members can generally keep their home-state registration while stationed in Florida. Tell your insurance company your vehicle is now garaged in Bay County.
What auto insurance is required in Florida?
Florida-registered vehicles need at least $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. We recommend adding bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage.
Is renters insurance required?
Florida law does not require it, but many landlords do, and it is inexpensive protection for your belongings and liability.
What happens to my insurance if I rent out my house when I PCS?
You will usually need to switch from a homeowners policy to a landlord or dwelling policy before the tenant moves in.
Welcome to Bay County.
Eve and Alexis help military families get covered fast, from renters and auto to home, flood and life insurance.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Coverage is subject to policy terms, underwriting and availability. Rules and programs can change, so confirm details with your agent.
