PCS to Camp Lejeune Insurance Checklist for Military Families

Camp Lejeune is one of the largest Marine Corps installations in the world, located in Jacksonville, Onslow County, NC. Thousands of military families PCS to Camp Lejeune every year, and each move requires updating your insurance coverage to meet North Carolina requirements.

Whether you are buying a home off-base, renting in Jacksonville, or living in base housing, this checklist will make sure your family is fully protected from day one.

Your PCS Insurance Checklist

1. Auto Insurance — Update Within 30 Days

North Carolina requires you to update your auto insurance and registration within 30 days of establishing residency. As of July 1, 2025, NC minimum liability limits increased to 50/100/50 ($50K per person bodily injury, $100K per accident, $50K property damage). Make sure your policy meets these new minimums.

If you are coming from a state with lower minimums, your current policy may not be sufficient. Contact your insurer or get a new NC quote before your move.

2. Homeowners Insurance — Off-Base Purchases

If you are buying a home with a VA home loan, your lender will require homeowners insurance. Key considerations for Onslow County:

• Flood insurance — Many areas near Camp Lejeune, the New River, and base housing areas fall in FEMA flood zones. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. You may need a separate flood policy.
• Wind/hail coverage — Onslow County is in NC's coastal region, so wind and hail rates are higher. Compare carriers carefully.
• VA loan requirements — Your policy must meet VA minimum coverage standards, typically replacement cost coverage for the home.

3. Renters Insurance — On-Base and Off-Base

Renters insurance is not legally required in NC but is strongly recommended. It covers your personal property, liability, and temporary living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable. Most policies cost $15–$30 per month. If you live on base, renters insurance still protects your belongings — base housing agreements do not cover personal property losses.

4. Update Your Current Insurer

Before you move, contact your current insurance company to update your address. Your rates will change based on your new location. Some insurers may not write policies in NC, requiring you to find a new carrier.

5. USAA vs. Local Agent

Many military families default to USAA, which offers solid coverage. However, a local independent agent can often find better rates by comparing multiple carriers. In Jacksonville and Onslow County specifically, local agents understand the flood zones, wind pool territories, and carrier appetite that a national call center may not.

6. SCRA Protections

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides protections for active-duty service members, including insurance-related rights. If you face cancellation or rate issues during a PCS, SCRA may offer protections. Make sure your insurer is aware of your active-duty status.

7. Life Insurance Review

A PCS is a good time to review your SGLI coverage and any supplemental life insurance. Make sure beneficiaries are current and coverage amounts reflect your family's needs at your new duty station.