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 When You Establish Residency

When you establish residency in North Carolina, update your auto insurance and registration.

Shall insure the person named therein and any other person, as insured, using any such motor vehicle or motor vehicles with the express or implied permission of such named insured, or any other persons in lawful possession, against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of such motor vehicle or motor vehicles within the United States of America or the Dominion of Canada subject to limits exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each such motor vehicle, as follows: fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person, one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident;

G.S. 20-279.21(b)(2)

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

Consider renters insurance. It covers your personal property, liability, and temporary living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable.

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. Military-focused carriers vs. Local Agent

Many military families default to a military-focused carrier, which can offer solid coverage. However, a local independent agent can compare 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.