How to Switch Car Insurance Companies (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to cancel insurance before switching? ›

Your new insurance company can provide proof of insurance to your old company if necessary, but they generally aren't authorized to cancel a policy with another insurer on your behalf. After you purchase a new policy, you should immediately contact your former insurer and cancel your old policy.

Switching insurance companies

If you switch car insurance companies and find better rates with a different insurer, you may want to cancel your existing policy before it expires. In this case, if you switch insurance companies you can get a refund. Depending on your insurer, you may have to pay a cancellation fee.

Car insurance cancellation fees

If you cancel at renewal: You shouldn't have to pay any fees. This is called 'lapsing' the policy. If you cancel within 14 days of starting a policy: You may have to pay an admin fee.

There aren't any significant downsides to getting car insurance quotes regularly and frequently changing insurers. The one situation in which it's bad to switch car insurance is when you don't have a new policy in place before canceling your old contract.

If you want to cancel your policy, GEICO makes it easy with no cancellation fee*.

While most insurers don't penalize customers for switching, some may charge you a cancellation fee. Shop around for auto insurance at least once a year to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.

If you've already paid your premium for the policy period in full, State Farm will refund the unused portion. State Farm does not impose a cancellation fee or penalty for early termination. Finally, it's important to remember that you don't need to cancel your policy just because you're going through some life changes.

Is there a fee for cancelling Progressive? This varies by state and when you purchased the policy. In some states, Progressive will charge a $50 cancelation fee if you cancel within your first term; meaning your policy has not yet renewed. Once the policy has renewed there will no longer be a cancellation fee.

Some insurance companies permit you to cancel right over the phone or online. Other insurers may require written notification or a signed document. Generally, insurers will refund you the money for the unused portion of your policy, assuming you paid in advance.

Can you reverse a Cancelled car insurance policy? ›

Some insurance companies will allow you to reinstate your policy if it gets canceled, while others will not. If your existing provider will not reinstate your auto policy, you will have to apply for coverage through another insurer or have your current insurer issue a new policy, if possible.

If I cancel my auto insurance, will I get a refund? If you paid your premium in advance and cancel your policy before the end of the term, the insurance company might refund the remaining balance. Most auto insurers will prorate your refund based on the number of days your current policy was in effect.

Cancellation fees: Some car insurance companies charge cancellation fees, usually $50. In other cases, they could charge you a small percentage of your final premium that you were going to pay in the future. The majority of the time, you will not have to pay a cancellation fee.

You should get a refund of any premiums you have already paid. However, your insurer may take off a small amount to cover days when the policy was in force. They may also charge you a small administration fee. Some insurers may give you a longer cooling-off period.

But you'll need to declare that your old policy has been cancelled to any new provider. This can make finding cover more difficult and is likely to increase your premiums.

It's best to let your insurance company know when you plan to relocate. Once you know your moving date and new address, notify your insurer immediately. If you need to move suddenly, that's OK — communicate that as soon as possible so you'll have the right coverage.

If a policyholder doesn't cancel insurance, premiums could still be collected. Sometimes it's possible to get a refund, but that's not always the case. The refund may be based on the date of cancellation, but there could be limitations.

This 14-day term is sometimes called a 'cooling-off period', and effectively it gives you a two-week window after buying your car insurance to change your mind and decide whether you want it or not.

Key Takeaways:

Drivers can cancel their insurance policies at any time but should plan for potential penalties or insurance gaps. Many companies provide a prorated refund for policyholders who cancel before the end of their policy term.