Can I change my auto insurance coverage at any time?

What You Should Know

  • It is perfectly reasonable to make changes to your auto insurance at any time and change insurance companies to get a better deal
  • Not all insurance companies can sell auto insurance in all states. If you move to a state that your existing insurance company does not cover, you will have to replace the current policy
  • To avoid having a dangerous gap in coverage, always have the new insurance in place before you cancel the old policy

You can change auto insurance at any time, and it is a good idea to conduct an auto insurance review when near the policy renewal time. In this review, you will want to make adjustments for any life changes and also take the time to shop around for the best deal.

A free auto insurance comparison will make finding the best affordable auto insurance companies easy. Along with looking for the lowest insurance rates, compare your auto insurance details. The details include the deductible, the extent of the coverage, and the reputation of the insurance companies you consider.

Changing My Auto Insurance Coverage

Here are some common reasons for making changes to auto insurance:

  • Vehicle Changes: You may need to add or remove a vehicle from your auto insurance.
  • Driver Changes: You may need to add or remove a driver from your auto insurance.
  • Coverage Adjustments: You may need to increase or decrease the coverage if the vehicle’s value changes or if you add or remove equipment. You may want to add or remove various optional coverage.
  • Adjusting Usage: If you start using the vehicle more or less frequently, you may need to change the estimated mileage use.
  • Location: Moving to a new place and changing how your auto is parked requires policy changes.

If you want to make changes, the most straightforward ways are to go online and use your customer account or call your insurance agent.

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Canceling My Auto Insurance Coverage

Here are the common reasons for canceling auto insurance:

  • Selling a vehicle: If you sell the car, you no longer need to carry auto insurance.
  • Moving: If you are moving to a new state and changing your auto insurance, you must get a new insurance company for coverage if your current insurance company does not sell insurance in that state.
  • Name Change: Some insurance companies require you to cancel a policy, and then they issue a new one to accommodate a legal name change.

There may be a fee to cancel. Whether you must pay a cancelation fee depends on the insurance company and the time you had coverage.

Cancellation Fee

There is no cancelation fee if you decide not to renew a policy on its renewal date.

If the policy is new, some states have a law that requires insurance companies to allow consumers to cancel their policy within a certain amount of time after purchase. This is a “free look” period, usually three to 10 days. You can cancel your policy without paying any fees or penalties during this time.

Most insurance companies charge a cancellation fee if you have had the insurance for longer than the free-look period and cancel during the mid-policy period. The average cancellation fee is $25 to $50.

How much can I save when I change my auto insurance?

You will need to check the details of the existing insurance and then carefully compare the terms and conditions of the new insurance. Some insurance companies promote their savings in advertisements.

Geico, for example, has a long-running ad campaign that says, “15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance,” as noted in the Geico Auto Insurance Review.

Conclusions About Changing Auto Insurance Coverage at Any Time

It is good to consider whether you can change your auto insurance to get a better rate? However, experts say it is not the best strategy to change auto insurance every six months. If the change is optional, ensuring the benefits outweigh any disadvantages is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do insurance companies make the changes?

Many insurance companies allow their customers to make policy changes online. In such cases, the changes are instant. However, an auto insurance policy cancellation may take longer and require talking to an agent.

Will I have to pay a cancellation fee?

Every company has a different policy regarding cancellation. You may have to pay a cancellation fee, especially if the insurance is in the early stages of the policy life. If canceling to save money, be sure to allow for any cancelation fees.

Is it a good idea to cancel insurance to get a better rate?

Canceling insurance to get a better rate is a good idea only if the savings are substantial and the coverage is nearly identical. Also worth considering is the reputation of the insurance company in paying claims properly and the benefits that accrue from being a loyal customer.

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Rachel Bodine

Insurance Feature Writer

Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All…

Leslie Kasperowicz

Farmers CSR for 4 Years

Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insurance…

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