How To Cancel Car Insurance (2024)

Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to cancel your policy by calling your insurer or agent. Some insurers may require you to sign a cancellation form. Because drivers must carry a minimum amount of auto liability coverage in nearly every state, ensure you’re covered with another company before you cancel your existing policy.

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Can you cancel car insurance at any time?

Policyholders can cancel their auto insurance policy at any time, for any reason. And you never have to wait until the end of your policy period to cancel your policy. Even if your policy only started a few days ago, you may cancel it. Contact your insurer or agent to find the best way to cancel your policy. 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. However, depending on your state, and when you cancel, your insurer may charge a cancellation fee. Learn about how to get a refund on car insurance.

Since nearly all states require drivers to have liability coverage, you must have an auto policy in effect with another insurer when canceling with your current insurer. Additionally, if you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender or lease company will typically require comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. Make sure your new policy covers your vehicle for physical damage. You can avoid a lapse in coverage by making sure your cancellation date aligns with the start date for your new policy.

Reasons to cancel your auto insurance

Here are a few valid reasons for cancelling your auto insurance policy:

Keep in mind, if you’re moving to another state, you won’t have to change insurers unless your insurance company doesn’t offer coverage in that state. There’s no need to cancel your car insurance after selling a car if you’re driving a different vehicle. Just let your insurer know about the change in vehicles so they can update your policy.

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How To Cancel Car Insurance (2024)

FAQs

What do you say when Cancelling insurance? ›

Sample Insurance Cancellation Letter

I'm writing to seek termination of my insurance policy, which will take effect on [enter cancellation date]. I'd appreciate it if you could provide me formal confirmation of the cancellation within the next 30 days.

What is the easiest way to cancel car insurance? ›

Contact your insurer or agent to find the best way to cancel your policy. Some insurance companies permit you to cancel right over the phone or online. Other insurers may require written notification or a signed document.

What is a good reason to cancel insurance? ›

If you decide to cancel coverage, make sure to take the proper steps to ensure that you don't have a gap in coverage. Reasons you may decide to cancel car insurance include finding cheaper rates with another insurer, moving to a new state or even having an unpleasant experience with your current insurance company.

How do you write a cancellation policy for insurance? ›

The reason for cancellation is {reason you want to cancel your policy}. The effective date of policy cancellation is {cancellation date}. Please stop automatic payments and refund the unused portion of my premium directly to me the address stated above. I also request written confirmation of the cancellation.

Do you need a reason to cancel insurance? ›

Policyholders may cancel their car insurance policies at any time and for any reason, from selling their car to needing more affordable coverage. However, depending on your provider and transportation needs, you may need to prepare for penalties or get a new policy to avoid an insurance lapse.

How do you write a formal cancellation letter? ›

How to write a cancellation letter for an event
  1. Choose a letter format. The first step is to choose a letter format. ...
  2. Make the cancellation clear. ...
  3. Share why the event was cancelled. ...
  4. Apologise for the cancellation. ...
  5. Include information about event refunds. ...
  6. Share words of appreciation.
Sep 5, 2022

Is there a penalty for canceling car insurance? ›

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.

What is an example of a short rate cancellation? ›

For example, if you paid $1000 for a 12-month policy and cancel after three months, you will get back $750 or nine months' worth of premiums. On the other hand, if you cancel this policy after three months, and the company uses a short rate, you would not receive the full $750 of the remaining premium.

Is it OK to cancel car insurance? ›

Cancelling car insurance: Step by step. Cancelling your car insurance is usually a quick task. It's perfectly legal to cancel your insurance too - it's a private contract between you and your insurer.

How to write a letter canceling insurance? ›

Your letter should include:
  1. Date of notice.
  2. Insurance company name and address.
  3. Appropriate department name and contact person.
  4. Insured's name (found in the declarations page of the policy)
  5. Insured's mailing address.
  6. Insured's phone number.
  7. Policy number.
  8. Coverage period (on declarations page)
Jul 19, 2022

Is it bad to cancel insurance early? ›

If you cancel your insurance policy before your policy expiry / renewal date, your insurance company will typically charge a percentage of your total insurance premium for the year that is higher than the per day amount would be. This is called a short rate cancellation penalty.

What is the correct way to write cancellation? ›

The word cancellation is solidly spelled with two l's, no matter where you are.

Do I need to cancel my car 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.

What happens if you cancel car insurance early? ›

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.

Does State Farm charge a cancellation fee? ›

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.

Does Progressive charge a cancellation fee? ›

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.

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