Car Insurance Renewal: What You Need to Know

How to Renew Car Insurance

Auto insurance policies typically last six or 12 months. The length of your term and the details of your coverage will be outlined in your policy. As you approach the end of your term, you can expect your insurer to reach out regarding your upcoming renewal. This is when they'll communicate any changes that may be coming to your premium payment or level of coverage.

If everything seems good and you want to renew, chances are you won't have to do anything. The policy should renew automatically when you make your next payment. This will be especially easy if you're already enrolled in autopay.

But if you're unsure of when your policy renews, or you have any questions about your car insurance renewal or policy, you'll want to contact your insurer sooner rather than later. Failing to renew your policy could lead to a gap in your coverage, which can cause all sorts of problems (more on this shortly).

How to Cancel a Car Insurance Renewal

You aren't obligated to renew your car insurance policy. If you aren't happy with the proposed premium amount, you can contact your insurer and try to negotiate a better rate. You might even be eligible for some common car insurance discounts. Alternatively, you could switch to another insurance carrier. Just be sure that you have another policy ready to go before canceling so that your coverage doesn't lapse.

To cancel, reach out to your current insurer to let them know that you won't be renewing your policy. They may require a written cancellation notice, but some allow customers to cancel over the phone or online. If you're enrolled in automatic payments, verify that you won't be charged for the renewal payment.

Can I Renew an Expired Car Insurance Policy?

It's not good to let your car insurance policy lapse, but if it happens, it may still be possible to renew it. Most insurers provide a grace period of 10 to 20 days after your payment is due, though every insurance carrier is different. This can allow you to maintain continuous coverage. But if the grace period passes and you haven't renewed your policy, your coverage could lapse.

If this happens, your next best option is to purchase an entirely new policy. You can shop around online to compare coverage and premiums from different carriers. Just know that having a previous insurance lapse may lead to higher rates because insurers might see you as a risky policyholder.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Bottom Line

In most cases, your car insurance renewal will happen automatically and you won't have to do anything. Just be sure that you're happy with your premium amount and coverage level before that happens. If you aren't satisfied, you can try to negotiate a better rate with your insurance company or look for a new carrier. The most important part is maintaining coverage every step of the way.

In some states, insurance companies might consider your credit-based insurance score when setting your rate. This is different from other credit scores, but it could influence your premiums. That means a strong credit score could indirectly save you money on car insurance. You can get your credit score and credit report for free from Experian.