Changing Your Auto Insurance Policy

Written By: Marty Allen on August 3, 2010 No Comment

Drivers may want to terminate their car insurance for various different reasons. Relocating or moving to a new state might be one reason. Getting rid of a car might be another. Sometimes it’s just a case of finding better coverage or lower premiums. Regardless of the reasons, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines and do it properly.

Under most conditions, the normal practice with insurance companies is to let you to cancel your policy by sending written notice stating your desired date cancellation. It’s important to realize that a policy doesn’t necessarily end automatically at the end term, so assuming you are canceling by simply not paying your next bill can be a big mistake.

You should also check your policy carefully, as it may not be entirely clear. Insurance companies will generally be very quick to tell you that your coverage stops at the end of the policy period if you don’t pay your premium, but they may not be so quick to let you know of the penalties you can incur for not providing formal notice of your policy termination.

You should also recognize canceling your policy, particularly if done improperly, can impact your chances of getting good auto coverage in the future. Canceling your policy through default may get you labeled as a high-risk applicant. The best way to avoid this trap is to make sure you are terminating your policy properly and in a timely manner.

If you’re planning to switch coverage to a different insurer, and you want to continue to drive your car throughout the process, you’ll have to make sure you don’t allow a lapse in your car insurance coverage. Be careful to coordinate your new policy’s start date on or before the termination date of your old policy.

Providing you are considerate about giving proper notice to your old insurance company when you want to cancel your auto policy, and go through the official termination process, you probably won’t have to worry about any potential negative repercussions.

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