How Do I Cancel My Car Insurance?
No matter if you no longer own or are changing providers, it is crucial that your policy be cancelled properly in order to avoid gaps in coverage that could increase future premiums and negatively affect your credit. Failing to do this could cause premium increases and negatively affect credit ratings in the future.
Reducing insurance policy costs shouldn’t be difficult. Below are four methods you can use to cancel your policy: 1. By phone or online.
Cancel by phone
Although many insurers now allow policyholders to cancel auto insurance via email or phone, drivers should still consider writing out cancellation requests as this ensures your request will be received and documented; doing so can protect them from having lapses in coverage due to nonpayment and also keep credit reports clean.
To cancel car insurance quickly and efficiently, call your provider’s agent or company and speak directly with one of their agents about cancelling it – this can either be done over the phone or using their mobile app.
Your agent may also help reduce premiums or switch providers with new contracts. When considering switching providers, be sure to compare quotes to ensure you can afford and meet all of their needs before purchasing anything. Likewise, consider their financial health as well as customer service ratings before buying policies from any given company.
Cancel by mail or fax
Your insurance provider and the laws in your region may require different steps when canceling a policy, so before cancelling an old one it is wise to first ensure your new coverage has come in and that any lapses don’t cause premium increases or prevent you from finding insurance altogether.
Call your insurer’s customer service number, found on your insurance card or website or app. Ask what steps need to be taken in order to cancel and get any refunds due. Although cancellation can occur at any time, most insurers offer an estimated one to 30 day grace period in which remaining balances on premiums can be paid off before cancellation becomes official; failing this, any unpaid bills could go directly into collections and negatively affect your credit.
Cancel by stopping by your agent’s office
Most insurers make canceling car insurance an easy process, though for your own protection it’s advisable to have another policy in place before canceling your old one – this way you’ll avoid any gaps in coverage that may lead to higher premiums on a replacement policy. It is also crucial that you receive written confirmation that your policy has been cancelled.
Cancelling service can usually be started online or over the phone. In order to complete it, however, it’s often best if you visit the agent’s office in person to sign documents as this ensures an official record of your cancellation.
If you don’t own a vehicle but frequently drive other people’s, non-owner car insurance could be cost effective solution. While it might cost less than full coverage car insurance policies, keep in mind that leasing or financing a vehicle will likely require auto coverage to stay legal and insurable.
Cancel by switching carriers
When switching insurance providers, it’s wise to allow overlap between your old and new policies so you won’t experience a gap in coverage. Also ask your agent or provider for help cancelling with the previous insurer; they may require proof that a new policy has been purchased to verify cancellation. If payments go unmade or cancellation fails altogether, their previous carrier can reinstate it after a grace period at an increased premium rate.
Canceling car insurance may seem straightforward, but it’s essential that it be done correctly or you could risk incurring costly consequences. You can contact your agent’s office via telephone, fax, mail or in person in order to cancel your policy and they should be able to offer you a prorated refund of any pre-paid premiums less a cancellation fee and help transition you over to your new policy provider.