Can I change my homeowners insurance whenever I want?

Asked by: Prof. Florida Wisozk PhD  |  Last update: February 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (13 votes)

While you can switch homeowners insurance at any time, it may be more cost-effective to wait until the policy renewal date before changing companies. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate.

Can I switch homeowners insurance at any time?

Yes, you can switch home insurance companies after filing a claim with your current insurer. However, after you switch, your old insurer will still handle the claim, not your new one. Your claim will remain with your old insurance company until it's settled or denied.

Is there a penalty for switching home insurance?

If you already have coverage, you can change your insurance provider before your homeowners policy expires, but you could incur a penalty or fee. Alternatively, you can switch to new homeowners insurance once your policy expires.

Does it cost money to switch home insurance?

There could be a penalty for changing homeowners insurance mid-policy, also known as a cancellation fee, so check with your insurer beforehand. If you've already paid for your insurance for the year, you may receive a refund for anything you paid toward the remaining length of your policy.

Can you change your insurance policy at any time?

Remember – while you can usually cancel your health insurance anytime, you can't usually enroll anytime: only during annual open enrollment or a special enrollment period. Before canceling your health insurance plan, make sure you've thought through what you'll do if you need medical care – and how you'll pay for it.

How to switch home insurance

16 related questions found

Can I switch insurance companies whenever I want?

Yes. You can change car insurance anytime. But it's a good idea to check with your current insurer to see if they charge cancellation fees and to turn off auto-renew, if you have it.

Is it too late to change my insurance plan?

After the end of open enrollment in your state, you won't be able to make a plan change for the rest of the year unless you're eligible for a special enrollment period. In most cases, that means having a qualifying life event, although some SEPs aren't tied to specific qualifying life events.

Does switching insurance hurt your credit?

Generally speaking, switching car insurance companies won't affect your credit score.

Is there a penalty for switching insurance?

By giving proper notice, you'll generally be able to switch carriers in the middle of a coverage period. The carrier refunds the unused part of the premium, although some companies may charge a small fee or penalty.

Do I get a refund if I change homeowners insurance?

If you switched insurance companies before the renewal period, you'll get a refund from your policy prorated to what is left to pay on your annual premium. Contact your mortgage company to ask how to send this money back to your escrow account.

Is it better to pay homeowners insurance through escrow?

Escrow accounts make life a lot easier for homeowners who want to add predictability to their monthly expenses. Even if your home insurance premium or property taxes fluctuate during the year, your escrow account will pay those bills on time—so you can rest easy.

Can homeowners insurance drop you during a claim?

While it's rare for an insurance company to cancel your policy due to filing a property damage claim, it's essential to understand your rights and what you can do if you receive a notice of cancellation or non-renewal.

Does State Farm have a cancellation fee?

You will need to provide certain information, including your name, date of birth, and your insurance policy number to cancel your coverage. Luckily, State Farm doesn't charge a cancellation fee and lets you cancel your policy any time. You can also receive a prorated refund if you have prepaid your insurance premiums.

Is it a good idea to change homeowners insurance?

How often should you change homeowners insurance companies? It's recommended to review and reassess your homeowners insurance policy every one to two years, especially if there's been an increase in your premium or any changes in your policy or personal circumstances that could affect your rates.

Do both homeowners need to be on insurance policy?

Do Both Spouses Need to Be on the Homeowners Insurance? Whichever spouse owns the home that you live in needs to be on the insurance policy. You won't be able to get a policy unless it's in the property owner's name. If both spouses own the property jointly, they should both be named insureds on the policy.

Do I need to cancel old insurance when 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.

How to switch homeowners insurance?

6 steps to change homeowners insurance
  1. Review your existing policy. The first thing to do is check your existing policy. ...
  2. Shop around. ...
  3. Choose a policy. ...
  4. Bind coverage. ...
  5. Cancel your old policy. ...
  6. Notify your mortgage servicer (if you have a mortgage)

How hard is it to switch insurance?

You can switch car insurance companies at any time, even if you just renewed a policy with your current insurer. While most insurers don't penalize customers for switching, some may charge you a cancellation fee. Shop around for auto insurance at least once a year to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.

Can I change insurance companies anytime?

When Is the Best Time to Switch? You can switch car insurance providers at any time, but usually, the best time to do so is when your current policy is up for renewal. This way, you'll avoid any cancellation fees or coverage gaps.

Do home insurance companies share information with each other?

Do home insurance companies share claims history? Yes, insurance companies share any information related to insurance claims on your CLUE report. Insurers use this information to assess the risk when someone applies for an insurance policy.

Is Progressive or Geico better?

According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, both companies scored below average for customer satisfaction. That said, Geico did score higher than Progressive, with 692 out of 1,000 compared to 672. Keep in mind that these are scores based on customer feedback.

How quickly can you change insurance?

Computer systems need a little time to update, so it's a good idea to arrange the switchover at least the day before you collect the new car. That said, cover can be changed immediately if you buy a new car on the spur of the moment.

How do I change my insurance in the middle of the year?

Report a change to get a Special Enrollment Period

You may also qualify to switch plans. First, report the change by updating your application. Then, review your Eligibility Results. If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can shop for plans and enroll in one that meets your needs.

How long do I have to cancel a new insurance policy?

Cancelling during the cooling-off period

You may want to cancel an insurance policy if you have just bought it and have changed your mind. By law, you have a minimum 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel the policy for any reason.