Can I pause my insurance for a month?

Asked by: Eduardo Haag  |  Last update: May 13, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)

You can't typically pause your entire policy — just liability and collision coverages if you won't drive your vehicle. And depending on state law, you may need to file an affidavit of non-use with your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) if you put your auto insurance on hold.

Can I freeze my insurance policy?

If you're planning to take your car off the road for some time and you don't have a lease or loan on it, your insurer might let you suspend some car insurance coverages to save money. With Progressive, you can either reduce your coverages or cancel your policy for the time you won't be driving.

Can I temporarily suspend my health insurance?

They can apply to suspend their coverage at any time.

Do you have 30 days to cancel insurance?

This differs from state to state, but insurance companies usually give around a 30-days notice prior to canceling a policy. In some cases, it can be more than this — ranging up to 90 days.

Does suspension affect insurance?

A suspension can significantly increase your rates, even after reinstatement. Insurance companies view drivers with suspensions as higher risk, leading to potentially steeper premiums.

Can I cancel my insurance at anytime?

42 related questions found

What happens when you suspend your car insurance?

Suspending car insurance involves removing minimum coverage, such as liability, or additional coverage, such as collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist. You might want to suspend your car insurance to lower costs, rather than canceling your policy and potentially paying higher premiums after a lapse in coverage.

Is a suspension bad for your record?

School suspensions can have lasting effects on a student's record, influencing their future educational and career opportunities.

How long can you go without car insurance?

It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.

What happens if I let my insurance lapse?

A lapse in coverage may cause insurance companies to see you as a high-risk driver, even if you have a good driving record. It can also potentially impact your future car insurance premiums. It's best to keep continuous coverage to get the best insurance rate and make sure that you're protected in a car accident.

What happens if I cancel my insurance within 14 days?

If you cancel and transfer your car insurance within the 14-day cooling-off period, you're entitled to a refund minus any days the policy was active for. But check the policy terms and conditions because you may have to pay an administration fee too.

Can I pause insurance payments?

You can't typically pause your entire policy — just liability and collision coverages if you won't drive your vehicle. And depending on state law, you may need to file an affidavit of non-use with your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) if you put your auto insurance on hold.

What happens if I don't pay health insurance?

If you miss a monthly premium payment

Your health insurance company could end your coverage if you fall behind on your monthly premiums. A short period after your monthly health insurance payment is due to pay all owed premiums to avoid losing coverage.

What does suspend mean in insurance?

Policy suspension, or putting your car policy on hold, allows you to reduce your policy cover for a period of time while your car is not in use, for example if you leave the country on a long stay holiday. The cover provided is reduced to “Laid Up, Fire & Theft” for the duration of the suspension period.

Can I freeze my insurance for a month?

Some insurers offer the option to suspend your liability coverage if you don't anticipate using your vehicle for a month or longer — but you would still retain comprehensive coverageComprehensive coverageCoverage for damage that can happen to your car when it's not being driven, like damage from extreme weather, fire, ...

Can an insurance policy be put on hold?

Most insurance companies will usually not let you put your insurance coverage on hold, but they may have other options available. If you don't plan on driving for at least 30 days, you may be able to find other ways to reduce your costs.

What happens if I can't pay my car insurance this month?

If you haven't made your payment by the end of the grace period, your policy could lapse, leaving you uninsured. Having a lapse in coverage can result in fees, penalties and other costly consequences that can haunt you for years.

Is it better to cancel car insurance or let it lapse?

Because gaps in coverage may negatively impact your future premium, foregoing auto insurance — even for an extended vacation — likely is not worth it. If you plan to be away for a month or longer and your vehicle will not be in use, there may be other ways to save on your premiums without canceling your policy.

What is the risk of insurance lapse?

Lapse risk is defined as the rate of surrenders, as well as paid-up and other discontinuances, being higher or lower than the insurer's best estimate assumptions, where such difference results in a diminution of own funds.

How much does a lapse in insurance cost?

High Insurance Rates

As a result, you may pay higher premiums for car insurance. According to Investopedia, having a coverage lapse under 30 days causes an 8% average increase in car insurance rates. For a lapse of more than 30 days, you may see an average increase of 35% on your premium rates.

How long can you go without paying insurance?

It depends. Many insurance companies offer grace periods seven to 30 days after the due date. During your grace period, your coverage remains active, and you can pay your bill without penalties. Be sure to review your policy or contact your insurance company for more information on their late payment policy.

What happens if I let my insurance cancel?

Once you lose your insurance policy due to nonpayment, insurance companies will regard you as a risk. Even if you allow your policy to lapse for a short period, you'll more than likely face increased premiums when you apply for a new policy. Some companies may even refuse to insure you.

How long does an insurance lapse stay on your record?

How Long Does a Lapse Stay on Your Record? An insurance lapse will stay on your record for between six months and three years, depending on your state. This means that you will pay a higher insurance premium on your car until the lapse is no longer on your driving record.

How serious is a suspension?

You may not think a lot about your car's suspension system, but if it fails, it can quite literally stop you in your tracks. Driving with a broken or worn out suspension system not only puts unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle's tires, but it can put you—and others on the road—at serious risk.

Is suspension a criminal record?

A suspended sentence typically results in a conviction on the individual's record, distinct from deferred sentences, which might not end in a guilty verdict.

How long do suspensions stay on driving record?

Traffic violations and points can stay on your driving record or license for three to ten years. In some states, some markups are permanent. You can resolve a suspended license by taking steps to reinstate it.