Can I switch car insurance at any time?
Asked by: Prof. Esmeralda Dickinson MD | Last update: January 7, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (48 votes)
Do I need to cancel my car insurance before switching?
Car owners may switch providers if they're moving, buying a new car, or want to pay less for their policy. When switching car insurance, cancel your old policy on the day your new policy starts to avoid a coverage gap.
Can I switch to another car insurance?
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.
Are there penalties for switching car 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.
Does switching insurance hurt your credit?
Generally speaking, switching car insurance companies won't affect your credit score.
Can You Cancel Car Insurance At Any Time? - Car Performance Pros
How soon can I change my auto insurance?
The short answer is yes:
You can make changes to your coverage any time throughout the year. Simply call your insurance agent. Policy changes usual take effect immediately. Coverage on a new car added during the policy term starts when you take possession.
Is Progressive or GEICO better?
When it comes to the provider rankings from the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, both carriers scored below the industry average — but Geico takes the lead with a score of 692 compared to Progressive's score of 672.
Do I get a refund if I switch car insurance?
Switching insurance companies
If you switch car insurance companies and find better rates with a different insurer, you may want to cancel your existing policy before it expires. In this case, if you switch insurance companies you can get a refund. Depending on your insurer, you may have to pay a cancellation fee.
Can I change insurance companies anytime?
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.
Does it cost to transfer insurance to another car?
Transferring your auto insurance isn't necessarily fun, but it's just as important. And timing is critical. The transfer itself doesn't cost any extra money, but having a new loan or lease on the vehicle may require an increase in coverage, depending on what you already have.
When should I cancel my old car insurance?
When the sale of your vehicle is complete, you can contact your insurance company and cancel your policy. If you're buying a new vehicle, you can add it to your current policy instead of canceling it.
Is there a cancellation fee for Progressive?
Is there a fee for cancelling Progressive? This varies by state and when you purchased the policy. In some states, Progressive will charge a $50 cancelation fee if you cancel within your first term; meaning your policy has not yet renewed. Once the policy has renewed there will no longer be a cancellation fee.
Will my insurance go up if I switch cars?
Your agent will also compare your current coverage with the coverage you want on your new vehicle. In most cases, newer vehicles will cost a little more to insure than older ones. In addition, a different make and model might cost more to insure.
Is it difficult to switch car insurance?
Contrary to popular belief, switching car insurance providers can be easy and the process can be broken down into six helpful steps. This process can help ensure that you're not just swapping one policy for another but instead, that you are obtaining a car insurance policy that best suits your current needs.
What happens if you switch car insurance mid policy?
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 switch my car insurance to another company?
Switching car insurance is easy to do, but be sure your new policy's coverages, limits, and deductibles reflect what you're carrying with your existing insurer.
Can I change my car insurance whenever I want?
You have the flexibility to change car insurance at any time, even mid-policy. Timing the start of your new policy and end of the old one is important for avoiding a gap or overlap in coverage.
Are you penalized for switching insurance companies?
Insurance companies don't penalize you for switching your car insurance with an open claim. Stay in contact with your previous insurer until the claim is settled. Keep in mind some claims can have an impact on your rates.
How quickly can you change insurance?
By law, you have a minimum 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel the policy for any reason. If you've bought life insurance, the cooling-off period is 30 days. The cooling-off period starts from when the policy begins or when you receive your policy documents, whichever is later.
Can you cancel car insurance anytime and switch?
Whether you're switching car insurance providers or selling your car, you can cancel your current insurance policy at any time. It's a simple process that typically doesn't take much time. That said, you'll need to consider the timing and potential fees before you terminate your insurance.
Is there a penalty for cancelling car insurance?
Depending on the auto insurance company, canceling your policy before the end of its term may result in a cancellation fee. State laws can determine if a fee is allowable. If so, it is up to the insurer to set that fee, which is often taken out of the prorated refund.
How often should I shop for car insurance?
It's recommended that you shop around for car insurance quotes at least once a year. However, to make sure you're getting the absolute best rates, consider shopping for new quotes every six months — the length of a standard policy. An easy way to remember when to shop is to watch for the end of your current policy.
What is Geico's weakness?
Weaknesses of GEICO
The major drawbacks are as follows: Research and Development: GEICO has a good share of expenditure on the research and development department but it is spending way less than a few of the players within the industry which have benefitted as a result of their innovative products.
Why is Progressive Insurance so expensive?
If you buy directly from a Progressive company, your car insurance price reflects the cost of staffing and maintaining the sales centers, and a larger portion of our marketing costs.