Can I switch homeowners insurance at any time?

Asked by: Dr. Tatyana Ferry I  |  Last update: November 30, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (51 votes)

Yes. You have the right to switch your homeowners insurance at any time. If you're in the market for a home, you'll want to start shopping for home insurance before you purchase a house. That's because most mortgage lenders require you to buy some type of homeowners coverage before closing.

Is it difficult to switch homeowners insurance?

Switching your homeowners insurance isn't as difficult as it may seem. First, you should buy your new policy before canceling your current insurance. Then, you can request for your prior policy to be cancelled on or after your new policy's effective date. This prevents any lapses in coverage.

Does switching insurance hurt your credit?

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

Do I get a refund if I cancel my home insurance?

If your old policy hasn't expired when you cancel, you may receive a refund check.

Can you switch home insurance mid-term?

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.

How Does Switching Your Homeowners Insurance Work?

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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.

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.

Is there a fee to cancel home insurance?

Most insurance companies will charge you around 2 to 7% of your premium (usually they'll take the higher percentage amount if you're at the start of your term). On an average home policy of $800 a year, the cost to cancel your policy would be around $16 to $56.

Does Progressive have a cancellation fee?

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.

Do home insurance companies share information with each other?

Do auto and homeowners insurance companies share my information about claims? Yes. There are specialty consumer reporting agencies that collect and report information about the insurance claims you have made on your property and casualty insurance policies, such as your homeowners and auto policies.

Do I need to cancel insurance before 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.

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.

What is a good credit score for insurance?

In general, a good credit score is 670 or above, with scores above 800 considered excellent. If your score is in this range, you're likely receiving lower insurance rates based on your credit. If your credit score is under 580, on the other hand, your credit could be significantly raising the cost of coverage.

Which homeowners insurance has the highest customer satisfaction?

Amica, AIG and Erie Insurance are the best homeowners insurance companies for claims satisfaction, according to J.D. Power's 2024 Property Claims Satisfaction Study.

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.

Does it cost to switch homeowners 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.

Does Progressive raise rates after 6 months?

Progressive rates does raise after six months in some cases. If you're a new Progressive customer, you'll see your auto insurance premium go up after your first six-month policy period if you file a claim or traffic violations get added to your driving record during that time.

How much does it cost to cancel an insurance policy?

You should get a refund of any premiums you have already paid. However, your insurer may take off a small amount to cover days when the policy was in force. They may also charge you a small administration fee. Some insurers may give you a longer cooling-off period.

Can you negotiate with Progressive?

You can negotiate with Progressive Insurance Company by sending the company a demand letter after an accident. The demand letter should provide information about the accident and all the damages caused by the incident. You can include evidence in the demand letter to support your claim.

How can I lower my homeowners insurance cost?

9 Tips for Lowering Your Homeowners Insurance
  1. Shop around for the best home insurance rates.
  2. Bundle your home and auto policies.
  3. Increase your home insurance deductible.
  4. Improve home security.
  5. Make home improvements.
  6. Review your coverage every year.
  7. Ask about savings.
  8. Consider actual cash value vs. replacement cost.

Can I switch insurance companies in the middle of a policy?

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.

Can I drop my homeowners insurance?

As long as the policy has been active for a minimum of 60 days, policyholders can drop their coverage at any time after this period. Is there a penalty for canceling homeowners insurance? Insurance companies do not charge fees or penalties if you simply choose to not renew the policy at the end of its term.

Can I change my insurance company anytime?

If you don't feel you're getting the best rate or the best service from your current insurer, you can switch anytime. Just be sure that your new policy begins on the same date (or before) your old policy ends to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Is it too late to switch insurance companies?

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.

Can you drop insurance anytime?

You can cancel your plan anytime if you purchased self-only or family coverage on the individual health insurance market.