Can you reinstate a cancelled policy?

Asked by: Brennan Miller  |  Last update: October 30, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (22 votes)

If your car insurance was canceled because you didn't pay your premiums, you may be able to reinstate it. Many insurance companies offer a grace period after you've failed to make a payment. During the grace period, your car insurance can be reinstated once you pay the missed premiums and any fines, interest or fees.

Can you get back a cancelled insurance policy?

Yes, talk to your agent and provide proof of date of purchase and new insurance for the new place. They should be able to retro the policy and refund you at least some of the days. Depending how the policy itself reads, you may have a specific window of time to report.

Can you reinstate an insurance policy?

Typically, insurers allow parties to reinstate a lapsed policy within three to five years after the lapse. The process will be more labor-intensive than simply paying during the grace period, however.

Can you renew a canceled insurance policy?

To reinstate your coverage, you'll need to purchase another insurance policy. Failing to do so could lead to fines or even license suspension if you're pulled over. You may be able to reinstate your policy with your previous insurer, or you may need to shop around for coverage with another carrier.

How much does it cost to get car insurance reinstated?

You can reinstate your insurance, but it'll cost more depending on the length of the gap. If the gap is a month or less, you can pay about 9% more in premiums, or up to 48% more if the lapse is up to 60 days. If your lapse is over 60 days, you probably won't be able to reinstate your insurance.

Can you reinstate a cancelled insurance policy after Drive No Insurance charges?

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Can I reactivate my insurance?

How to reinstate a health insurance plan. In order to reinstate your health insurance plan, you must contact your health insurance provider. If your plan was terminated because of nonpayment, you may need to pay back the missed payments before your plan can resume.

How long do you have to reinstate a lapsed car insurance policy?

What is a car insurance lapse grace period? Your car insurance policy won't be cancelled immediately because you miss a payment. Auto insurance companies are required by state law to provide notice before cancelling your policy. Depending on the state, you'll usually have between 10 and 20 days.

What happens if I cancel my car insurance?

Generally, insurers will refund you the money for the unused portion of your policy, assuming you paid in advance. However, depending on your state, and when you cancel, your insurer may charge a cancellation fee.

What is the difference between reinstatement and renewal of insurance?

It's important to know the difference between policy reinstatement and renewal. Reinstatement is the restoration of a canceled policy, while renewal continues an active policy after its current term expires. When a policy is renewed, a new policy term begins, and coverage continues without interruption.

What is the difference between cancelled and terminated insurance?

Answer: Cancellation occurs during the active life of the policy (i.e., cancellation for non-payment of the premium). Termination occurs when a policy runs its course and is not renewed.

How do I reinstate a lapsed policy?

Here's what you need to do:
  1. Contact your insurer: Most insurers allow a grace period (usually 30 days) after the lapse during which you can reinstate the policy without additional formalities. ...
  2. Submit a reinstatement application: After the grace period, insurers typically require a formal request for reinstatement.

What are the two types of reinstatement?

There are two main types of Reinstatement, “Direct” and “Round the Clock”.

What is a limit reinstatement in insurance?

Aggregate Limits Reinstatement is an insurance policy clause that allows policy limits to be returned to their maximum amount during the policy's extended reporting period.

What happens when a policy is reinstated?

The life insurance reinstatement provision allows you to reactivate a lapsed policy. Reinstatement typically requires paying back premiums, accrued interest, and proof of insurability. Benefits of reinstatement include keeping your original rates and avoiding a new policy application.

Can I reinstate my health insurance after cancellation?

Generally, no. Unfortunately, federal regulations do not allow for us to reinstate your insurance coverage outside of the annual open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.

Can you cancel an insurance policy and get money back?

Receiving an insurance refund will largely depend on why you're canceling the policy and how much of the premium you paid in advance. If you pay your full premium upfront, then you'll typically get a refund when you cancel your policy.

Can I reinstate my insurance after cancellation?

If your car insurance was canceled because you didn't pay your premiums, you may be able to reinstate it. Many insurance companies offer a grace period after you've failed to make a payment. During the grace period, your car insurance can be reinstated once you pay the missed premiums and any fines, interest or fees.

What is the advantage of reinstating a policy?

A reinstatement clause in a life insurance policy allows the policyholder to restore a lapsed policy to its original terms within a specified period, typically up to five years. This clause helps policyholders maintain their original coverage without purchasing a new policy after a lapse.

Does it cost more to reinstate insurance?

There may also be a fee associated with reinstating your policy. In addition, your insurance company may raise your premiums on the newly issued policy. Your insurance company will backdate your coverage only when you have signed a document stating you've had no losses during the coverage lapse.

Does it affect your insurance if you cancel it?

If you cancel, it doesn't usually affect getting insurance in the future. But if your insurer cancels, it's because they think you did something to break the rules. Having a policy cancelled (or voided) by your insurer can make your insurance a lot more expensive further down the line.

What happens if insurance is cancelled on a financed car?

Whether you're leasing a vehicle or had to obtain financing to purchase a car, the lender probably requires some form of insurance as part of the agreement. If your policy is canceled, the lender has the legal right to repossess your car.

Is it illegal to cancel insurance?

While state insurance laws prevent insurers from canceling policies arbitrarily, they're allowed to under certain circumstances, like not paying your premium.

When can an insurer refuse to reinstate?

For example, the insured may have to identify significant, potentially harmful changes in health that occurred after the policy lapsed. If the insured developed a major health condition during that time, the insurance company might decline reinstatement.

Is it hard to get car insurance after being cancelled?

Luckily, many insurers still accept customers who have had a policy cancellation or non-renewal but be prepared to pay a higher rate. Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.

Can I restart a lapsed insurance policy?

Upon reinstating your policy, you will have to retroactively pay the premiums for the time your coverage was lapsed. This means that the longer you wait after your coverage lapses, the more premiums you will have to pay before you reinstate your previous policy.