Do I get a refund if I switch car insurance?

Asked by: Emie Stroman  |  Last update: October 10, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (25 votes)

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.

Do I get a refund if I change my car insurance?

After you purchase a new policy, you should immediately contact your former insurer and cancel your old policy. You'll receive a refund for car insurance for any unused portion of your policy, subject to any cancellation fee your insurer may charge.

What happens if I switch auto insurance?

The carrier refunds the unused part of the premium, although some companies may charge a small fee or penalty. Even if you've already decided to switch, you may want to calculate whether it makes more financial sense to wait until a policy term ends before making the change.

Is there a cancellation fee for switching insurance?

Cancel your old car insurance policy

If you're canceling your policy early, you might need to pay an early cancelation fee subject to your policy's terms and conditions. Additionally, your policy could be set for automatic renewal, which is important to note if you're making the switch around renewal time.

Which insurance policy is refundable?

In India, insurance refunds are applicable across various types of insurance policies, such as health, motor, life, and home insurance. To understand the concept of an insurance refund conversationally, imagine you've purchased a gym membership for a year, but after a few months, you decide to cancel it.

Is switching car insurance bad?

26 related questions found

Can you get a refund for unused insurance?

You have 21 days from when your policy begins or is renewed to change your mind. If you cancel within this period and haven't made a claim, you can get a full refund.

Will I get my money back if I cancel my insurance policy?

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.

Should I 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.

Does GEICO refund if you cancel?

Yes. You can cancel your GEICO policy anytime and potentially receive a refund on the remaining balance of your premiums.

Does it cost money to switch insurance from one car to another?

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.

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.

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.

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.

What happens when you switch car insurance?

Check for potential penalties

If you switch at the end of your policy term, there is unlikely to be a penalty, but some carriers may include one if you decide to switch in the middle of your coverage period.

Is there a penalty for cancelling car insurance?

At the same time, you might also be subject to a cancellation fee. Many companies don't charge such penalties, but with those that do, you can expect to pay a flat fee of under $100 or around 10% to 15% of the remaining policy premium.

Why is my car insurance charging me after I cancelled?

And if a covered claim occurred, then the claim would have been paid. So, the insurance company has the right to collect premium for that time because it was earned by being in force. In other words, it's owed.

How much is the GEICO cancellation fee?

If you want to cancel your policy, GEICO makes it easy with no cancellation fee*.

Does it hurt to cancel car insurance?

Canceling your policy too soon means you may face legal repercussions, like hefty fines or having your license suspended. When you cancel, you'll have a lapse in coverage. This isn't a problem if you won't be driving.

What happens if I cancel my GEICO policy early?

Yes, you can cancel your GEICO car insurance at any time. However, it's important to note that if you cancel your policy before the end of the policy term, you may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Can you cancel car insurance after signing up?

Policyholders can cancel their auto insurance policy at any time, for any reason. And you never have to wait until the end of your policy period to cancel your policy. Even if your policy only started a few days ago, you may cancel it.

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

Yes! Most car insurance policies have 6 or 12-month terms. If at any time and for any reason you want to make a switch to another insurer mid-policy, you typically have the right to cancel your policy.

Can I change my car insurance coverage at any time with Geico?

You have the right to change your coverages and policy limits at any time, even if you are not near your renewal date. If you select lower policy limits or cancel nonmandatory coverages to save money, you have a right to a refund of your unused premium within 60 days.

How to get insurance money back?

Another method of getting the money-back on a term insurance plan is by cancelling it in its free-look period. You can know the details about the free-look period of a policy in the policy document.

Can I cancel car insurance if not driving?

Depending on your state's rules and insurer, you may be able to pause your car insurance if you won't be driving for an extended period. If putting a pause on your car insurance isn't possible, you can reduce your coverages or cancel your policy for the time you don't need it.

What happens if you take off full coverage on a financed car?

Lender Requirements: Many lenders mandate full coverage to protect their financial interest in the vehicle. If you fail to maintain the required coverage, the lender may impose force-placed insurance, which is often more expensive and offers minimal coverage.