Do I have to turn in my license plate when I cancel insurance?
Asked by: Dr. Ward Gulgowski | Last update: January 24, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (67 votes)
Do I need to surrender plates before canceling insurance?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that plate cancellation procedures vary by state, but generally require: Return plates to your local DMV. Complete a plate cancellation form. Provide proof of insurance cancellation.
What happens if I just cancel my car insurance?
Some insurance companies permit you to cancel right over the phone or online. Other insurers may require written notification or a signed document. Generally, insurers will refund you the money for the unused portion of your policy, assuming you paid in advance.
What happens to my license if I cancel my insurance?
Remember that most states require you to have at least the minimum coverage for your vehicle even if you're not driving it. When you cancel your car insurance too soon, you can be subject to fines and even have your license suspended.
What happens if I don't turn my plate in?
If you cancel your insurance and your vehicle is never driven again but don't turn in your license plates, there will likely be no consequences. But be forewarned: Many states impose fines and penalties on drivers who don't maintain the required insurance on registered vehicles.
How to cancel your New York Auto Insurance when moving out of state?
What states require you to return license plates?
You are required to surrender your plates when you sell your car in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, ...
How long do you have to turn in plates after cancelling insurance in NY?
If you do not have liability insurance, you must surrender your vehicle plates to the DMV immediately.
How long can you drive after Cancelling insurance?
It's illegal to drive without insurance in nearly every state, so once your insurance is canceled, you won't be able to drive until you get a new policy.
When should I cancel my insurance on the car I'm selling?
Yes, you can cancel your car insurance after selling your car once you've signed over the title to the new owner, completed the bill of sale, and submitted a Notice of Release of Liability to your state's department of motor vehicles, if your state requires one.
Do I have to turn in my license plate when I cancel insurance in SC?
Per the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, “If you have a South Carolina license plate on the vehicle then you must maintain insurance on the vehicle or you must turn the license plate into your local SC DMV office before removing insurance from the vehicle or you can be suspended and penalized for no ...
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.
What happens if I just stop paying my car insurance?
If you stop paying your premiums but do not cancel your policy, your carrier will eventually cancel your policy for nonpayment. However, there may be charges for insurance coverage up until that point, along with possible late fees.
How long does it take to cancel car insurance?
When you take out a car insurance policy, you're entitled by law to a 'cooling-off' period. That means you have at least 14 days from when you receive the paperwork to change your mind about your insurance, cancel your policy and get a refund.
Do I have to turn in my license plate when I cancel insurance in Florida?
Failure to surrender a valid license plate when your insurance is cancelled or expires will result in suspension of your driver license. When you dispose of a plate by turning it into a tax collector's office you will receive a receipt showing that the plate was surrendered.
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name?
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name? Insuring and registering your car under different names is allowed in most states. However, in those states that allow it, insurers still might not underwrite a policy to a name different than that of the registered vehicle owner.
Do I have to turn in my license plate when I cancel insurance in PA?
Send your registration plate and registration card into PennDOT immediately upon canceling insurance.
Can I cancel my car insurance if I am not using it?
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.
Will insurance refund if I sell my car?
If you've paid for car insurance coverage that you don't plan on using, there's some good news: You may be eligible for a refund. Moving or canceling your policy after selling your car may give you this option. You may also qualify for a refund if you've decided to switch insurance companies.
Is there a penalty for cancelling car insurance?
You may be charged for cancelling before the end of your term. In certain states, your carrier may charge you a cancellation penalty if you elect to cancel your policy mid-term.
Can you pause car insurance if not driving?
You may be able to pause your auto insurance if you're not going to drive your car for a certain period of time. However, you may be unable to temporarily give up all of your coverage, depending on your state's laws, your insurer's rules and your auto lender's requirements.
Does it hurt to cancel car insurance?
Higher rates: Car insurance companies typically charge higher premiums if you're found to have a lapse in coverage. The penalty is relatively small for a short lapse, but it grows the longer you're without insurance.
Can I remove my son from my car insurance when he goes to college Progressive?
You can remove a listed driver from your car insurance policy if they no longer live with you and no longer drive your vehicle. If you have a child away at college or who moves out temporarily, it's a good idea to keep them on your policy. Doing so ensures that they can drive your vehicle during breaks.
Can I cancel insurance without returning plates?
Keeping your license plates while dropping your car insurance might seem like a harmless move, but it can lead to severe repercussions. In many places, retaining your plates without insurance can result in the suspension of your vehicle's registration or even your driver's license. Here's why this matters: 1.
What happens after your car insurance is Cancelled?
Driving without insurance could mean losing your license, having your car repossessed or facing legal liability for an accident. If your car insurance is canceled, take action right away by contacting your insurer to find out why, see if they will reinstate your policy and look for new insurance if necessary.
Do I have to turn in my license plate when I cancel insurance in Louisiana?
What are the penalties for not turning in a license plate in Louisiana? In Louisiana, failure to surrender your license plates after selling your vehicle, cancelling your insurance, or moving to a different state can result in penalties. This may include fines or other legal consequences.