How do I renew my expired policy?

Asked by: Christophe Schimmel Sr.  |  Last update: September 11, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (31 votes)

Renewing your car insurance is typically an easy process. Your insurer will contact you via mail or email with your updated rate. If you accept the updated rate, simply make an initial payment or pay your renewal quote in full.

What happens if my insurance is expired?

If your car insurance lapses, it means you don't have active coverage. If an insurance company sees that you had a period of time with no insurance, they might consider you a higher risk. Driving without insurance could also result in fines, tickets and a suspended license, depending on the rules in your state.

How do I reinstate my lapsed insurance policy?

During the grace period, you can reinstate your life insurance policy simply by paying the outstanding premium and any associated late fees. Grace periods typically last around 30 days, depending on your policy. Under certain circumstances, some insurers may extend it up to 60 or 90 days.

Will insurance automatically renew?

Most insurance companies offer an automatic renewal process, so all you have to do is continue to pay your premiums in order to maintain continuous coverage. If you've set up automatic payments, you won't even need to dip into your wallet except to pocket your updated car insurance ID cards.

Can I reinstate my car 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.

How to Cancel Your Car Insurance Safely & Legally

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How do you get insurance after it was Cancelled?

What to do after auto insurance is canceled. You have a few options after your coverage is revoked. First, get a clear answer as to why your policy was dropped. If it was a result of a minor infraction such as a missed payment or failure to turn in a document, the company may allow you to restart your coverage.

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.

What happens if I forgot to renew my car insurance?

You could lose your license or registration

It's worth noting that some states require insurance companies to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles if a driver's liability insurance lapses. In other words, you could face these consequences without being pulled over or involved in a wreck without insurance.

How much is car insurance renewal?

Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage is $767 per year.

What is renewal process in insurance?

In simple terms, insurance renewal is the process of extending your existing insurance policy beyond its expiration date, allowing you to maintain uninterrupted protection against potential risks and financial losses.

How do I reactivate my lapsed policy?

"To reinstate a lapsed policy, policyholders need to submit a reinstatement application, pay any outstanding premiums with interest or penalties, and may also undergo a medical examination depending on the insurer's requirements," said Goyal.

How do I renew my lapsed?

You can renew a lapsed Driving Licence after undergoing refresher training with a licensed driving school which will then refer you to the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV) for a driving test after paying Shs25,000 (test fees for each class on the driving Driving Licence).

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.

How to fix lapsed insurance?

What to do if you have a lapse in car insurance
  1. Call. Call your previous insurance company and find out if your coverage has lapsed and, if so, how long you've been without car insurance coverage. ...
  2. See if your policy can be reinstated. ...
  3. If your policy can't be reinstated, get a new one.

What happens if I let my insurance lapse?

In some states, auto insurance companies are required to notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when you drop insurance or change companies. So once you have a lapse in car insurance, it may be noted on your driving record. In some cases, your car could even be seized or your license suspended.

Can a lapsed insurance policy be reinstated?

Typically, insurers allow parties to reinstate a lapsed policy within three to five years after the lapse.

Can I renew my insurance after the expiry?

There is no grace period.

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 needed to renew car insurance?

With many insurers, including Progressive, all you need to do to renew your policy is pay the renewal premium. You'll receive a reminder from your insurance company to renew before the expiration date. Just be sure to renew your policy before the existing one expires to avoid a lapse in insurance coverage.

How long can you be late on car insurance?

Many insurance companies offer grace periods seven to 30 days after the due date. During your grace period, your coverage remains active, and you can pay your bill without penalties. Be sure to review your policy or contact your insurance company for more information on their late payment policy.

What is the penalty for not renewing insurance?

The grace period for renewing health insurance in the UAE is typically 30 days, following which a fine of AED 300 is applicable each month past the renewal date. (as per DHA & DOH regulations) During this period, your policy is considered lapsed, and you do not have insurance coverage.

Can I get an extension on my car insurance?

If your auto insurance payment is not yet due, or it hasn't been processed but you know you won't be able to afford it, you may be able to postpone payment or extend the due date temporarily while you come up with the money. Depending on your insurer, you may not even have to call an agent to do so.

What happens if insurance expires?

If you have failed to renew car insurance before its expiry and plan to renew it again after it has lapsed, your vehicle will be subject to re-inspection by the motor insurance company. Also, if you do not renew expired car insurance within 90 days of its expiry, you will lose NCB benefits.

Can I reactivate my car insurance?

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.

What happens if I don't renew my car insurance on time?

If your auto insurance coverage lapses, it's likely that your premium rates will increase and it may even be harder to find coverage in the future. Auto insurance companies could see a previous coverage lapse and flag you as a high-risk driver.