How long do you have to keep old car insurance policies?

Asked by: Leonardo Gulgowski I  |  Last update: November 18, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (39 votes)

You should keep your car insurance documents and policies as long as your policy is active and until all open claims are resolved. Most car insurance policies last six months to one year, and if you have no open claims, you can discard your documents when the policy ends and you get a new one.

Is there any reason to keep old auto insurance policies?

  • Coverage History: Older policies can provide a record of your coverage history, which may be important for future claims or when seeking new insurance.
  • Claim Potential: If you have made claims under the policy, having the original documents can be useful for reference or in case of disputes.

Do you have to keep insurance on a car that doesn't run?

Legally, you don't need insurance coverage for a car that's not being driven and is in storage. However, if the vehicle gets stolen, vandalized, or damaged in an accident or weather-related event, you'll be responsible for any resulting expenses if you don't carry insurance.

How far back do most insurance companies go?

In most cases, the motor vehicle report that your insurance company reviews will go back between three and five years. It's worth noting that some incidents could stay on your record for a longer period of time. Drug and alcohol-related convictions, for instance, might stay on your driving record for 10 years or more.

How far back do insurance companies keep records?

How Far Back Does an Insurance Claim Go? How long are medical records kept? The answer varies depending on the state. In California, the retention period can be anywhere from two to ten years, depending on the type of procedure or healthcare provider.

Your Vehicle Is Paid Off | Should You Remove "Full Coverage"?

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Can I throw away old insurance policies?

Old insurance documents and paperwork contain sensitive data that can make it easy for identity thieves to violate your privacy, so avoid placing whole documents in your recycling or trash. Instead, shred documents using a cross-cut shredder (one that shreds in two directions, producing small, confetti-like pieces).

How far back can insurance companies audit?

Typically, they might seek medical records from the last 5-7 years. That's the general timeline for medical record checks, but insurance companies can go back even further when exploring other facets of your past, such as driving history or previous insurance claims.

How many years of insurance policies should you keep?

While you might have seen recommendations for three to ten years after expiration, experts now recommend that liability policies, even though expired, should be maintained indefinitely. When a claim is made, the insurance policy that was in effect at the time of the alleged event will have to be reviewed.

How far back does Progressive look at driving record?

Progressive gets your driving record from your state's DMV or LexisNexis, and they check the past 3 years for accidents and moving violations. If you were cited for a moving violation or got into an accident mid-policy, your rates will not change until your next renewal.

How long do auto insurance claims stay on record?

The DMV will hold onto the record of the incident for around 3 years, depending on the severity of the accident.

Can I drop insurance on a car I don't drive?

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.

Can I keep my car in the garage without insurance?

In that case, you may wonder if you need insurance on a stored car. You're not legally required to have insurance coverage on a vehicle that's not driven on public roads. If the vehicle is damaged or stolen, however, you'll have to cover the costs out of pocket if it's not insured.

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.

How long to keep old utility bills?

Keep for a year or less – unless you are deducting an expense on your tax return: Monthly utility/cable/phone bills: Discard these once you know everything is correct.

At what age does auto insurance typically decrease Why?

The reason rates tend to go down at age 25 is that younger drivers are statistically more likely to cause an accident and file an insurance claim.

When should I cancel my old insurance?

Having the start date of your new policy match the intended cancellation date of the old policy is the best way to ensure there will be no lapse in coverage. Experts recommend shopping for a new insurance company at least six to eight weeks before your coverage is set to expire.

Do insurance companies know how long you've had your license?

In the state of California, how long you've had your license continuously is a rating factor that insurance companies use when determining rates. Should your license ever be suspended, that clock starts over. For more on rating factors, see the links below. Have a question?

Can insurance refuse to pay if you were drunk?

Intoxication Exclusion Laws

ERISA insurance carriers are not legally mandated to cover any losses that result from the insured being intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs not prescribed to them by a physician.

Who do auto insurance companies see as the highest risk?

What are some characteristics of high-risk drivers?
  • At-fault or no-fault accidents on your motor vehicle report.
  • Traffic violations, including a DUI or DWI.
  • Multiple comprehensive claims.
  • Lack of driving experience.
  • No history of auto insurance.

Can I throw away old car insurance policies?

Once you have a new policy in hand, the old one can usually be tossed — unless there is an open claim that still needs to be resolved. In this case, it is a good idea to keep all documents, including car repair and medical care receipts, until the claim has been closed and all payments have been received.

What is the 7 year rule for life insurance?

(2) A contract fails to meet the 7-pay test if the accumulated amount paid under the contract at any time during the first 7 contract years exceeds the sum of the net level premiums which would have to be paid on or before such time if the contract were to provide for paid-up "future benefits" (as defined in 7702A(e)(3 ...

How long should I keep documents before shredding?

KEEP 3 TO 7 YEARS

Knowing that, a good rule of thumb is to save any document that verifies information on your tax return—including Forms W-2 and 1099, bank and brokerage statements, tuition payments and charitable donation receipts—for three to seven years.

How many years do insurance companies look back?

In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.

How far back do you have to go to tax audits?

Generally, the IRS can include returns filed within the last three years in an audit. If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don't go back more than the last six years. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed.

What triggers an insurance audit?

Discrepancies or inconsistencies in the information reported to your insurance provider, such as discrepancies between payroll records and reported wages, can trigger an audit. Inaccurate or incomplete data raises red flags and may prompt further scrutiny from auditors.