How long do you have to wait to switch car insurance?
Asked by: Dr. Max Cummerata II | Last update: January 15, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)
How soon can I switch car insurance?
You can switch car insurance providers at any time, but usually, the best time to do so is when your current policy is up for renewal. This way, you'll avoid any cancellation fees or coverage gaps.
How fast can I change my car insurance?
The short answer is yes: You can make changes to your coverage any time throughout the year. Simply call your insurance agent. Policy changes usual take effect immediately.
How quickly can you change insurance?
By law, you have a minimum 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel the policy for any reason. If you've bought life insurance, the cooling-off period is 30 days. The cooling-off period starts from when the policy begins or when you receive your policy documents, whichever is later.
Are there penalties for switching car insurance?
By giving proper notice, you'll generally be able to switch carriers in the middle of a coverage period. The carrier refunds the unused part of the premium, although some companies may charge a small fee or penalty.
How to switch car insurance companies and save money, in 5 steps
Do I need to cancel my insurance before switching?
Your new insurance company can provide proof of insurance to your old company if necessary, but they generally aren't authorized to cancel a policy with another insurer on your behalf. After you purchase a new policy, you should immediately contact your former insurer and cancel your old policy.
Is it bad to switch car insurance after a car accident?
The new insurer will review your recent claims history, and having a recent accident on your record could lead to higher premiums. Additionally, some companies may hesitate to take on a new policyholder with a recent accident, especially if the claim is still open or under investigation.
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.
How long do I have to change my insurance plan?
due to a life event — like changing jobs, getting married, having a baby, or based on estimated household income. Check if you qualify. You usually have 60 days from the life event to enroll in a new plan, but you should report your change as soon as possible.
What happens if you switch car insurance mid-policy?
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. Even if you just started your coverage or have a pending claim, you should be able to cancel your current policy with no penalties.
Is switching car insurance easy?
Contrary to popular belief, switching car insurance providers can be easy and the process can be broken down into six helpful steps. This process can help ensure that you're not just swapping one policy for another but instead, that you are obtaining a car insurance policy that best suits your current needs.
Do I get a refund if I change my car insurance?
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.
Does Geico have a cancellation fee?
If you want to cancel your policy, GEICO makes it easy with no cancellation fee*.
Does switching car insurance affect credit?
Getting insurance quotes doesn't hurt your credit-based insurance score or other credit scores. When an insurance company checks your credit, a record of the credit check—a credit inquiry—may be added to your credit report. But insurance credit checks are soft inquiries that don't affect your credit scores.
How long do you have to change car insurance after moving?
If you're moving in state, you'll want to tell your car insurance company as soon as possible about your new address. If you move to another state, you may only have 30 to 90 days to change your car insurance, and update your driver's license and vehicle registration.
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.
Are you penalized for switching insurance companies?
Insurance companies don't penalize you for switching your car insurance with an open claim. Stay in contact with your previous insurer until the claim is settled. Keep in mind some claims can have an impact on your rates.
Can you change insurance date?
Once the start date of your policy has been set, you won't be able to change it. This is because one of the factors affecting your price, is the date you need the policy to start.
When should you update your insurance?
In many cases, your current coverage may still be adequate. But generally, it's a good idea to review all of your insurance needs at least once a year. If you have a major life change, contact your insurance agent or company representative, as the change in your life may have an impact on your insurance needs.
Can I just switch car insurance anytime?
Yes. You can change car insurance anytime. But it's a good idea to check with your current insurer to see if they charge cancellation fees and to turn off auto-renew, if you have it.
Does State Farm charge a cancellation fee?
State Farm's cancellation policy
State Farm doesn't charge a cancellation fee; you can cancel your coverage anytime. You can also receive a prorated refund if you have prepaid your insurance premiums.
How long does it take to transfer insurance from one car to another?
When buying a new car, your insurance carrier will provide a grace period between 7 to 30 days to update your policy with your new ride. For example, Progressive allows 30 days, which means if you have a claim within that period, your new car is still covered in the same way your previous vehicle was.
How soon after an accident can you change insurance?
You can switch auto insurance companies after an accident while your claim is still pending. It is important to consider your reasons for switching, ensure there is no gap in coverage, and be aware of the potential impact on your claim.
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.
Does Progressive charge a cancellation fee?
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. To know for sure, check your policy or call us and we can help you determine if there is a fee.