Is it a good idea to cancel car insurance?

Asked by: Ward Von  |  Last update: February 24, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (66 votes)

Because gaps in coverage may negatively impact your future premium, foregoing auto insurance — even for an extended vacation — likely is not worth it. If you plan to be away for a month or longer and your vehicle will not be in use, there may be other ways to save on your premiums without canceling your policy.

Is it better to cancel car insurance or let it lapse?

It would be better to suspend/lower your coverage for those two months than to cancel your policy. A lapse will increase your premium and also disqualify you from certain companies in some cases. If you do suspend or reduce coverage, just remember to add it back once you are driving again.

Is it bad to cancel a car insurance policy?

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.

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.

Should I cancel my car insurance if I can't afford it?

If you can't afford car insurance, don't go without. Instead, try to find a more affordable policy by increasing your deductible, downgrading your coverage, looking for discounts, driving less and comparing prices from multiple insurance companies.

Is It Better To Cancel or Suspend Car Insurance?

17 related questions found

Does canceling car insurance hurt credit?

Does Canceling Car Insurance Affect Your Credit? As long as you don't have any unpaid premiums that could be sent to collections, canceling your auto insurance policy won't have any impact on your credit score.

What do I do if I can't afford my car payment anymore?

I Can't Afford My Car Payments – What Are My Options?
  1. What Happens When I Miss a Payment? ...
  2. Talk to Your Lender. ...
  3. Refinance the Loan. ...
  4. Sell, Trade, or Try Transit. ...
  5. Use Home Equity. ...
  6. Voluntarily Surrender Your Car. ...
  7. Car Repossession. ...
  8. Get a Budget, Stick to It, and Make Your Car Affordable.

Do I get money back for Cancelling car insurance?

In most cases, you'll receive a prorated refund. For example, if you paid $600 for a six-month policy and you're canceling after four months, you'll receive $200 back from the insurance provider. In this case, there's usually no cancellation fee.

Will GEICO refund me if I cancel?

Key takeaways. Geico requires calling a customer service representative when canceling a policy. You can cancel your Geico at any time and may receive a refund of any unused portion.

Can I pause my car insurance for a month?

You can only reduce coverage for a month at a time. Any less than this and you cannot suspend your coverage. Before reducing your car insurance, your state may require you to file an affidavit of non-use for your vehicle with the DMV.

Does cancelling insurance look bad?

Cancelling if you pay monthly

If you don't notify your insurance provider and simply cancel your direct debit, you'll be in breach of your contact, and it'll appear on your credit report as a missed payment, which could have a negative impact on your credit score.

Does Progressive charge a cancellation fee?

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.

Can you get your insurance back if it is canceled?

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.

Should I cancel car insurance if not driving?

Cancelling or reducing your insurance if you're putting your car in storage for a long period might save you money now. However, before you decide to suspend car insurance temporarily, remember that some coverages — like comprehensive coverage — can protect your vehicle even when it's off the road.

How long can you go without car insurance?

It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.

Does canceling insurance affect anything?

If you cancel your insurance policy instead of suspending it, your insurance company will likely view this break as a lapse in coverage and your insurance premium may increase when you purchase a new policy.

Will my car insurance go up if I cancel a claim?

Your car insurance rates can increase even if you cancel your claim. Because when you file a claim, your insurer records the incident. This record can impact your risk profile. As you know insurance companies determine your car insurance rates based on the risk factors.

Is Progressive or GEICO better?

According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, both companies scored below average for customer satisfaction. That said, Geico did score higher than Progressive, with 692 out of 1,000 compared to 672. Keep in mind that these are scores based on customer feedback.

How much is the GEICO cancellation fee?

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

Can I switch insurance companies in the middle of a 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.

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.

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.

How do I get rid of a car I still owe money on?

Selling a vehicle and using the proceeds to pay off the loan in full can help you eliminate the debt without hurting your credit. You might also consider trading in the vehicle and rolling negative equity into a new car loan to avoid credit score damage; however, that can leave you with more debt to repay.

How bad is a voluntary repo?

Voluntary repossession can have a significant negative impact on your credit score. This record will stay on your credit report for seven years, potentially making it harder for you to get approved for new credit during this period.

Can I sell my car back to the dealership?

Can you sell a car to a dealership? Yes, and selling a car to a dealer is a simple way to get rid of a vehicle you no longer want. It can be a good solution if you need quick cash to buy a new vehicle or an easy way to unload a used car without replacing it.