Should I keep car insurance if I sell my car?

Asked by: Thaddeus Kulas  |  Last update: July 20, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (37 votes)

Remember, if the car is still registered in your name, you still need an auto policy that meets your state's car insurance requirements. You could be held legally and financially responsible for any accidents involving your car while selling it — which means it's in your best interest to keep your insurance.

Should I cancel my car insurance if I no longer have a car?

There is no reason to have auto insurance on a car you no longer own, absolutely. Don't stop it before the car is gone. But you will probably want a new car so often people just switch the insurance from one car to the other.

How do I protect myself when selling a car?

Be sure to check the laws and regulations in your particular state.
  1. Screen Callers Thoroughly.
  2. Take Precautions With the Test Drive.
  3. Ensure a Safe Transaction.
  4. Maintain a Paper Trail.
  5. Block out Your Personal Information.
  6. Complete the Title Transfer.
  7. How to Avoid Scams and Fraud When Selling Your Car Privately.

Do you get an insurance refund when you sell your car?

Usually, once you sell your car, you call your insurer and tell them. They cancel the insurance policy, and refund you for the unused time.

What to cancel after selling a car?

After you've released your liability on the car, you'll need to cancel or adjust your auto insurance policy. Ask your insurance provider for options, especially if you own another vehicle.

Is It Better To Cancel or Suspend Car Insurance?

36 related questions found

Should I keep my car insurance if I sell my car?

Remember, if the car is still registered in your name, you still need an auto policy that meets your state's car insurance requirements. You could be held legally and financially responsible for any accidents involving your car while selling it — which means it's in your best interest to keep your insurance.

Am I responsible for a car after I sell it?

The important thing to know that in California, as is the case in most states, sales between individuals (that is, non-dealers) are presumed to be “as is.” This means that both parties understand that the car is being sold despite its faults and the seller is not liable for any further repairs and they are relieved ...

Do you get a refund if you cancel auto 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.

Should I cancel my car insurance before switching?

If you cancel your old policy or not renew it before the new one begins, you could end up with a coverage lapse. Gaps in your insurance history can cause future car insurance premiums to be higher, and if you're involved in an accident, you won't have any coverage to protect you during this period.

Does GEICO charge a cancellation fee?

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

What's the safest way to sell a car privately?

The safest payment method for private car sales is usually a direct bank transfer (wire transfer), which requires the buyer to transfer funds from their bank account to yours. Once your bank has confirmed that the funds have cleared, you can transfer vehicle ownership.

What is the safest payment method when selling a car?

Cash Payments

In general, accepting cash for your car is by far the safest way to make sure you get the full, exact payment.

How do I protect myself as a seller?

How to Protect Yourself When Selling Online
  1. Protect your personal information. ...
  2. Limit communication channels. ...
  3. When selling locally, stick to in-person transactions. ...
  4. Only accept payment through approved methods. ...
  5. Take extra caution with shipping. ...
  6. Take advantage of seller protections and guidelines.

Do I have to keep insurance on a car I don't drive?

Even if you're temporarily not driving your car, the lender may insist that you carry a minimum amount of comprehensive and collision coverage, along with the minimum amount of state-required liability insurance.

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

A lapse in coverage may cause insurance companies to see you as a high-risk driver, even if you have a good driving record. It can also potentially impact your future car insurance premiums. It's best to keep continuous coverage to get the best insurance rate and make sure that you're protected in a car accident.

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.

Can I cancel my car insurance if I'm not using my car?

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.

Do you get a refund if you switch 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.

When should I cancel my old car insurance?

Ideally, your new policy should begin on the same date the old policy ends. If you're selling your car, you should maintain coverage until you fully complete the sale. Usually, this means you've completed the bill of sale and signed over the title to the new owner.

When should I cancel my insurance on the car I'm selling?

Knowing when to cancel your car insurance after selling is just as important as knowing how to do it. First, it is important to ensure that the sale is complete. This means you've signed over the title, completed the bill of sale and submitted a notice of release of liability to the DMV, if required.

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.

Is there a penalty for canceling car insurance?

Depending on the auto insurance company, canceling your policy before the end of its term may result in a cancellation fee. State laws can determine if a fee is allowable. If so, it is up to the insurer to set that fee, which is often taken out of the prorated refund.

What to remove when selling a car?

In addition to removing documents from the car, you'll need to clear out your electronic footprint before you sell. That means deleting your personal information from the vehicle's navigation system and cancelling any subscriptions, such as OnStar telematics.

Am I liable if my name is on a car title?

If the truck is in your name and they get into an accident, you are jointly liable with them for damages caused. If your insurance finds they have no license they will not cover the damages and you would be personally liable.

What happens when you sell your car to a dealership?

Understanding the Offer When You Sell Your Car

The dealership will make an offer based on the value of similar cars, your vehicle's condition, and a few other factors. For example, you may get a higher offer if your vehicle is in high demand and don't have any others like it.