What does it mean when your insurance is lapsed?
Asked by: Jarred Harber | Last update: November 11, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (61 votes)
What happens if an insurance policy lapses?
Consequences of a car insurance lapse
Not having insurance: If your auto insurance expires or is cancelled, your biggest concern is not having coverage. That means if you cause an accident and injure someone else or damage their car, you'll have to pay completely out of pocket. Same goes for damage to your car.
Does "lapsed" mean cancelled?
Lapse of coverage is distinctly different than cancellation of an insurance policy in that lapse generally does not require notice to you, the insured, whereas cancellation generally does.
Can I get new insurance after a lapse?
You will likely be able to find car insurance after a lapse, but it will probably be more expensive than it would've been if coverage had been consistent.
What happens if you have a lapse of health insurance?
A lapse of the policy means termination of health insurance coverage. If the health insurance policy lapses, the available coverage under the plan comes to an end. In case of a claim in a lapsed policy, the insurance company does not pay a single penny as the cover has stopped.
What to expect if your insurance has lapsed
How long does an insurance lapse stay on your record?
How Long Does a Lapse Stay on Your Record? An insurance lapse will stay on your record for between six months and three years, depending on your state. This means that you will pay a higher insurance premium on your car until the lapse is no longer on your driving record.
Can a lapsed insurance policy be reinstated?
Typically, insurers allow parties to reinstate a lapsed policy within three to five years after the lapse.
How much does insurance go up after a lapse?
As a result of a lapse in coverage, your insurer will likely raise your rates. Based on our analysis, drivers with a coverage lapse of 30 days or less saw an 8% average car insurance rate increase. And those with a coverage lapse greater than 30 days saw an average rate increase of 35%.
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 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.
What is the lapse risk of insurance?
Lapse risk is defined as the rate of surrenders, as well as paid-up and other discontinuances, being higher or lower than the insurer's best estimate assumptions, where such difference results in a diminution of own funds.
Does lapsed mean expired?
This adjective can also mean "expired," like your dog's lapsed license, which ran out months ago and you keep forgetting to renew.
Can I continue a lapsed policy?
You can contact the insurer for a revival of the lapsed policy and revive the benefits and coverage of the policy for the remaining policy term. It is advised that you initiate an open discussion with the insurance agent to get a better understanding of the lapse and revival of insurance policy.
How bad is a lapse in insurance?
A lapse in coverage can carry massive penalties in all states where it's required (every state except Virginia and New Hampshire). You will be financially liable for all expenses and property damage should you or an employee get into a car accident without an active policy.
Can I get my money back if my policy lapsed?
Insurance Lapse Meaning
In such cases, the policy lapses and all benefits and coverages offered are terminated if the due amount is not paid by the end of the grace period. Usually, there is no provision for a lapsed policy refund for insurance policies.
What is the grace period for insurance?
An insurance grace period is a defined amount of time after the premium is due in which a policyholder can make a premium payment without coverage lapsing.
Can you get in trouble for expired insurance?
If your car insurance lapses for one day, it means you don't have coverage for that period of time. Be aware it's illegal to drive without car insurance coverage in certain states. So, even if you have a one-day lapse in coverage, it can lead to significant consequences.
Will my insurance renew itself?
Does car insurance automatically renew? Unless you tell your car insurance provider otherwise, it's likely your policy will automatically renew. That means, if you don't give notice of cancellation, your insurer will sign you up for another year of car insurance as soon as your current policy ends.
Can I drive with expired insurance?
A police officer can issue a ticket for driving without insurance and the fines can be quite high. The lack of financial responsibility in the event of an accident can result in the restoration fee for any damage to your vehicle being your responsibility.
Does lapse of insurance affect credit?
Impact on credit Scores and future insurance premiums: An insurance lapse can negatively affect the borrower's credit score, making it more challenging to secure loans or credit in the future.
What happens if my policy lapse?
If there isn't enough cash value in the policy to pay the premium, or once the cash value has been used up due to continued non-payment, your policy will slip into the grace period. Your policy will officially lapse once the grace period ends, meaning your coverage will end and no death benefit will be paid.
How to get car insurance when no one will insure you?
If you're denied insurance, the first step is to call another insurer—different companies have different parameters. However, if several insurers have denied you, you may need to consider these options: Join a state assigned risk pool – Auto insurers participate on a voluntary basis in state assigned risk pools.
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.
Can I reactivate my insurance?
How to reinstate a health insurance plan. In order to reinstate your health insurance plan, you must contact your health insurance provider. If your plan was terminated because of nonpayment, you may need to pay back the missed payments before your plan can resume.
How do I reinstate a lapsed policy?
Pay Past-due Premiums: To reinstate your policy, you'll likely need to pay all the premiums due from the time of lapse, plus any interest or penalties the insurer charges.