How to Renew Your Car Insurance and Stay Covered
You can renew your car insurance online, over the phone or automatically by paying the renewal fee.
Your insurance company should send you an email or letter telling that you your policy is about to expire, as well as the steps to take to renew.
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How to renew your car insurance
There are three ways to renew: renew automatically, renew online or renew by calling your insurance agent. You'll need to renew your car insurance every six months to a year, depending on the terms of your policy.
Automatically
To renew your coverage automatically, you'll need to sign up for automatic payments with your insurance company. When it's time for your policy to renew, the insurance company charges you and your policy continues.
If you pay monthly, your renewal rate may be slightly higher than your normal car insurance premium. Your insurance company should let you know what to expect before charging you.
If you sign up with autopay or automatic renewal with your credit card, make sure it's up to date. If you get a new card or your current card expires, and your insurance company tries to process your renewal, there could be a delay and you could go without insurance until you update your payment information.
Online
You can renew your car insurance online by logging into your account on your insurance company's website or app. When logged in, you should be able to view your policy, see its expiration date and renew your coverage.
It's a good idea to check your policy's details before you renew. Make sure you're happy with the types of coverage, your coverage limits and your deductibles for any policies you're renewing.
If you want to change anything, you can make those changes online or by calling your insurance company.
You can also get quotes from other insurance companies to see if they'll give you a lower rate. If they do, you can switch companies instead of renewing.
Calling your insurance agent
You can also renew your coverage by calling your insurance agent or your insurance company's customer service number. When you call, have this information ready to help them look up your policy:
- Your name
- Your address
- The make and model of your vehicle(s)
- Your policy number if you have it
Review the coverage options with your agent or customer service rep. If you're still happy with what you have, let them know that you want to renew.
If you want to make changes, tell them what you want to change for the renewal. Your agent can give you recommendations based on your driving habits, if you're not sure.
Calling your agent or insurance company might take longer, but it's a great way to review your coverage with an expert. You can also ask about any new car insurance discounts that could save you money on your monthly premium.
When should you not renew your car insurance?
You shouldn't renew your policy if you're unhappy with your insurance company, your rates or the quality of your current coverage. You also may not want to renew if you've felt frustrated after filing a claim for an accident.
You can switch to a different insurance company at any time, but you may want to change if your company:
- Raises your rates
- Hasn't been helpful when you filed a claim
- Took too long to process your claim
- Doesn't offer the type of coverage you want
- Isn't willing to give you a better rate after your credit score goes up
- Doesn't offer discounts that other providers do
You need a new policy in place before not renewing.
If you're caught driving without insurance, you could get a ticket and may find it harder to get insurance in the future.
How to cancel your car insurance if you switch
If you don't want to renew with your current car insurance company, you can let the policy lapse once you find a new one. But it's a good idea to cancel your old coverage. Doing so can help you avoid issues and keep you from accidentally renewing with your current company.
If you paid for the policy up front, you should get a refund on your car insurance for the remainder of your term. That said, some insurance companies charge a cancellation fee if you don't finish out the year.
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What happens if you don't renew your car insurance?
Most states require you to have an active insurance policy to drive your car on public roads.
If your coverage lapses — even for a day — and you're caught driving without insurance, you could get a ticket. And if you cause an accident without insurance, you'll have to pay for damage and the other driver's injuries yourself.
How to get car insurance if you don't renew in time
If you don't renew in time and your insurance policy expires, start shopping around for new coverage immediately or see if you can renew late with your current insurance company. If you want to stay with your current company, contact your agent or customer service to see if you can renew your policy.
Some companies will let you re-up your lapsed coverage without a penalty if you do it quickly.
If you don't want to stay with your current insurance company, you can buy a new policy from a different company. Shop around and compare quotes from at least three companies before you buy. This will help you get the best deal on the coverage you need.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to renew my car insurance?
You don't have to renew your car insurance, but you do need to have insurance to drive your car on public roads. If you're unhappy with your current insurance company, shop around. Compare quotes from other companies by looking at the types and amounts of coverage available, the premium rates and discounts you qualify for and any other perks.
Why did my car insurance go up after renewal?
Your car insurance premium can increase after renewal for many reasons, including changes to your credit score, increases in claims, moving to a new location or changing your coverage options.
If your rates go up unexpectedly, contact your insurance company and ask why. They can explain any changes to your premiums.
Do I need to cancel my insurance if I sell the car?
Yes, you'll need to cancel your insurance if you sell your car. Contact your insurance agent and let them know you sold your car and no longer need insurance. Just be sure to keep your policy active until you sign the car over to the buyer.
Does it cost extra to renew my car insurance?
No, most insurance companies won't charge you a fee to renew your coverage. But if you renew late, they might charge you a late fee for letting your coverage expire.
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