Car insurance policies can be terminated for a variety of reasons. If you are moving or relocating to a different state, selling or junking you car, of just want to try a different insurance company, you'll need to cancel your old policy. It's important however to follow some guidelines and do it properly.
The "Standard Operating Procedure" for most insurer's is that you can cancel your policy simply by sending written notice with your desired termination date. Keep in mind that your policy may not necessarily stop at the end of your term, it may have an auto-renew clause. You also shouldn't assume that your policy gets canceled by simply not paying your next premium.
You should also check your policy carefully, as it may not be entirely clear. Insurance companies will generally be very quick to tell you that your coverage stops at the end of the policy period if you don't pay your premium, but they may not be so quick to let you know of the penalties you can incur for not providing formal notice of your policy termination.
You should also keep in mind is that your chances of obtaining auto coverage in the future may be impacted is your car insurance policy is canceled. A policy cancellation in your insurance history may end up getting you labeled as a high-risk applicant. Usually though you can avoid this trap by officially terminating your policy properly and in a timely manner.
If you've decided you want to switch coverage to another insurer, and you plan on driving your car throughout the process, you'll have to see that there is no lapse in your car insurance coverage. Make sure to coordinate the starting date of your new policy is effective on or before the termination date of your old policy.
As long as you notify your old insurance company in writing when you want to cancel their policy, and follow whatever their termination guidelines and time frame is, you shouldn't have to worry about any potential negative repercussions or penalties.
The "Standard Operating Procedure" for most insurer's is that you can cancel your policy simply by sending written notice with your desired termination date. Keep in mind that your policy may not necessarily stop at the end of your term, it may have an auto-renew clause. You also shouldn't assume that your policy gets canceled by simply not paying your next premium.
You should also check your policy carefully, as it may not be entirely clear. Insurance companies will generally be very quick to tell you that your coverage stops at the end of the policy period if you don't pay your premium, but they may not be so quick to let you know of the penalties you can incur for not providing formal notice of your policy termination.
You should also keep in mind is that your chances of obtaining auto coverage in the future may be impacted is your car insurance policy is canceled. A policy cancellation in your insurance history may end up getting you labeled as a high-risk applicant. Usually though you can avoid this trap by officially terminating your policy properly and in a timely manner.
If you've decided you want to switch coverage to another insurer, and you plan on driving your car throughout the process, you'll have to see that there is no lapse in your car insurance coverage. Make sure to coordinate the starting date of your new policy is effective on or before the termination date of your old policy.
As long as you notify your old insurance company in writing when you want to cancel their policy, and follow whatever their termination guidelines and time frame is, you shouldn't have to worry about any potential negative repercussions or penalties.
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