Many insurance companies will not help you cancel your previous car insurance policy, but some insurers and brokers will—including Jerry.
Ask your new agent if they’ll help cancel your policy
If you speak with an insurance agent when you’re buying a new auto insurance policy, ask them if they can help you cancel your old plan. If they provide that service, the agent will be able to tell you the next steps to take.
If you buy online, the information should be available at some point during the signup process, along with how to complete the cancellation.
Your new car insurance company might not be able to cancel your old policy
Many major auto insurance companies—including GEICO and Progressive—will not cancel your old insurance policy if you buy directly through them. But if you buy through an independent agent or a broker, they may be able to help you cancel your old policy.
If the new insurance company won’t help you cancel, you’ll need to contact your current insurer directly. The process for canceling can vary—in some cases, you can cancel through an app or website, but you may be required to make a phone call or submit a letter through the mail.
Learn more: How to cancel your car insurance
Here are a few things to note:
- Even if they don’t help you cancel directly, all insurers will send proof of insurance to your new insurance company if you’re required to provide it as part of the cancellation process.
- It’s always a good idea to request confirmation of your cancellation in writing.
- If you’re financing a car, check with your new insurance company to make sure they’ll inform them of the change in coverage. If not, you’ll need to contact your lender and update them.
Ideally, your new policy should go into effect the same day your old one ends. That will help you avoid either a gap or an overlap in coverage:
- A gap in coverage, known as an insurance lapse, can leave you unprotected if you get into an accident. It will also lead to higher premiums when you buy a new car insurance policy.
- An overlap in coverage can be complicated if you get into an accident while both policies are in effect.
Jerry can help you cancel your old insurance policy
When you buy a car insurance policy with Jerry, you can usually cancel your old insurance policy right from the app.
Need to know: Depending on your previous insurer’s requirements, you may need to mail in a signed form to finalize the cancellation—but the app will walk you through exactly what you need to do.
When should you cancel your car insurance?
Here are a few reasons it’s a good idea to switch insurance companies:
- You found a lower rate somewhere else
- You’re unhappy with the company’s coverage options or customer service
- You can save on your insurance costs by bundling your homeowners insurance (or renters insurance) with your car insurance
- You’re moving to a state where your current insurer doesn’t operate
Before you switch, be sure to shop for quotes with an insurance comparison app like Jerry so you’ll know you’re getting the best rate for your new policy.
FAQ
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Can you switch from one insurance company to another?
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Is it risky to switch insurance companies?
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Can an insurance company cancel your coverage?
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Will changing my insurance company affect my coverage?
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How will I know if my insurance company is going to cancel my old insurance?
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What should I do if I want to switch car insurance companies?
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Does GEICO help cancel other insurance?
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Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
