Can Your Car Insurance Drop You? (2024)

Why can my car insurance company drop me?

Car insurance companies can legally drop a customer if they become riskier to insure than when they first bought their policy. But that doesn't mean they let go of customers for just any reason — if you practice safe driving habits and pay your premium on time, the chance of losing your car insurance is slim.

There are two ways insurance companies can end a customer's policy: through non-renewal or cancellation. Non-renewal means the insurance company will see out the rest of your policy term but let you go as a customer after that. With cancellation, the insurance company may be required to give advanced notice in writing, but they can cancel the policy effective on a specific date prior to the expiration of the policy term in certain situations.

What situations can result in car insurance non-renewal?

Common reasons for auto insurance non-renewals vary by state and insurer and include multiple accidents and too many insurance claims.

Multiple accidents within a three-year window

Insurers generally pay more attention to accidents where you're at fault versus those where someone else is at fault. However, being involved in too many collisions (even ones where you weren't at fault) can be a red flag to insurers.

Too many insurance claims

If you file claims often your insurer may view you as a greater risk, which may lead them to non-renewing your policy.

Insurers may not drop a customer after their first one or two incidents. The first step is often to increase your car insurance rate. From there, if a customer has another accident or files more claims, the insurer may send a notice that they won't be renewing the policy at the end of its term.

What events can cause car insurance cancellation?

An insurer can choose to cancel a policy before reaching the end of the term, though the permissible reasons may vary by state.

Being convicted of a DUI offense

Once a driver is convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they're seen as high risk. Some insurers may choose to drop a customer after they receive a DUI. Learn about insurance after a DUI.

Loss of driving privileges

When someone isn't fit to drive or doesn't hold a valid license, their car insurance may be canceled. The loss of driving privileges can result from a DUI or other serious driving infraction, or it can be based on a medical condition that impacts the person's ability to drive safely.

Late payments or failure to pay insurance premium

Some insurers may charge a late fee if a payment is late. If it becomes a consistent problem, or if you fail to pay your premium, you may receive a cancellation notice from them.

Insurance fraud

Insurers generally have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to insurance fraud. They'll likely cancel the policy of anyone who lied when initially applying for the policy or who was caught filing a fraudulent claim.

How many accidents can you have before your insurance drops you?

Each case is unique, and different insurers have their own criteria for determining how many accidents is too many.

My car insurance company dropped me — now what?

First, start shopping around for a new policy as soon as you learn your old one isn't being renewed or was canceled. It's illegal to drive without insurance in nearly every state. Additionally, having a lapse in car insurance coverage between policies may mean more difficulty in getting a new policy and higher rates when you do.

Getting car insurance after non-renewal is easier than getting it after a cancellation. Many of the major insurance companies will accept customers whose previous insurer didn't renew their policy. Just be prepared for a higher rate than you were paying before. If your car insurance company dropped you, it's still possible to get some form of insurance even after a severe infraction like a DUI.

Progressive offers insurance after a DUI if that person holds a valid license and is legally able to drive. We can also help you submit an SR-22 or FR-44 if your state requires them.

Can Your Car Insurance Drop You? (2024)

FAQs

Can Your Car Insurance Drop You? ›

Insurers can cancel policies or choose not to renew at the end of a policy term. Non-renewal can occur after multiple accidents or filing too many claims. At the same time, more immediate cancellations can result from serious issues like loss of driving privileges or insurance fraud.

Can insurance drop you without telling you? ›

Insurers must give you 30 days notice by mail if they are going to cancel your insurance policy. If an insurer sent you a policy cancellation letter, and you disagree with their reason for cancelling your policy, contact us at 1-800-927-4357 (HELP) or visit or online Consumer Hotline for help.

How does an insurance company drop you? ›

However, an insurance company can drop you after a claim if you have a pattern of causing accidents, filing excessive claims or not paying your premium on time.

Is it bad if a car insurance drops you? ›

Prepare for Different Insurance Rates

Chances are, if you've been dropped due to non-payment, excessive claims, or multiple traffic violations, you'll be considered a high-risk driver who faces higher insurance rates.

What happens when insurance cancels you? ›

When your car insurance gets canceled, you are not allowed to drive legally. You will need to purchase another policy and provide updated information to your state's DMV to make sure your license and registration are still valid. Otherwise, you could face other penalties.

Can an insurance company just drop you? ›

There is no set number of claims that will result in an insurance company dropping you from a home insurance policy. The decision to drop a policyholder is typically based on the frequency and severity of claims, the type of claims filed and the overall risk profile of the policyholder.

Why would a car insurance company drop you? ›

Key Takeaways

Insurance companies may cancel or not renew a car insurance policy for a driver who has a heavy history of accidents and moving violations or for one with a DUI/DWI conviction. A DUI/DWI can result in the loss of driving privileges, the inability to obtain car insurance, or a high-cost insurance policy.

How many claims before car insurance cancels? ›

Cancellation. Every insurance company sets its own benchmark for triggering a cancellation, but it is more likely that you'll face cancellation or non-renewal if you've made three or more claims within a three-year period. Most cancellations occur within the first 60 days of a policy, usually due to non-compliance.

How many claims are too many? ›

How many homeowners claims is too many? Generally, if you haven't filed more than one non-catastrophic loss claim in three years, and have no liability losses in three years, you may still be eligible for coverage. Two claims in five years may drive up the cost of your coverage.

Why did Geico cancel my policy? ›

Why did I receive a cancellation notice? Cancellation notices are sent when: Your payment due date has passed. And the amount due has not been paid.

How long before Geico cancels insurance? ›

As long as you pay within 9 days after the due date posted on your bill, you will have coverage in the meantime thanks to Geico's grace period, and you won't even owe a late fee. Geico will send a cancellation notice within 14 days of your bill's original due date.

Can Geico cancel my policy without telling me? ›

In most states, an insurance company must give a policyholder written notice of cancellation at least 30 days before canceling the policy. 1 The policy contract specifies the reasons the insurer can cancel the policy and the time frame and method in which it can do it.

Can you dispute car insurance cancellation? ›

If you feel like the cancellation is a mistake or unfair treatment, you may have the option to appeal. Even if you plan on appealing, it's a good idea to prepare to find a new insurance company by doing the following: Gather any documents related to your vehicle. Don't drive without insurance.

What does it mean when an insurance company cancels your policy? ›

Cancellation occurs when the insurance company cancels the policy before the term is up. Each state has different laws, but in general, insurance companies can cancel your policy for any reason during the first 60 days you have it. After 60 days, they can typically cancel a policy only if: You didn't pay your premiums.

Can I reinstate my car insurance after cancellation Progressive? ›

If you cancelled your policy, you'll need to apply for a new one in order to be covered again. Once your insurance is in order, contact your state's BMV or DMV to reinstate your car registration and submit any necessary paperwork.

Why is my car insurance charging me after I cancelled? ›

Because you'll continue to get invoiced for that premium and if not paid, it will eventually go to a collection agency.

Can an insurance company cancel your policy for no reason? ›

Occasionally your insurer may wish to cancel your policy. They are only likely to do this if they believe: something has happened to make it much more likely you will make a claim, or. you have not kept to the terms of the policy.

Why would insurance cancel my policy? ›

After that, there are typically only three reasons an insurance policy can be canceled: You have not paid your premiums, causing a lapse in coverage. You committed fraud or lied on your insurance application. Your driver's license has been suspended.

Can you fight an insurance cancellation? ›

Internal appeal: If your claim is denied or your health insurance coverage canceled, you have the right to an internal appeal. You may ask your insurance company to conduct a full and fair review of its decision. If the case is urgent, your insurance company must speed up this process.

Can health insurance drop you if you get sick? ›

If you get sick, an insurance company cannot cancel your policy. Health insurance companies cannot turn down your application because of your health status.

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