There are a few different ways policyholders can check if their car insurance is active. Some ways to check include, visiting your insurer’s online policy management portal if they have one or you can always call your agent or insurance company and ask.
Reasons to confirm active car insurance
One of the most common situations to where you may need to know the exact period your auto insurance is active is when you are switching insurance companies. Most states require you to have car insurance, so you should have your new policy start before your current policy ends. It’s better to have an overlap in coverage than a lapse, as gaps in your insurance coverage can make buying insurance more costly in the future.
Another common situation is when buying a car. You’ll want to make sure your coverage starts the day you plan on taking delivery of your car. If you don’t have insurance coverage, you may not be able to complete the sale especially if you’re financing or leasing the car.
Common situations when your insurance may not be active
One of the most common reasons why your insurance may not be active is if you’ve missed a payment and the policy cancelled or expired at renewal.
Another common situation where you may find a lapse in coverage is after you switch insurance providers. When switching insurance providers, be sure that your new policy starts before your current one ends.
Finally, your insurance may no longer be active because your insurance company decided not to renew your policy when the current term ends. This could be the case if you’ve had several accidents/violations or claims in a short period of time.
If your insurer cancels your policy for nonpayment or decides not to offer a renewal policy, they will send you a notice in the mail. Be careful not to overlook those types of notices among all the junk mail and make sure your insurer has your current mailing address.
Tips for avoiding deactivation
The best way to avoid cancellation or non-renewal of your car insurance policy is to stay aware of important dates for billing and renewal. If your insurance company offers it, set up automatic payments so you can avoid missing payments.
Paying your policy premium in full can also help reduce the number of payments you have to make. Many insurance companies offer a discount for paying in full at renewal, and you would not have to pay any installment fees.
When you receive your policy documents, write down the starting and ending dates on a calendar to stay on top of your coverage period.
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This page is for informational purposes only. Actual coverage may vary and is subject to the policy issued by your insurer. Restrictions and limitations may apply. Review your policy and consult a licensed insurance professional to learn more about your coverage.