Auto insurance is a legal requirement in most of the United States. It is possible to be dropped by your insurance provider, leaving you unprotected in the event of an accident. Knowing your alternatives might help you get back on track with insurance quickly if your policy is canceled or not renewed.
Can You Get Dropped By Auto Insurance?
Your auto insurer has the right to "drop" (cancel) your coverage at any time, but they must give you adequate notice so that you can shop for a new policy. A letter from your auto insurer detailing the cancellation of your policy is likely. You should talk to your insurance agent or a customer service representative if you are still determining why your policy is being canceled.
Your motor insurance policy may be terminated if...
- You forgot to pay your insurance premium.
- Your driving privileges have been restricted or revoked.
- The application you filled out was different from who you are.
After Losing Your Motor Insurance, What Options Do You Have?
What to do if you lose your car insurance card? The first thing to do if you get a cancellation notice for your auto insurance is to find out why your policy is being terminated and how much time you have to obtain new coverage. If your insurance policy is going to be canceled, the insurance company must give you advance notice so you can shop for a new one. How much warning you receive may be determined by local law. The following are some possible solutions to the problem of having your auto insurance policy canceled:
Ask Your Insurance Company Whether They Would Be Willing To Reinstate Your Coverage.
Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a San Francisco insurance consumer group, says, "If you can work it out with the insurance company to get reinstated, that's usually the first step most people want to take."
Try writing a letter to your insurance company and seeing if they'll take you back. Your state government can offer assistance.
Try Switching To A Different Insurer.
If your insurance provider wants to keep your coverage, shopping for new rates is a good idea. Understanding the date your policy expires will allow you to secure new protection well before any potential gaps in protection. Vehicle insurance costs could increase if insurers see a gap in coverage indicative of risky driving habits.
Cancellation Vs. Nonrenewal: What's The Difference?
The timeliness of a cancellation request is the main distinction between a cancellation and a nonrenewal of auto insurance. Generally, an insurance policy will be a binding agreement between the two parties for twelve months. Your service provider can renew your contract with them at the end of this period.
If your insurance company decides not to renew your policy after its current term expires, that is known as a nonrenewal. In most cases, you will receive a notice of nonrenewal from your provider a specified number of days before your policy expires. The insurance company may decide not to renew your policy for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Too many claims have been filed on your behalf, many of which were for incidents you caused.
- We regret to inform you that the company has decided to end service in your area.
Can You Challenge The Termination Of Your Auto Insurance?
You can file a dispute with the provider if you get a cancellation notice for your auto insurance and disagree with the decision. Consider making a phone call to your insurance provider to see if they will keep your coverage active. Your carrier may be willing to work with you to find a solution, depending on your cancellation circumstances.
If you believe your policy was canceled unjustly and have tried to contact the firm without success, you may choose to contact your state's insurance department. Whether or not your right to cancel an insurance policy is guaranteed because of factors like your age depending on the state where you reside. The state's insurance division may look into the matter to determine whether or not the policy cancellation was warranted.
Will Dropping Insurance Make It Harder To Get?
If your automobile insurance policy is canceled, you may find it difficult and expensive to obtain new coverage, depending on the circumstances. Common causes of cancellation, such as license suspension, may be seen by subsequent insurers as indicative of high-risk conduct, resulting in increased premiums.
A higher premium is to be expected after an accident, a traffic citation, or a DUI conviction; nevertheless, discounts are typically available from most service providers.
