Can You Get a Refund on Car Insurance? (2024)

Your insurance company may issue a refund if your policy is canceled, and you've paid your premium in advance. Receiving an insurance refund will largely depend on why you're canceling the policy and how much of the premium you paid in advance. If you pay your full premium upfront, then you'll typically get a refund when you cancel your policy. If you pay your premium monthly, then you may or may not get a refund depending on when you cancel.

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If I cancel my auto insurance, will I get a refund?

If you cancel your auto insurance before the end of your policy term, you may receive a refund if you paid your premium in advance. There are a few scenarios where canceling a policy may qualify you for a car insurance refund.

Switching insurance companies

If you switch car insurance companies and find better rates with a different insurer, you may want to cancel your existing policy before it expires. In this case, if you switch insurance companies you can get a refund. Depending on your insurer, you may have to pay a cancellation fee.

Moving

If you move out of state, your insurer will cancel your old policy and issue you a new one. Since insurance premiums are partially determined by where you live, you may get a lower rate on your new policy if you move to an area where rates are cheaper, and your insurer may refund part of your insurance premium. Learn about state car insurance requirements and how moving affects car insurance.

Selling your car

If you sell your car and no longer need coverage, your insurance company may send you a refund check if your policy is canceled before the end of your term. Note that you may have to pay a cancellation fee in this scenario too. Learn when to cancel your insurance after selling your car.

Removing coverage

You might also qualify for an insurance refund if you make changes to your policy, such as those listed below. However, you may receive a credit on your account instead of a refund, depending on your insurer:

It may no longer make sense to carry certain types of coverage. For example, if you don't have an auto loan and your vehicle isn't worth much, it may make sense to drop comprehensive and collision coverage.

Decreasing policy limits

Typically, higher insurance coverage limits result in higher premiums. If you reduce the amount of coverage you have, you may get an insurance refund.

Removing a vehicle

If you remove a vehicle from your policy, your rates will typically decrease, which could result in a refund. Before you cancel your auto insurance, check your insurer's rules regarding cancellations. Some insurers may charge a cancellation fee that could offset your refund amount.

Pro tip:

If you sell your car and buy a new one, you'll still need coverage because most states require drivers to have auto insurance. Be sure to add the new car to your policy so you have the coverage you need.

How does your payment schedule affect your car insurance refund?

If you choose to cancel your policy, or your insurance company cancels it, you typically won't get a car insurance refund unless you've paid the premium in advance. For example, let's say your policy term is 12 months, and you pay the premium for the entire year upfront. If you cancel your policy after only three months, your insurer will issue an insurance refund for the remaining nine months.

If you pay in monthly installments and cancel your policy at the end of the month or billing cycle, you probably won't get a refund. But if you were to cancel your policy in the middle of the month or billing cycle, then you may get a small refund since you've already paid your premium for the full month.

Important note: Whether you pay monthly or upfront, you may have to pay a cancellation fee when you cancel your policy — depending on your insurer.

Will I get a check for my insurance refund?

Insurance refunds are typically issued through the same payment method you use to pay for your insurance. So, if you pay your premium with a check, you'll usually get an insurance refund check. Likewise, if you pay with a credit card, your refund will appear as a credit on your card balance. However, the exact method of distributing refunds may vary by insurer.

Will I get a refund if the insurer cancels my policy?

If the insurance company cancels your policy, you'll usually receive a car insurance refund unless they cancel the policy for non-payment. If non-payment occurs, you will not receive a refund and will continue to owe the insurer any unpaid premiums.

There can be multiple reasons why an insurance company cancels your policy, including having too many accidents or tickets on your driving record, getting a DUI, or failing to pay your premium.

How should I cancel my auto insurance policy?

If you're going to cancel your existing policy and you plan to continue driving, don't cancel your old policy until you find a new one. When you have the effective date of your new policy, you can ask your current insurer to cancel your existing policy effective the first day of your new policy.

It's essential that there are no gaps in your coverage because even a small one could create problems. If your car is stolen, damaged, or involved in an accident while you're uninsured, you could be responsible for repairs and medical bills. Any gaps in coverage could also raise your insurance rates, even if it's just for a day.

Looking for more information about auto insurance? Our car insurance resource center has you covered.

Can You Get a Refund on Car Insurance? (1)

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Can You Get a Refund on Car Insurance? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Get a Refund on Car Insurance? ›

You'll want to double-check the information on your card to make sure it is correct. Consider whether you're entitled to a refund: You're usually entitled to a refund if you paid any of your premium in advance and then canceled your plan before it was actually due.

Is it possible to get a refund on car insurance? ›

Your insurance company may issue a refund if your policy is canceled, and you've paid your premium in advance. Receiving an insurance refund will largely depend on why you're canceling the policy and how much of the premium you paid in advance.

How is insurance refund calculated? ›

A return premium factor is calculated by taking the number of days remaining in the policy period divided by the number of total days of the policy. This factor is multiplied by the written premium to arrive with the return premium.

Why did my insurance give me a refund? ›

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara ordered insurance companies to return insurance premiums to consumers and businesses and provide much-needed financial relief during the COVID-19 emergency.

How do I argue an auto insurance claim? ›

Be prepared to support your case.

Send documents and a letter explaining why you are not satisfied and make sure you have the figures to back up your argument. Be certain to include your claim number and contact information.

Can insurance be Cancelled and refunded? ›

If you still want to cancel the policy, the process of policy cancelation will be initiated. Based on the tenure for which you were insured, the insurance company will deduct the premium amount and send you the refunds. An official cancellation letter/email will be sent to you by the insurer.

How long does it take for a refund from an insurance policy? ›

The time it takes to get your money back depends on how you choose to get your refund. For example, a direct deposit typically takes around two weeks to show up in your account. It may take longer if the insurance company sends a check since you'll have to wait for it to arrive.

How much does it cost to cancel car insurance? ›

Car insurance cancellation fees

If you cancel at renewal: You shouldn't have to pay any fees. This is called 'lapsing' the policy. If you cancel within 14 days of starting a policy: You may have to pay an admin fee.

What are the three types of cancellation? ›

Here are the different main types of cancellations are short rate cancellations or pro-rata cancellations, flat cancellations. In comparison to short rate cancellations or pro-rata cancellations, flat cancellation is different, being classified as the simplest and easiest way to terminate an insurance policy.

Will GEICO refund me if I cancel? ›

If you have a GEICO auto insurance policy and decide to cancel it before the policy term ends, you may be eligible for a refund. GEICO's cancellation policy for auto insurance allows policyholders to cancel their policies at any time, regardless of the reason.

Why did my insurance send me a check? ›

What does It Mean to Receive a Check From My Insurance? Receiving a check quickly may mean the insurance company believes you have a strong case and that it will likely be required to pay more than the first offer if you pursue legal action.

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.

How long does it take to get a refund from Progressive? ›

Customers who pay for their policy with a check, through the online portal, or by phone will generally see their refund from canceling a policy after about 12 business days.

Do insurance companies like claims? ›

Insurance companies aren't interested in helping you get the money you deserve after an accident. They'll do whatever they can to prevent or limit your payout. Many will even deny your seemingly legitimate claim. It's important to consider why insurance companies commonly deny insurance claims.

What are 3 important tips on filing an auto insurance claim? ›

Important Tips
  • Read your policy. ...
  • If you don't understand your policy, ask your agent and/or company for clarification.
  • If you have an accident, call the police. ...
  • Get as much information as possible at the accident scene to furnish to your agent and/or insurance company.

How do I disagree with an insurance claim? ›

  1. Step 1: Contact your insurance agent or company again. Before you contact your insurance agent or home insurance company to dispute a claim, you should review the claim you initially filed. ...
  2. Step 2: Consider an independent appraisal. ...
  3. Step 3: File a complaint and hire an attorney.
Feb 16, 2024

Do you get a refund if you switch car insurance mid policy? ›

Make sure there are no gaps in coverage from when your old policy ends and your new one begins. If you're making a switch mid-policy, you may be entitled to a refund for any time left on your policy.

What is a premium refund in car insurance? ›

A premium refund is a clause in some insurance policies that grants the beneficiaries a refund to the total amount of premiums paid to date. Depending on the contract and type of insurance, it will grant a refund of the premiums you paid if you die before that term runs out or if you voluntarily end your coverage.

Can I cancel my insurance policy and get my money back with GEICO? ›

If you have a GEICO auto insurance policy and decide to cancel it before the policy term ends, you may be eligible for a refund. GEICO's cancellation policy for auto insurance allows policyholders to cancel their policies at any time, regardless of the reason.

When should I cancel my insurance on the car I'm selling? ›

You should not cancel your insurance policy and coverage on your vehicle until you've canceled your registration with your local DMV. As you plan for how to budget your money surrounding the sale, don't forget that cancelling at the DMV can sometimes come with added costs and fees as well.

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