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If Your Auto Insurance was Canceled, Start Here:
• Understand why it happened. Insurance companies may cancel policies for several reasons — missed payments, license issues, or too many claims.
• Act quickly to avoid a lapse in coverage. Start looking for a new policy to stay protected and avoid extra fees.
• Don't drive until you're insured again. Driving without coverage can lead to fines or legal issues.
Getting a cancellation notice from your auto insurance company can be stressful — but don’t panic. You still have options to get back on the road safely. Driving a car without insurance is not only illegal, but also dangerous and could cause a significant financial crisis if you have any accident while driving uninsured.
Below, we explain what happens when a policy is canceled, what steps to take, and how to lower your insurance costs over time.
Why Would a Car Insurance Company Cancel a Policy?
Insurance companies may choose to cancel a policy outright, or it may also choose not to renew a policy. What is the difference?
Cancelation occurs when a car insurance company chooses to end coverage before the end of the policy date. Non-renewal means you will have auto insurance through the policy end date, but when it is time for renewal, the insurance company has chosen not to renew your policy. This means that you will need to find a new insurance carrier.
Policies may be cancelled or not renewed for a number of reasons. Some common reasons include:
• Missed payments or consistently late payments
• Fraud
• High-risk behavior
• License suspension
If you are unclear as to why your car insurance was canceled, you should call your agent or the insurance company’s customer service line and get more information.
Shop for New Car Insurance As Soon As Possible
If your policy isn’t reinstated, don’t wait - start shopping for new auto insurance right away. Ideally, your new policy should begin the day the canceled policy ends, so there’s no lapse in coverage. The goal is to keep your coverage continuous so you’re protected and avoid extra fees.
It’s important to get quotes from other insurance companies as quickly as possible. A few tips to help you get started:
• Work with a licensed insurance agent for expert advice and quotes specific to your personal situation.
• Look for online tools to compare quotes, benefits and available coverage by company.
• Be honest about your cancelation and the reasons why to avoid denial by another company.
• If you’ve been labeled a high-risk driver, Focus can help with affordable, reliable coverage designed to get you back on track.
Get Back on Track
Once you’ve got a new insurance policy in place, there may be a few things you can do to help get back on track. Building momentum and showing consistent, responsible driving over time can help lower your rates. Some suggestions include:
• Take a defensive driving course.
• Slow down! Avoid traffic violations like speeding as this may add points to your license in most states.
• Maintain a clean driving going forward.
• Check your credit score. Some insurers may use it in pricing, and small changes, like paying all your bills on time, can improve your credit score and possibly have a positive impact on your insurance premiums.
FAQs
Your Top Questions Answered
Insurance doesn’t have to be confusing. Check out some of our most popular questions below, or dive into our full FAQ for everything you need to know.
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Losing auto insurance coverage can be stressful, but it is manageable – especially if you are proactive and take action as soon as you can. If you recently lost auto insurance coverage, don't panic. Get a fast, free Focus quote and get your coverage started today!
Shop for New Car Insurance As Soon As Possible
If your policy isn’t reinstated, don’t wait - start shopping for new auto insurance right away. Ideally, your new policy should begin the day the canceled policy ends, so there’s no lapse in coverage. The goal is to keep your coverage continuous so you’re protected and avoid extra fees.
It’s important to get quotes from other insurance companies as quickly as possible. A few tips to help you get started:
• Work with a licensed insurance agent for expert advice and quotes specific to your personal situation.
• Look for online tools to compare quotes, benefits and available coverage by company.
• Be honest about your cancelation and the reasons why to avoid denial by another company.
• If you’ve been labeled a high-risk driver, Focus can help with affordable, reliable coverage designed to get you back on track.
Get Back on Track
Once you’ve got a new insurance policy in place, there may be a few things you can do to help get back on track. Building momentum and showing consistent, responsible driving over time can help lower your rates. Some suggestions include:
• Take a defensive driving course.
• Slow down! Avoid traffic violations like speeding as this may add points to your license in most states.
• Maintain a clean driving going forward.
• Check your credit score. Some insurers may use it in pricing, and small changes, like paying all your bills on time, can improve your credit score and possibly have a positive impact on your insurance premiums.
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