5 easy steps to switch car insurance
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 7:20 p.m. UTC Dec. 20, 2023
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Key points
- You can switch car insurance at any time.
- Life events can impact your car insurance rates.
- Always compare quotes from multiple insurers before you make a change.
There are lots of reasons you might want to switch car insurance, but actually doing it can feel daunting. If you’re wondering how to change car insurance companies, follow these easy steps.
5 steps to switch car insurance companies
Once you’ve decided you want to switch car insurance companies, these steps will help you navigate the process.
1. Gather information
Collect the information you’ll need to get and compare car insurance quotes from several companies. This can include:
- Name and address.
- Birthdate.
- Social security number.
- Driver’s license number.
- Make and model of vehicle.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Current odometer reading, or number of miles on the vehicle.
- Desired coverage types and amounts.
You can find a lot of this information on your current car insurance policy’s declaration page. This document outlines the specifics of your policy, including the type and amount of coverage you have as well as any discounts you may currently have. The policy declaration page is often available on your insurer’s customer portal or app, but you can also contact your insurer if you’re unable to locate it.
If you want more than one driver or vehicle on the new policy, you’ll need to have all the pertinent information for each.
2. Decide what type how much car insurance you need
Even if your primary goal is to change insurers, not coverage amounts, it’s a good idea to reevaluate your insurance needs before you purchase a new policy. You may need more or less coverage than you once did.
- State car insurance requirements. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, and many have additional requirements, such as uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage or personal injury protection (PIP).
- Lending or leasing agreements. If you finance your vehicle, your lender or lessor will likely require you to carry full coverage car insurance. Full coverage usually includes any coverage mandated by your state as well as collision and comprehensive car insurance.
- Your assets. You should consider carrying enough liability insurance to cover your assets if you are ever sued after an accident.
3. Get and compare car insurance quotes
With information in hand, it’s time to start collecting car insurance quotes. It’s a good idea to get quotes from at least three insurers to give you an idea of how much coverage will cost and who has the cheapest car insurance rates.
You can go directly to each insurer’s website or work with an independent agent or broker who can provide quotes from various insurers.
If you’re happy with your current coverage but aren’t a fan of the rate, reach out to your insurer to see if they can offer a better rate, and then factor that into your comparison.
Tip: Make sure each car insurance quote is for the same types and amounts of coverage. That will make it easier to compare your options.
4. Research car insurance companies
After you get quotes, it may be tempting to go with the cheapest rate and call it a day, but you may want to do some research first. Customer service and satisfaction, optional coverages and policy benefits are all worth considering before you purchase your policy, especially if rates are similar.
The following can help gather information about each insurer.
- Online reviews and ratings, such as our rating of the best car insurance companies.
- Customer complaint scores, such as those available on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website.
- Feedback from friends and family members.
- Insurer’s website and social media accounts.
5. Choose and purchase your new policy
You’ve gathered quotes and researched your options and decided which company you’re going to choose. Now it’s time to submit your application and purchase your new policy.
If you didn’t provide information like your Social Security number or VIN during the quote process, you will need to do so at this point. You’ll also need to select a deductible, or the amount your insurer will subtract from your claims payout after certain types of claims.
Most insurers will let you complete your purchase online, but you can also work directly with an agent. Doing so may help you identify any discounts you’re eligible for that didn’t show up online.
Keep in mind that your new coverage should start before your old policy expires. That way you’re not driving uninsured, which is illegal in most states and can lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses if you’re in an accident, especially if you’re at fault.
Once your purchase is complete, make sure you can print your insurance card. You can also usually access a digital copy of your insurance card, which is acceptable as proof of insurance in most states.
Tip: If you finance your vehicle, contact your lender or lessor to provide them with your new car insurance policy information.
Reasons to switch car insurance
There are a lot of decisions you make for the long haul, but which car insurance company you use doesn’t have to be one of them. You can switch car insurance companies at any time and as often as you like, though that doesn’t mean you should.
Here are some reasons you may want to consider changing insurers:
- You got married. Many insurers offer car insurance discounts to customers who insure more than one vehicle. Shopping for coverage with your new spouse can help you lower your rates.
- You moved. Insurance rates and availability vary by state. If you move to a new state, you may find your insurer does not offer coverage there, or that their rates are less competitive. Where you live and park your car will also affect your rates, so moving is always a good time to reevaluate your car insurance needs.
- There’s a new driver in the house. If you’re adding a teen driver to your policy, be prepared for higher rates. Comparing rates and other benefits, like discounts for good students, is a good way to find the best car insurance for teens.
- You bought a house. If you buy a house, you’ll likely need homeowners insurance. Most insurance companies offer a home and auto bundling discount, but some are larger than others.
- You’re unhappy with your insurer. Maybe you had a bad claim experience or your rates have increased. Either way, if you’re not happy with your insurer, it’s time to shop around.
How to switch car insurance FAQs
You can switch your car insurance at any time, even if you have an open claim. You can also switch car insurance companies multiple times in a year, regardless of how long you’ve had the policy.
In most cases, you won’t have to worry about cancellation fees, though some insurers do apply them. Always contact your insurer to find out what, if any, fees you’d be on the hook for.
If you prepaid your policy and are canceling before the renewal period, your insurer will issue a prorated refund for the remaining policy term.
Most insurers don’t penalize you for switching car insurance, but some have cancellation fees if you cancel your policy before the renewal date. Always check with your insurer to verify its cancellation policy.
As you compare car insurance rates, it’s a good idea to ask insurers you are considering about their cancellation policy as well.
Yes, you can switch car insurance companies at any time.
If the main reason you’re changing companies is due to a rate increase, consider reaching out to your current insurer first. Ask if there are any car insurance discounts available, or other opportunities to lower your current rates.
Yes, you can change car insurance companies in the middle of a claim, but the claim will continue to be managed by your previous insurer, so you’ll still need to maintain contact until the claim is resolved.
No, you should not cancel your current policy before you switch car insurance companies. Canceling your policy before the new one is active will leave you without coverage. Driving without the minimum amount of car insurance required in your state is illegal and can result in fines and even a license suspension.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
