How to Switch Car Insurance

Last updated May 5, 2022

How to switch your car insurance

Are you feeling dissatisfied with your current car insurance company? Are you paying too much for coverage that you don’t really need? Are you moving to a different state? Or maybe you’re just looking for a new carrier that offers a better deal. If so, you may be wondering how to switch car insurance providers.

Whatever the reason, switching car insurance to a different company can be a smart move. And comparing quotes from top providers can ensure you find the best car insurance at the best price. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to switch car insurance companies:

Learn your state’s minimum coverage requirements
Check if your current provider charges cancellation penalties or fees
Compare car insurance quotes from the top providers
Research your new company and choose your policy
Cancel your current policy once your new one starts to avoid a lapse in coverage
Place your new insurance cards in your vehicle and/or wallet

Any time you buy a car insurance policy, the first step is to make sure you understand the minimum legal coverage requirements in your state. Then, decide if you want additional coverage for more protection. Knowing the kind of policy you want will help you when you compare quotes from other providers, so you end up with the policy that’s ideal for you in terms of coverage and cost.

Before officially switching car insurance, you need to research your new provider. The best way to save money and get a better policy than you have now is to get quotes from a few of the top providers in your area. We help people like you save you time and money by retrieving personalized quotes from multiple providers, so you don’t have to research each company individually.

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Switching car insurance after an accident

If you’ve been in an accident, you may be wondering whether you should switch car insurance providers. Here are some things to consider before switching your car insurance as well as steps to take if you decide making the switch is right for you.

It makes sense to switch your car insurance after an accident if doing so will save you money. Not every insurance company treats accidents the same way; some providers may increase your rates after an accident, while others may ask you to pay a higher deductible. First, figure out how the accident will affect your car insurance. If the changes to your policy are more than you can afford or more than you think is fair, it may be time to switch insurance providers.

Start by getting quotes from some of the leading insurance providers near you (a good rule of thumb is to get a minimum of 3 quotes). If a new car insurance company offers you a better quote than your current provider, you can ask your existing provider to match the cost. If you’ve been with your current provider for a while without any incidents, they may be more likely to match your new quote.

If your current provider can’t adjust your policy, you can decide if you want to move forward with one of the other companies you researched. When switching car insurance after an accident, it’s important to disclose your previous accident when asked. Failing to do so is considered insurance fraud and a criminal act.

You can switch car insurance even if you were in an at-fault accident or have an open claim with your current provider. However, even after switching your insurance, make sure to resolve all claims with your old provider.

When considering switching car insurance after an accident, it’s best to get car insurance quotes from at least three to five companies before making your decision. That way, you can pick the company that provides the best policy at the best price for you.

Switching car insurance providers mid-policy

You don’t need to wait for your policy renewal date to switch your car insurance. In fact, switching your car insurance mid-policy isn’t even complicated – there are just three things you should do before signing a new policy with a different company.

1. Inform your current provider of your intent to switch

First, contact your current provider to inform them of your intent to switch to another insurance company. Your current provider may be able to offer discounts or incentives that make staying with them worth it.

If not, you’ll need to ask about their mid-policy cancellation and refund process. While some companies may allow you to cancel mid-policy without fees and receive a full refund, it’s important to ask if you are entitled to a refund before switching your car insurance mid-policy. Even if your current provider charges a cancellation fee, it may still be worth it to make the switch.

2. Research new providers

Next, research new providers before switching car insurance mid-policy. There are many car insurance companies out there. The easiest way to decide which has the optimal coverage options and costs for you is to gather and compare quotes from top providers. To receive insurance quotes from top providers, fill out single form, and we’ll match you with the best providers for your needs.

3. Avoid a lapse in coverage

Lastly, avoid a lapse in coverage by double-checking that your new policy starts before your old one is canceled. Driving without car insurance for any amount of time is illegal. It’s not enough to stop paying one provider and assume the other activated your policy promptly. Follow up with both companies to ensure you’re covered.

How to switch car insurance to a new car

If you recently purchased a new or new-to-you car, you’ll need to add it to your policy or switch your insurance to the new car as soon as possible. However, make sure your current policy stays in place while you figure out how to switch your insurance to another car, so you don’t experience a lapse in coverage. Then, follow these steps to switch car insurance to your new vehicle.

1. Get a quote from your current provider

First, contact your current provider and request a quote for your new car. Your provider may be able to transfer your current policy to your new vehicle, but sometimes, like if your new car is much newer than your previous one, you’ll need a new policy.

2. Research other providers

In the process of learning how to switch insurance to a new car, you may find that your current provider doesn’t offer the coverage options you need or the prices you want. In that case, you can research new providers to find a better policy for your new car.

3. Compare quotes

For the best policy at the best price, get free quotes from the top companies for you. By comparing at least three to five companies, you can determine the best option for your new car.

We make the switch easy

Switching car insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important part is researching new providers and selecting a company that fits your needs better than your current provider . Are you ready to find a new car insurance company that offers competitive rates and multiple coverage options? Request quotes from the top providers and compare rates to find the best policy for you!

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About Rate Retriever

At Rate Retriever, our mission is to make the way you shop for insurance transparent and fair through user-friendly tools that respect your privacy and deliver reliable, comprehensive results.

So we took everything we hated about comparing insurance quotes online – the spam, the long questionnaires, the limited choices, the inaccuracy of quote prices – and threw it out the window, favoring a short form that more accurately estimates what you’ll pay at each of the top insurance providers near you.

Rate Retriever is an independent company that is not owned by an insurance provider, nor do we provide insurance ourselves. This independence allows us to be your free and impartial insurance research tool, helping you make the best decisions for your insurance needs.

We may earn a commission when you click one of the links or call one of the providers listed on our site; however, we do not allow our partnerships to influence which information we provide.

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