Switching auto insurance companies is a relatively easy process, but it is important to compare prices and make sure the coverages, limits, and deductibles on the new policy match what you currently have. You may be able to get a
lower rate with a new auto insurance company, but the protection and claims service they offer may be different from your current insurer. Before canceling your old policy, make sure your new policy is in force to avoid a gap or lapse in coverage. Once your new policy is active, remember to cancel your previous policy
Reasons to switch car insurance companies
You could save money.
Outside of factors that are not always within our control, many people—whether they know it or not—are not optimizing their insurance ownership experience. For example, in a poll done by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, more than 1 in 3 consumers said they likely were not taking advantage of as many discounts as they could be. “Many Americans could be foolishly throwing money away because they fail to ask about insurance discounts for which they may qualify,” said Madelyn Flannagan, vice president of agent development, education and research at IIABA. “Companies often offer some unique, regional, very specific and, at times, quirky discounts.”
You could get coverage that better meets your needs.
When you’re paying for coverage, you want to make sure it’s working for you in the best way possible – the right deductible, the right medical coverages, and the right policy for the car you drive. You might want to even think about how your pet is protected. That’s why Elephant created our Coverage Wizard.
Simply answer a few questions and we’ll provide you with a better understanding of some of our most common coverages—and which options are most useful to you and your lifestyle. For instance, if you have coverage with AAA, you likely don’t need towing coverage from your car insurance company. Why pay for the same thing twice?
The best part? You don’t have to give us any personal information or make any commitments to use the Coverage Wizard. We simply want to share our knowledge with you!
You could get a better service experience.
We’ve all been on the other side of a frustrating customer service situation. If lately you’ve been feeling like you’re not getting responses quickly enough, or your questions are not being answered by your current provider, it might be time to consider making a switch.
You’ve experienced a major life event.
An increase in your car insurance price is the most likely reason you’d be looking to switch car insurance companies, and there are many reasons car insurance rates can fluctuate—such as a change in vehicles or location. Major life events like these can impact the cost and coverage needed on an auto insurance policy. If you need to update your car insurance policy to include new life changes, or recent changes have increased the cost of your current plan, now is a good time to shop around for better prices.
Getting started with finding a new car insurance provider
Once you’re ready to make the switch, there are a few things you’ll want to do to get started finding a new provider that’s right for you.
Get multiple car insurance quotes.
Whether it’s directly getting in touch with your insurer or checking out quote comparison sites like The Zebra, Insurify, or Compare, it’s never been easier to find out how much you can save per month on premiums for auto insurance. Take advantage of these sources so you can find the plan and the provider that is best for you before switching car insurance companies.
Ask around.
Odds are that you have a friend whose car insurance company is the one you’re considering. Be mindful of what they’re spending in premiums, but don’t be shy about asking for their opinion, what services are offered, and if they’ve ever had to file a claim. Make sure you check out professional resources like the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports for additional guidance.
Research.
Get familiar with what your coverage needs are and ask yourself if this new company offers what you need. You might also want to connect with your current provider to see if there are any fees to consider and make sure your current car insurance discounts will transfer over to a new provider.
Switching car insurance companies: how and when
Make sure your new policy is up and running.
First things first, before you cancel your existing car insurance policy, you will want to verify with your new car insurance company that your new policy is approved, active, and what your effective date is. Knowing the effective date before switching car insurance companies will help ensure you’re not paying twice for the same thing (no one wants to do that!) and also guarantees you won’t have a gap or a lapse in coverage.
Cancel your old car insurance policy.
After verifying that your new policy is active, it is important to call your old insurance company. It can be nerve-wracking, but it is important to remember that this is a normal process and your provider won't take it personally. When you get someone on the line, be professional and clearly state that you are cancelling the policy. This is crucial, as failure to do so could lead to the company cancelling your policy for non-payment, which could result in being reported to a credit agency. Be sure to document the effective cancellation date to ensure the process is complete.
Ask about a refund.
If you switch auto insurance policies at the end of your current policy’s term, you might not be eligible for a refund. However, if you paid in full or there are several weeks/months left before your next scheduled payment, you should ask for a refund.
If needed, notify your DMV or lender of the change.
It depends on where you live or what your situation is, but you may need to notify a few other important people regarding your recent auto insurance change. Your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) may require that you notify them of any changes to your insurance coverage. Also, if you’re still making payments on your vehicle, your lender will want to know about your new auto insurance policy.
When to switch car insurance.
As we mentioned earlier, you don’t have to wait to change auto insurance providers until your current policy expires. You can start researching, talking to friends, and getting quotes anytime. Any of the big life events we mentioned earlier can be a good time change your auto insurance policy, too.
Tips for saving on your new auto insurance plan
Discounts, discounts, discounts.
Check with your new provider about auto insurance discounts you might qualify for, from responsible driving to going paperless with your account. Some insurers like Elephant Insurance even offer a discount for signing up for before your current policy expires or auto renews, it’s called the Early Bird Discount.
Bundling.
Bundling multiple types of insurance into one policy is one of the easiest and most guaranteed ways to save big on your insurance. One common insurance bundle is homeowners or renters with your auto insurance, but you might want to consider bunding other policies too like life insurance. You can also save by having multiple cars on the same policy, what we call a Multi-Car discount.
Feeling ready to make a change?
We hope this guide helped answer your questions about changing car insurance companies, and that you consider getting a quote switching to Elephant. We promise if you do, we’ll be here with you every step of the way with more answers and tips to provide the best coverage for your needs.
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