Do I need to wait for my current insurance policy to expire before I go with a new company?

Question

I want to switch to a different insurance company for my cars & house (currently with State Farm) but I have a while until my current policy is up for renewal/expiration. Can I cancel my current State Farm policy at any time without paying any type of fee? I am waiting to hear back from them on a different issue, so I will ask later, but figure I will ask Yahoo! in the meantime. :)

Answer 1

All companies "short rate" you when you cancel in the middle of your policy term.

The best thing is to find your renewal date....then start the new policy on that day or the day before

Don't give yourself a lapse in coverage by waiting until AFTER your current policy expires.

The only way you could run into trouble is if your State Farm policy is on bank draft out of your account automatically.. then you should go to your agency & sign a cancellation for the date of your renewal.

Good luck

Answer 2

It depends on your state. Some states do not allow a cancellation penalty.

I recommend calling State Farm's customer service toll-free number. I have tried having people call their current agent, but sadly, the results were mixed. Some agents know their policies well, but others just assume there must be a penalty without really checking it. That's why I ask them to call their company's customer service department instead of their agent.

If they are in my office at the time, I make the call for them, hand them the phone to verify their identity and give consent for the customer service rep to answer to me, and then I ask the questions for them. If you're uncertain what to ask the company, then ask your new agent if he or she will help you with this.

The result is that I have some people switch to my agency immediately and cancel their old policies; and I have others wait until renewal.

Answer 3

Read the policy terms.  This should be their rules.

A policy can be canceled at any time by either party.

However, they require 30 days written notice to cancel.

Any pre-paid premiums beyond 30 days is refundable.

Answer 4

It depends.  YOu'll have to ask your agent.

Some states won't allow any kind of cancellation fee.  Some will allow a short rate cancellation penalty, some will allow the penalty and an additional cancellation fee.

We have no idea where you live.  We don't know what the laws are in your state.

Answer 5

Most times it is best to wait for renewal of coverage.

However, I believe that in some areas StateFarm will not charge a "short rate" cancellation.  You should ask them directly.