Yes, Bristol West offers a 10- to 30-day grace period for missed car insurance payments. Though the grace period and eligibility differ between states, you’ll have between 10 and 30 days after your missed due date to make a payment and keep your insurance policy active.

Bristol West’s grace period gives you a safety net for late payments

Bristol West will send you a notice of cancellation if you do not make your payment by your bill’s due date. The notice will include your grace period timeline, and you’ll get the chance to update your payment method, pay your premium, and maintain your insurance policy.

If you make your payment before the grace period is up, your policy will not be canceled and you won’t face an insurance lapse.

But you could face fees or a policy cancellation

Typically, Bristol West charges a $10 late fee for payments that are processed after your premium due date.

Worst case scenario—if you do not make your payment by the final day of your grace period, Bristol West will cancel your auto insurance policy, and your coverage will lapse.

Learn More:

How does a car insurance lapse impact rates

Does Bristol West accept late payments?

Yes, Bristol West accepts late payments during the grace period. Grace periods for Bristol West policies usually last 10 to 30 business days, during which time you can process a late payment without having your policy canceled.

What if I get into an accident with a missed payment?

You will be covered if you get into an accident during your grace period If you get into an accident during your grace period, your Bristol West auto insurance policy will provide insurance coverage for claims within the limits of your policy.

But accidents outside of the grace period won’t be covered If you get into an accident after the final day of your grace period, your Bristol West policy will be canceled and you will not be able to make a claim.

If you missed your Bristol West payment

If you missed your Bristol West payment, you’ll have a few payment options. Here’s what you can expect:

Notice of cancellation: If you have Bristol West’s text alerts set up, you’ll get an initial notification for a missed payment. Otherwise, Bristol West will mail you a cancellation notice that defines your insurance grace period. You will need to pay your premium before the effective date, or non-payment will result in a policy cancellation.

Late payments online: You can

at Bristolwest.com to pay using your credit card, checking account, debit card, or credit card.

Late payments by phone: Call Bristol West at 1-800-888-0080 to make a phone call payment.

Late payments by mail: Bristol West accepts late payments by mail, addressed to Bristol West Insurance Group, PO Box 371329, Pittsburg, PA 15250-7329. Residents of Arizona, California, Nexada, or Texas will need to mail their payment to Bristol West Insurance Group, PO Box 7142, Pasadena, CA 91109-7142.

Pro Tip: Payment reminders are a great way to manage your car insurance premium due dates. Mark the date in your calendar, sign up for text alerts from Bristol West, or use Jerry to keep up with your premium due dates and plan for the expense.

Learn More:

What happens if you don’t pay your car insurance?

What if I’m enrolled in autopay?

If you are enrolled in autopay with Bristol West but your payment fails to go through, you should contact your insurance agent or log into your Bristol West account to update your payment information and authorize a new payment.

The process for missed automatic payments varies from provider to provider, but similar to regular payments, you will have a grace period to submit your payment.

Will a missed payment affect my credit score?

If you pay your premium within the grace period, a single missed car insurance payment likely won’t impact your credit score. However, if you do not pay your bill, Bristol West may send it to a debt collection agency. This could show up on your credit report and lower your credit score—which can

increase your car insurance rates

If Bristol West cancels your policy

Bristol West will cancel your policy if you do not make a payment before the final day of your grace period.

You may be able to reinstate your policy In some cases, Bristol West gives policyholders the option to reinstate their policy after their grace period ends. To reinstate your policy, be sure to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Otherwise, your insurance will lapse If it’s too late to reinstate your Bristol West policy, you will be without insurance. At this point, you may be able to purchase a new Bristol West Policy, but your best option is to compare car insurance quotes from other insurance companies to find a new and more affordable insurance policy.

If your Bristol West car insurance policy is canceled, you will need to find new auto insurance coverage immediately.
Driving without insurance
leads to different penalties from state to state, but you can expect serious fines, a driver’s license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment. Unfortunately, future insurance providers will also label you a high-risk driver for driving uninsured, which will result in higher insurance rates.

If you’re unable to reinstate your policy or want to move to a new insurer for a better rate, most companies offer same-day policies.

The

Jerry

app is a great resource for finding and securing a new policy within your budget.

Find same-day coverage now

If you’re having trouble making payments

Late payments can lead to extra fees, a canceled policy, and a lapse in your car insurance coverage, so it’s wise to keep up with your monthly payments. Here are some tips to help you out:

Postpone your payment: Bristol West may give you the option to postpone your payment. If you anticipate that you won’t be able to make your payment on time, contact your insurance agent to work it out.

Find a more affordable rate: Processing a lower car insurance payment is much easier than paying a higher rate. Shop around and compare quotes and coverage options from different providers to find the most affordable rate.

On Jerry, you can compare quotes, purchase a policy, and get reminders to never miss a payment.

In minutes, Jerry can help you compare quotes from over 55 carriers, finding you the best coverage at the best rate.

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FAQs

What is the grace period for Bristol West?

Bristol West’s grace period for late payments ranges between 10 to 30 days. The grace period was extended to 30 days due to COVID-19, and the exact timeline varies from state to state. To confirm how many days you have before your insurance is canceled due to a missed payment, be sure to reach out to your insurance agent.

Can I get my Bristol West policy reinstated after a missed payment cancellation?

Bristol West may reinstate your policy if it was canceled due to a missed payment. BW policyholders sometimes get a reactivation period after termination, but you’ll need to speak with your insurance agent to confirm your eligibility. Additionally, you may face a higher rate to process the reinstatement.