once a year or whenever your policy is up for renewal. But shop carefully: insurance companies base your rates in part on how long you’ve been with your current company. Switching repeatedly within the span of a few years could disqualify you from the best rates with some insurers.

Josh Damico

VP of Insurance Operations

70% of people haven't re-shopped their car insurance policy. It’s important to remember that you can change your insurance carrier at any time and shop around.

Checklist: Can I switch car insurance right now?

Use the following questions to determine if you’re eligible to switch auto insurance companies right now.

Do you have any open claims with your current insurance company?

Do you have a loyalty discount with your current insurer?

Do you have discounts based on your driving record (e.g., three years claims-free) with your current insurer?

Do you have accident forgiveness or other policy perks from your current insurance company?

Have you switched car insurance companies more than once in the past two years?

Does your car insurance provider charge short-rate cancellation fees?

If you answered no to all of the questions above, congratulations—you can switch insurance companies right now!

If you answered yes to one or more questions, you can switch car insurance, but you may want to wait until your current policy expires or until your claim is resolved (if applicable) to shop for new insurance.

Are you eligible for lower rates? The biggest reason not to switch your car insurance is if you’ve already got the best rate.

You can use the Jerry app to quickly determine if you already have the lowest possible rate on your existing policy.

If your current insurance company has the lowest rate, we'll let you know.

How to switch car insurance companies

You should consider switching car insurance companies if:

You’re eligible for better rates from a new car insurance company

Your homeowners insurance is with a different company and you’re eligible for

a bundling discount

You had a bad experience with your previous insurer, such as a poorly handled claim

You’ve had significant life changes, such as a

teen driver

getting their driver’s license

You’ve moved to a new state or a new ZIP code within your state

You recently

saw your insurance premium go up

without a change to your driving record or insurance coverage

Your

credit score

recently improved

You need a type of coverage, such as custom parts and equipment coverage, that your current provider doesn’t offer

If you’re ready to switch, start by requesting car insurance quotes from multiple insurance carriers.

The Jerry mobile app pulls real quotes from the best car insurance companies in your area so you can review your coverage options and find a policy that fits your new insurance needs.

Compare the quotes you’re offered with the coverage and pricing on your old policy. Look for quotes that include either new coverage or a lower rate. If you’re shopping in the Jerry app, you can select any quote and click on “Jerry Verified” to see that company’s record for claims resolution and financial stability, along with

real user reviews

Don't start a new car insurance policy without checking your potential insurer's track record. When you’ve settled on a provider for your new auto insurance policy, choose a date for your new coverage to start.

Then reach out to your previous company to

cancel your old insurance

. You’ll need to provide a requested cancellation date, along with the name of your new insurer.

If you don’t own your car outright, be sure to update your lender with your new proof of insurance when switching companies.

Review: Jerry made switching car insurance companies super easy! It literally took less than 5 minutes and boom I’m saving money. Everything is conveniently done through the Jerry app and they kept me informed and updated throughout. Definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Victor P.

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Benefits of switching car insurance

Switching car insurance is an important addition to any personal finance toolkit. The benefits of reshopping your current policy include:

Opportunities for new discounts:

Car insurance discounts

vary from company to company, both in terms of which discounts are available and the average savings you’re eligible for.

Bundling to save: If you’ve just bought a home or signed a lease, switching your auto policy to bundle with your home insurance or renters insurance could mean considerable savings.

Stay ahead of the market: Insurance companies frequently change their rates, especially during

periods of industry volatility (like 2021-2023)

. Reshopping keeps you on top of any rate changes and ensures you always have the cheapest car insurance available.

Learn more:

The 10 best car insurance hacks to save you money

FAQs

Can I switch insurance with an open claim?

Yes—you’ll need to continue resolving the claim with your previous insurer, but you can switch to a new company while you do it. But because your old insurance company will notify your new one regarding the claim, you’ll still likely see higher rates.

Can I switch insurance before renewal?

Yes, you can switch insurance before renewal. You don’t need to wait until your current policy term is up to switch to a new company. Switching mid-policy is a great way to find lower car insurance rates and avoid overpaying.

Do I need to cancel my car insurance before switching?

You should wait until your new policy is in place before canceling the old one. If your previous policy ends before your new car insurance coverage is active, you’ll be in an insurance lapse, which can lead to a rate increase.

Can you save money by switching car insurance?

Yes, you can save money by switching car insurance companies! On average, drivers who switch to a new insurer through the Jerry app lower their annual car insurance costs by $600 or more.

How long does it take to switch my car insurance?

In general, you can switch car insurance in a single day. It takes about 15 minutes to shop and sign up for car insurance in the Jerry app, and most drivers receive their new insurance ID card on the same day.

Note that if there were any discrepancies in your profile or your new insurer requires verification documents that take time to locate, upload, and verify, the process could take a day or two to complete. Plan ahead to make sure you’re ready to switch!