It’s a good idea to shop around for new rates two to four weeks before your insurance policy renews so you’ll know whether you’re currently paying the best price for your preferred level of coverage.

When you move:

You’re required to inform your insurer when you move, but it’s a good idea to check around for better rates when you do so. And if you're buying a home, you may be able to save by bundling your auto and home insurance with a single provider.

When your household changes:

Life changes like getting married, getting divorced, and adding a new teen driver to your policy can all change your insurance premiums. It’s a good idea to shop around when drivers are added to or removed from your existing policy.

When you get a new car:

A new car requires new auto insurance—and you may find a better price for your new car if you compare quotes.

How to change car insurance in 3 steps

Changing auto insurance is as simple as finding quotes, making a payment, and canceling your old insurance. If you have

an active auto loan

, you’ll need to let your lender know as soon as possible after the fact.

1. Compare new quotes in your area

Start by finding new

car insurance quotes

from providers in your area. You can request quotes directly from any auto insurance companies you have in mind, or compare quotes from multiple providers at once with an independent broker like

Jerry

Jerry finds real insurance quotes from providers in your area.

You can compare coverage levels, adjust add-ons, and read reviews from current customers when looking at quotes in the app.

Compare Rates Now

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Look for offers that provide substantial benefits compared to your current policy. Those include:

Lower rates on the same coverage

Better coverage options at a low price

Bundling opportunities

for homeowners or renters insurance

Car insurance discounts

not available from your current provider

Better customer reviews

than your current insurer

Learn more:

The best car insurance companies (according to real drivers)

When you’re shopping for insurance, be sure you have the following

information on hand

Your driver’s license number

Your current insurance information

The make, model, and VIN of your car

Approximately how many miles you drive in a year

2. Choose a quote and purchase your policy

Once you’ve found a quote that meets your insurance needs, choose the date you’d like your new policy to start. Be sure to select a date before your current coverage expires to avoid a gap between insurance policies.

Then, confirm your final price and make your first payment to secure your policy.

How long does it take to switch insurance?

Switching car insurance companies is typically a quick process, especially if you’re using a digital tool like Jerry. Most drivers can switch to a new car insurance policy in as little as an hour or two, with most policies activating

the same day you request a quote

In some cases, switching takes a little longer. Your new policy’s start date could be delayed if the new insurance company has trouble verifying:

Proof of current car insurance coverage

Your vehicle’s documents, such as registration

Your address, if you recently moved

Any information associated with your auto policy, including credit score and driving record

To avoid delays, always provide the most accurate and complete information possible on your insurance application.

3. Cancel your old policy

Don’t forget to cancel your coverage with your current insurance

company

. Just like your new policy’s start date, this can be scheduled in advance. Look up

how to cancel insurance

with your current provider—or, if you bought insurance through

Jerry

, simply click the cancellation button below your new insurance card to get instructions and assistance.

Depending on your previous insurer's policies,

Jerry

may not be able to cancel your old car insurance policy outright, but we'll help you get the process started.

Learn more:

Will I get a refund when I cancel my car insurance?

Be sure to contact your financing company with your new coverage details right away—your lender will be notified when you cancel your old policy, and they could repossess your vehicle if you fail to update them with the information for your new policy.

Change your car insurance right away after moving

When you move to a new state

, you’ll typically have 30 to 90 days to update your auto insurance policy and change your driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Failing to update your address with your insurance company is more than a minor slip-up. Because insurance companies use your garaging address to determine your car insurance rates, failing to change your address could be considered a form of insurance fraud, and your provider could cancel your coverage.

FAQs

Do I need to cancel insurance before switching?

Don’t cancel your car insurance before you have a new policy lined up. The start date of your new car insurance policy should come before—or on the same day as—the cancellation date of your old one.

Can I change car insurance before my renewal date?

Yes, you can switch car insurance companies before your policy term expires—even if you have an open claim. While there’s no limit on when you can change car insurance, it’s typically best to look for new rates around two to four weeks before your renewal date, or whenever you have a major life event or change to your current auto insurance.

Is it a good idea to switch car insurance?

In most cases, switching car insurance is a good idea if you can find lower rates or better coverage with a new provider. The main times when switching is discouraged are if you already have the best price or if you don’t want to lose loyalty discounts from your current insurer, such as a good driver discount or record-based free accident forgiveness.

What should I look for in car insurance?

When shopping for new car insurance, look for a company with an offer that would reduce your car insurance costs, offer better coverage (such as full coverage), and/or give you better customer service, discounts, or claims handling than your current insurer.

How much will my rates go down if I switch?

The cost benefit of switching car insurance varies for every driver. Drivers who switch car insurance providers with Jerry save an average of $600 per year.

Can I switch insurance companies if I still have an outstanding balance?

Yes—even if you owe money to your previous insurer, you can still open a policy with a new company. That said, it’s a good idea to resolve any outstanding payments and insurance claims before switching, if possible, to simplify the process.

How do I change car insurance to another state?

To change car insurance after moving to a new state, you’ll need to provide the new insurance company with proof of your new residential address. The easiest way to do this is by changing your driver’s license to reflect your new address before changing your insurance.

Should I change car insurance companies every year?

It’s a good idea to check for better rates every year—but changing to a different company annually might not benefit you in the long run. While staying with a single insurer for years can lock you into higher rates and cause you to miss out on savings, switching insurers every time your policy is up for renewal—or repeatedly switching mid-term—sends a bad message to insurance companies.

Can I save on my car insurance without switching?

To save on your car insurance without switching providers, ask your current insurer if you’re eligible for any discounts you’re not already receiving. However, if your only options for saving on your car insurance premium are to lower your coverage levels or raise your deductibles, it’s probably a good idea to shop around for another insurance carrier.

Who has the cheapest car insurance?

While companies like GEICO and State Farm advertise affordable insurance, there’s not one single auto insurance provider that offers the lowest rates to all drivers. To save, compare rates and choose a company that offers low rates to drivers who fit your profile.