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How long do I have to reinstate my insurance if my policy lapsed accidentally?

I thought I set up autopay for my car insurance, but I must not have because I just received a notice in the mail that my policy lapsed. Now I’m worried that too much time has passed to fix it. How much time do I have to reinstate my insurance policy after an accidental lapse?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
After your policy due date has passed, your
car insurance
company will issue you a cancellation notice in the mail. This notice will give you a final date when your policy must be paid before it will be canceled for non-payment. If you do not pay before this day, you will have a lapse of insurance, and your policy cannot be reinstated.
Your policy will still be active between your due date and the cancellation date. 
If you have not paid before the cancellation date, your next option is to have your policy reissued. This means you will have a lapse of insurance between when the policy was canceled and the day after your reissue payment when your policy will be active again.
If your provider agrees to reissue the policy: You’ll typically be required to pay the premium amount that was due before the policy lapsed and possibly the next month upfront.
Keep in mind: Your insurance rates will be higher after a
lapse in coverage
.
View full answer 
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