When to shop your auto policy (and when to wait)

Timing a comparison around your renewal can save money and avoid a coverage gap.

Most auto policies renew every six or twelve months, and insurers typically send a renewal notice a few weeks before the new term starts. That notice is your best prompt to compare.

Good times to compare

Three to four weeks before renewal. You have time to compare without rushing, and some insurers offer an early-shopper discount for buying a policy days before it starts.
After a life change. Moving, marriage, adding or removing a driver, buying a car, or a teen getting licensed can all change which company is cheapest for you.
When a violation ages off. Tickets and at-fault accidents usually stop affecting rates after three to five years. If one just dropped off, other insurers may now price you lower.
When your rate jumps. A large increase with no change on your side is a sign your current insurer's pricing has moved. Others may not have.

When to wait

If you are in the middle of an open claim, finish it first. Switching mid-claim does not cancel the claim, but it can complicate things. If you paid a full term in advance, ask how cancellation refunds work before switching mid-term.

Never leave a gap

Start the new policy before you cancel the old one, ideally on the same day. A lapse in coverage can be illegal and can raise future rates, because many insurers price continuous coverage as a positive.

This guide is general information from Rate Now Quote, not insurance, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules vary by state and insurer.