Your car insurance policy won't be immediately canceled because you don't make a payment. Auto insurance companies are required by state law to give notice before canceling their policy. Depending on the state, you'll normally have 10 to 20 days. Your company will notify you by mail or email before canceling your coverage.
You may be able to suspend some or all of your car insurance if you're going to be off the road for an extended period of time, depending on the state and the insurer. Comprehensive and collision coverages are optional across the country, so you can remove them at any time if you don't have a loan or lease for a car. Depending on your state, you may need to file an affidavit of non-use to notify your state that you will not use your vehicle on public roads. Do you want to learn more about your state's laws and minimum car insurance requirements? Progressive has everything you need.
Find your state below to see what type of insurance you might need, what discounts are available, and more. It's easier to administer a single policy than two. In addition, the student is covered when returning home for summer or winter vacation. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provision, limitation, or exclusion that is expressly stated in any insurance policy.
If you plan to add or keep a college student in your policy, you must notify your car insurance company before your child moves in. However, drivers who choose not to purchase auto insurance must show that they have sufficient funds to meet the state's financial responsibility requirements (PDF) in the event that they cause an accident. You'll likely be asked to maintain a minimum level of comprehensive auto insurance coverage and car collision coverage, in addition to the state-mandated liability coverage, even if you don't drive your car. If you're studying in another country, you'll need your own car insurance policy that's valid wherever you're going to drive.
You should keep your auto insurance documents and policies while your policy is active and until all outstanding claims are resolved. If you share a permanent address or if your car usually spends the night at your parents' house, you can continue to share a car insurance policy regardless of your age. Don't take your car out of the warehouse until all of this has been resolved; if you're caught driving without proper insurance coverage or without a valid registration, you could be fined. Comprehensive car insurance and collision insurance are also common types of car insurance coverage, although no state requires them.
Once your insurance is in order, contact your state's BMV or DMV to verify that your car registration is still valid and send all the necessary documentation with your updated insurance details. You should avoid completely canceling your car policy if you plan to drive again in the future, as a lapse in car insurance coverage will likely result in a higher premium when you start driving again. For college students from other states, some states and insurers may require a separate auto insurance policy. Next, contact your insurance company to temporarily suspend all or part of your insurance coverage for the period you are not going to drive.
Auto insurance companies often offer a grace period for late car insurance payments, so a payment that's late by a few days shouldn't be a problem.
