Written by Auto Insurance Policy Expiration Date
Q: My automobile insurance has a set date that says it’s going to expire if I don’t renew the policy. Does this mean that I have all of that set day to drive under that insurance, or does it expire the next day?
AIS Answer: Actually neither, what that expiration date means if you read the fine print is that your policy will expire at 12:01 A.M. the morning of the set date. Not the day before, and not the day after.
It’s possible that not all insurance companies have this rule and there may be a grace-period that is allowed for a set time past the set insurance expiration date, but, for all intents and purposes the set date is the date your auto insurance will expire. You should a few weeks before you policy expires (time varies by company) receive your new auto insurance cards.¬¨‚Ć Immediately put these new insurance cards in your vehicle, as it’s easy to forget them and get stuck without proof of current auto insurance.
Many people are confused about auto insurance expiration dates and it’s understandable. You may think you have all of the set expiration date to drive with the current insurance, but you would be wrong and driving without current auto insurance (assuming you haven’t automatically renewed). If you plan not to renew your auto insurance, then it’s imperative that you have another insurance policy lined up that at minimum starts the day before you policy cancels to safeguard against a policy lapse.
It’s best to thoroughly the paper work your insurance company sends you in a packet when starting your insurance policy so you’re familiar with how the company operates. If you have any questions regarding a specific policy you should direct your question to your current insurance company and they can give you the exact information regarding your policy.
I learned about the expiration date the hard way. Apparently paying your bill helps, but still I wish it would have been more clear because I had a lapse in coverage after that.