Car Insurance Lapse

Get a Quote
Discover discounts and benefits with the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford.
Retrieve Saved Quote

What Does It Mean To Let Your Insurance Lapse?

car insurance lapseA car insurance lapse is a period of time when you own a car but don’t have car insurance coverage. This could be very costly, because if you get into an accident, you'll have to pay out of pocket for injuries or damages. A lapse in coverage can happen because you didn’t pay your car insurance premiums or you were dropped from your insurance company.
 
The best way to make sure you’re protected is to keep continuous coverage and avoid a car insurance lapse by:
 
  • Paying your car insurance premium on time
  • Renewing your insurance policy
  • Doing your best to keep a clean driving record

What Happens if Car Insurance Lapses?

If your car insurance lapses, it means you don’t have active coverage. If an insurance company sees that you had a period of time with no insurance, they might consider you a higher risk. Driving without insurance could also result in fines, tickets and a suspended license, depending on the rules in your state. It’s important to keep continuous car insurance coverage, even if it's the minimum amount your state requires.
 

Car Insurance Lapse Grace Period

car insurance lapse grace period calendar
If you missed the due date on your monthly payment, you typically have a few days to pay your bill. This is known as a car insurance lapse grace period, and it typically lasts between 10 to 20 days depending on where you live. This allows you to make your car insurance payment and avoid an insurance lapse. If you make your payment within the grace period, your insurer will reinstate your policy and you'll have continuous coverage.
 
State laws require your insurance company to notify you before canceling your policy completely. It's important to remember not every car insurance company may offer a grace period.
 

What Do I Do if My Car Insurance Lapses?

Don’t panic if your car insurance has lapsed, just take care of it quickly so you can get back on the road. Here are a few steps you’ll want to take:
 
  1. Contact your insurance company. Find out what happened. Did you miss a payment?
  2. Ask if you can get your policy reinstated. If the issue is because of non-payment, your insurance company may be able to reinstate your policy if it hasn't been too long after a missed payment. You may be able to reinstate your policy to have continuous coverage without a lapse.
  3. Shop around. If your car insurance company isn't willing to reinstate your policy, you may need to consider switching car insurance companies.

Customers of the AARP Auto Insurance Program From The Hartford

If you’re a customer of The Hartford and have a question, simply call 888-413-8970 and a customer service representative will be happy to help you.
 

Other Customers

If your coverage with another car insurance company lapses, you may still be able to get coverage with The Hartford. Get a car insurance quote by calling us at 888-413-8970 or get a quote online.
 

Is There a Penalty for Lapse in Car Insurance?

Almost every state requires you to have liability coverage to legally drive your car. Even if you’re driving a registered car, the penalties you’ll face if you’re caught driving without insurance may include:
 
  • Fines of up to $5,000
  • License suspension
  • Impounding of your car
  • Jail time
Penalties for driving a car without insurance can vary by state. For example, in New York, drivers can lose their license and vehicle registration for a year. To get their license reinstated, they must pay the New York DMV $750. New York drivers also face a fine up to $1,500 for driving without insurance or allowing someone to drive your uninsured car.
 

What Happens if Your Insurance Lapses and You Have an Accident?

what happens if car insurance lapsesIf you’re in a car accident while driving without insurance, you could be held financially responsible. You will likely have to pay out of pocket for any property damages or injuries as a result of the car accident.
 

How Long Does an Insurance Lapse Stay on Your Record?

If you’ve had a lapse in coverage, you may have to file an SR-22 with your state for three years to prove you have purchased at least the minimum car insurance required.
 
A lapse in coverage may cause insurance companies to see you as a high-risk driver, even if you have a good driving record. It can also potentially impact your future car insurance premiums.
 
It’s best to keep continuous coverage to get the best insurance rate and make sure that you’re protected in a car accident. If you’re looking for car insurance that will give you peace of mind as you travel, get a car insurance quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance Lapse

You can get car insurance after a lapse a few different ways. If your coverage lapsed because of a missed payment, you may be able to get your coverage reinstated if you pay your bill and your insurer had a grace period. If you have a lapse because your current carrier dropped your coverage or didn't renew your policy, you can get a quote from another insurer.
If your car insurance lapses for one day, it means you don't have coverage for that period of time. Be aware it's illegal to drive without car insurance coverage in certain states. So, even if you have a one-day lapse in coverage, it can lead to significant consequences.
Most states must inform customers at least a month before cancelling a policy. If you missed a payment, your insurance company may have a grace period to give you time to pay your bill and reinstate your policy before it lapses. This grace period can be between 10 and 20 days. If your insurer won't renew your policy, you'll get notified and you'll have time to shop around for quotes.
 
 
Last Updated: November 11, 2024
 
Additional disclosures below.
AARP® Auto Insurance
Quick Links
FAQs
For AARP® Members
Additional Resources
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. Home product is not available in all areas, including the state of FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.
Get a Quote