What time does your auto insurance expire?
Most auto insurance expires at 12:01 AM on the end date of your policy, and you can be putting yourself at risk if you drive without auto insurance coverage at the time your car insurance expires. Insurance companies are supposed to send cancellation notices ahead of time since most states do not have a grace period, so you need to know the exact time your auto insurance expires before you have a lapse in coverage.
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Kalyn Johnson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster for 10 Years
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster for 10 Years
UPDATED: Jun 14, 2023
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 14, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Sometimes, you need car insurance right up to the minute it expires. Maybe it’s the end of the month. Maybe you’re shopping for new insurance. Or maybe you’ve missed a payment.
Whatever the reason may be, you need to know what time your car insurance expires. Keep reading to find out.
Most Insurance Policies End at 12:01am on your Expiration Date
The vast majority of car insurance policies will be terminated at 12:01am.
That means at one minute past midnight on your expiration date, your car insurance will expire.
Yes, that means your car insurance provides just one minute of coverage on its expiration date. If you get into an accident at 12:02am on your expiration date, then you may not be covered.
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Make Sure You Avoid a Gap in Coverage
Insurance policy termination times can be confusing. Many people make mistakes.
Unfortunately, these mistakes can lead to serious consequences. Some drivers spend a full day driving without insurance unaware, for example. If you get into a serious accident or injure another person, then you could be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars.
It’s crucial that you avoid a gap between insurance policies.
If you purchased new insurance, then you need that insurance to overlap with your current insurance plan. You need your new insurance to start on the same day your old insurance expires.
If your old insurance is set to expire on June 15, for example, then your new insurance needs to start on June 15. That’s because at 12:01am on June 15, your old insurance will expire. If your new insurance kicks into effect on June 16, then you’re spending 23 hours and 59 minutes of June 15 with a gap in insurance.
When in doubt, buy instant auto insurance online to ensure you stay covered. Or, better yet, avoid driving for that day.
Most States Don’t have a Grace Period
There have been plenty of unlucky drivers that have been involved in accidents while driving home just minutes after their insurance expires.
If your insurance expired at 12:01am, and you get into a collision at 12:02am, then you will not be covered. There is no grace period for insurance coverage.
Insurance Companies Are Required to Send Cancellation Notices
Most states require car insurance companies to send out a cancellation notice before canceling your policy.
If you miss a payment, for example, then your car insurance company might send you a letter warning you that your car insurance will expire if they don’t receive payment before a certain date. That date might just be 10 or 15 days after the letter is initially sent.
In any case, that cancellation notice should clearly state the expiration time of your insurance policy.
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Talk to Your Insurance Company If You’re Unsure
Ultimately, most insurance policies have a 6 month or 12 month term. Most insurance policies also end at 12:01am on the expiration date.
However, this isn’t the case for all car insurance plans. Some insurance companies work differently. Some companies use a more straightforward time system. They might provide coverage up to 11:59pm on your expiration date, for example.
That’s why it’s important to talk to your insurance company or check your policy to make sure you’re covered. Check the declarations page of your policy. The declarations page needs to list the duration of your policy, the date at which your policy is effective, and the date at which it expires.
If your policy just lists an expiration date – but not a time (most don’t list a time) – then you can assume that your insurance policy ends at 12:01am on the expiration date.
Conclusion
Most auto insurance policies will automatically renew at the end of your term, which means you don’t need to worry about the time your car insurance expires.
However, if you missed a payment, or if you’re switching to a new policy, then the time of expiration is extremely important. Typically, your insurance expires at 12:01am on the expiration date – but talk to your insurance agent to make sure you understand the terms of your policy and the time at which it expires. You don’t want to leave a gap in coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does auto insurance expire?
Auto insurance policies typically expire at 12:01 a.m. on the expiration date. However, it’s important to note that the exact expiration time may vary depending on the specific terms and conditions outlined in your policy. It’s always best to consult your insurance provider or refer to your policy documents for the precise expiration time.
Why does auto insurance expire at 12:01 a.m.?
The 12:01 a.m. expiration time is commonly used in the insurance industry to ensure a clear transition from one policy term to another. By setting the expiration time at the beginning of the day, it allows insurance companies to avoid any potential confusion or overlap in coverage when a policy is renewed or replaced.
Can I drive my vehicle on the expiration date before it expires?
Yes, you can typically drive your vehicle on the expiration date before it officially expires at 12:01 a.m. However, it’s crucial to understand that once the clock strikes 12:01 a.m., your coverage will no longer be in effect unless you have renewed or replaced your policy. It’s recommended to take appropriate action to ensure continuous coverage before the expiration time.
What happens if my auto insurance expires?
If your auto insurance expires, it means you no longer have coverage for any future accidents or incidents. Driving without insurance is illegal in most jurisdictions, and you may face legal consequences, fines, and penalties for doing so. Additionally, if you’re involved in an accident without insurance, you may be personally responsible for covering the costs of damages, injuries, or any legal claims.
How can I avoid having my auto insurance expire?
To avoid your auto insurance expiring, it’s important to stay proactive and renew your policy before the expiration date. Insurance companies typically send renewal notices in advance, reminding you to review your coverage and make any necessary changes. It’s advisable to keep track of your policy’s expiration date, communicate with your insurance provider, and complete the renewal process in a timely manner.
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Kalyn Johnson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster for 10 Years
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster for 10 Years
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.