Switching car insurance can feel like a paperwork nightmare, and without guidance, it often is. But if you know what you’re doing – or do it with Jerry – the process takes as little as 15-30 minutes. Switching car insurance comes down to five steps: review your current policy, compare quotes, purchase the new policy, cancel the old one, and update your lender and records.
Drivers who switch car insurance save a median of $461 per year, according to Consumer Reports’ 2024 auto insurance survey. You can switch at any time – not just at renewal – and in most cases you’ll receive a pro-rated refund for any unused premium from your old policy.
The key is to never let your coverage lapse. Buy your new policy before canceling your old one, and you’ll be protected the entire time.
Jerry has helped over 1,187,259 drivers compare insurance quotes in the past year and can help you switch policies entirely online. Our customers save an average of 63% when they switch car insurance using the Jerry app. Here’s exactly how to switch, when to do it, and what to watch out for.
Jerry pulls up to 20 quotes from top rated carriers.
How to switch car insurance in 5 steps
Switching car insurance takes less than 30 minutes if you know what you’re doing. Here’s the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Review your current policy
Before you shop, know what you have. Pull up your current car insurance policy and note what it includes:
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Coverage types, like liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, etc.
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Coverage limits, which is the maximum your insurer will pay per incident.
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Deductibles, or how much you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
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Renewal date, which is useful context, though you can switch anytime.
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Discounts you currently get so you can look for the same elsewhere.
Key takeaway: Pick the highest deductible you could comfortably pay tomorrow to keep premiums low without risking a bill you can’t handle in an emergency.
Step 2: Compare quotes
The easiest way to compare quotes is through Jerry, which lets you see rates from 50+ insurers in minutes, without phone calls or paperwork. Below are recent examples of how much Jerry customers have saved after switching car insurance companies.
Recent quotes
Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
You can also compare quotes on traditional comparison sites. But keep in mind that when you’re ready to purchase, you’ll often have to re-enter all your information again on the insurer’s site to actually bind the policy. Or you can go directly to insurer websites, though that means entering your information over and over again just to find the best rate in the first place.
When comparing quotes, make sure you’re looking at the same coverage levels. A cheaper premium that comes with lower limits or a higher deductible may not actually be the right policy for you, because you want to be sure you’re fully covered.
Use the table below to ensure you’re comparing policies on equal terms:
Why it matters: A lower premium isn’t always a better deal. Make sure to compare quotes at identical coverage levels – same limits, same deductible, same coverage types.
Step 3: Buy your new policy
Once you’ve found the right policy, purchase it before canceling your old one. Set the new policy’s start date to the same day you plan to cancel, or slightly before. This prevents any gap in coverage.
You want to avoid a lapse in coverage because it can:
- Result in a lapse notice to your state DMV.
- Raise your rates with your next insurer, because gaps in coverage are a factor in how much your coverage costs.
- Leave you financially unprotected if you’re in an accident during the gap.
Most insurers let you buy and activate a policy entirely online, same-day.
Learn more: Same-day car insurance
Key takeaway: Always activate your new policy before canceling the old one. Even a single day without coverage can trigger a lapse notice to your DMV and raise your future premiums.
Step 4: Cancel your old policy
After your new policy is active, contact your old insurer to cancel. You can usually do this by phone, online, or through your insurer’s app. If you shop with Jerry, we can help cancel your old policy for you.
Be sure to ask for:
- Written confirmation of the cancellation and the effective date.
- A refund of any prepaid premium for unused coverage.
Most insurers will pro-rate your refund, meaning you’ll get back the portion of your premium that covers the time after your cancellation date. If you pay six months upfront and cancel three months in, you should receive a refund for the remaining three months.
Key takeaway: Get written cancellation confirmation and ask about your pro-rated refund. If you paid upfront, you’re often owed money back for unused coverage days, minus any cancellation fees.
Step 5: Update your records
After switching, make sure the right people know about your new policy:
- Your lender or leasing company. If you have a car loan or lease, your lender requires proof of insurance and may need to be listed as a lienholder on the new policy.
- Your state DMV. Some states require notification of insurance changes.
- Your employer, if you use your car for work and your employer requires proof of insurance.
Why it matters: Don’t forget your lender. If you have a car loan or lease, your financing company must be listed on your new policy, and they need proof immediately.
How Jerry makes switching easy
Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that makes it simple to compare quotes from 50+ insurers in one place and buy your new policy entirely online.
Here’s what sets Jerry apart:
- No phone calls or paperwork. Browse quotes, compare coverage, and buy online without talking to an agent, unless you want to.
- Instant proof of insurance. Once you buy, you’ll have proof of insurance immediately, which you can store in the Jerry app – ready to send to your lender or the DMV.
- Mix and match carriers. Compare car and home insurance quotes from separate companies to find the best bundle and maximize savings.
- Licensed agents on standby. Jerry’s licensed agents are available by chat if you need help.
- No data selling. Jerry never sells your information or bombards you with spam calls.
The Jerry difference: Jerry handles the whole switching process in one place. You can compare, buy, get instant proof of insurance, and cancel your old policy, without a single phone call.
When is the right time to switch car insurance?
You can switch at any time, not just at renewal. Here are the most common situations when it makes sense to shop around:
| Situation | Why it triggers a switch | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Your premium increased at renewal | Insurers regularly raise rates even without claims, and being a loyal customer doesn’t guarantee lower prices. | Shop at least 3-5 weeks before renewal; your new policy can start on your renewal date. |
| You moved to a new state or ZIP code | Rates vary significantly by location; your current insurer may not be the most affordable in your new area. | Get new quotes before moving. |
| You bought or leased a new car | Different cars mean different risk profiles and premiums. | Compare quotes for the new car before finalizing your purchase. |
| You added someone to your policy | Life changes affect your risk profile. Some insurers handle multi-driver households better than others. | Re-shop after any major life changes to see if a different insurer offers a better rate. |
| Your driving record improved | Accidents and tickets typically fall off your record after 3-5 years, depending on your state. | Shop once the violation ages off your record, because your current insurer may not automatically lower your rate. |
| You’re unhappy with claims service | According to J.D. Power’s 2024 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, 80% of customers with poor claims experiences have left or plan to leave their insurer. | Check J.D. Power claims ratings and NAIC complaint ratios before choosing a new carrier. |
Key takeaway: The best time to switch is when your premium rises, after a move or life change, or when a violation falls off your record.
It only takes 2 minutes to sign up at Jerry.
Frequently asked questions about how to switch car insurance
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Can I switch car insurance at any time?
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Will I get a refund when I cancel my car insurance?
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Does switching car insurance hurt your credit?
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How long does it take to switch car insurance?
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Can I switch car insurance after an accident or ticket?
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Do I need to notify my lender when I switch car insurance?
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Should I switch home and car insurance at the same time?
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How much can I save by switching car insurance?
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What information do I need to switch car insurance?
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.
