An insurance lapse is a gap in your car insurance coverage, commonly due to a missed payment or when switching providers. Even one day without coverage can lead to higher rates, fines and legal trouble.
Jerry has helped 39,135 customers find new policies and get back on the road with coverage after an insurance lapse.
Fast track your car insurance with Jerry.
How an insurance lapse can happen
A car insurance lapse happens when you don’t have active car insurance coverage, regardless of reason. This not only leaves you financially exposed if you cause a car crash, but also legally vulnerable. You could face steep fines, a license suspension or even jail time.
Common causes of an insurance lapse include:
💳 Missing a payment deadline.
🔄 Switching insurers, with a gap between policies.
❌ Canceling your policy without replacement coverage.
📅 Forgetting to renew your policy.
✅ What doesn’t cause a lapse: Getting a speeding ticket, adding a new driver to your policy, moving to a new address or filing a claim won’t create coverage gaps.
Learn more: Is car insurance required?
Key takeaway: Even brief insurance lapses count against you, impacting future rates and eligibility for 3-5 years. Compare car insurance quotes in the Jerry app, where you can see personalized quotes in minutes and get covered after a lapse.
How a lapse impacts insurance costs
An insurance lapse can raise your rates because insurers view it as a sign of higher risk, but the impact varies based on the reason for the lapse.
Having a lapse on your record can also limit the number of companies willing to insure you. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Even if one insurer turns you down, many others will still offer coverage.
The Jerry difference: Shopping around with Jerry makes it easier to find a policy that fits your needs and helps you avoid a lapse.
See coverage options after an insurance lapse.
Get quotes after a lapse with Jerry
If you’ve had a lapse, finding affordable coverage can be challenging. Jerry helps drivers with insurance lapses by comparing quotes from over 50 insurers and finding applicable discounts that can help offset higher rates.
🔔 We also can help you switch insurers without causing a gap in coverage, so you don’t experience a lapse ever again. Plus, our app can send you reminders to get new quotes once your lapse has fallen off your record.
What to do if your insurance lapses
If your car insurance lapses, contact your insurer immediately to see if you can reinstate your policy by paying any outstanding premiums. You may also need to pay a fee.
If your company has dropped you, shop for new coverage right away and avoid driving until you’re covered again. When applying for new insurance, be honest about your lapse and have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, previous insurance details and payment method ready.
Ready to shop for coverage after a lapse? Compare quotes now.
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FAQ
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⚖️ Will you get in legal trouble for a car insurance lapse?
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📊 How long does a lapse stay on your record?
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🤔 Can you drive during a grace period?
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📄 Do you need an SR-22 if you have a car insurance lapse?
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⏱️ Can you get insurance immediately after a lapse?
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✓ How can you prove you had continuous coverage?
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.
