Getting a cancellation notice from your car insurance company usually means there is hassle headed your way. If you can’t resolve whatever issue caused the cancellation, you’ll need to shop for a new insurance company.

If you’re shopping for a new insurer, you may discover higher rates. Another unfortunate side effect of having your car insurance canceled is that the cancellation shows up on your record and causes other companies to see you as a higher risk. Higher risk results in higher insurance rates.

Common Reasons for Car Insurance Cancellation

Car insurance can be canceled for a variety of reasons, often dictated by state laws. The most common acceptable reason for cancellation is that you didn’t pay the premium on time.

Here are other common reasons for car insurance cancellation:

You Didn’t Fully Disclose Necessary Information in Your Auto Insurance Application

Your car insurance company relies on several factors to set your rates, such as your vehicle’s “garaging” address, and who drives your car regularly. Failing to accurately report this information is often referred to as a “material misrepresentation” and may be cause for cancellation.

 

Your Driver’s License or Vehicle Registration Was Revoked or Suspended

If you have your license or registration revoked or suspended within the policy period, or often within 36 months before the notice of cancellation, your policy could be canceled. If a regular driver on your policy has their driver’s license suspended, your car insurance company might require you exclude them from the policy, meaning they are no longer covered. If they do drive, your policy could be canceled.

You Made a Fraudulent Claim

If you file a claim, or someone else makes a claim against your insurance policy, you are expected to provide complete and accurate information. If you purposely fail to do so, your car insurance company could cancel your policy.

You Have a Medical Condition That Affects Your Ability To Drive Safely

Health conditions like epilepsy and heart attacks can require a certificate from a physician testifying to your ability to drive safely. If that certificate is not provided, your insurance company may cancel your policy.

You Were Convicted of DUI, DWI or OUI

If you or a regular driver on your policy is convicted of a DUI, DWI or OUI, your risk to car insurance companies skyrockets and so will your rates. The average rate increase after a DUI is 70%. But you may receive a cancellation notice from your current insurer instead.

Your Car Isn’t Safe To Drive

If your car has mechanical problems to the point it endangers public safety, your policy could be canceled. Also, if your state requires inspection and you do not get your car inspected or it fails inspection, that may be grounds for cancellation.

You Use Your Car for Business Purposes

A personal car insurance policy generally doesn’t cover business use. For example, if you use your car to visit job sites or make deliveries. If you use your car for work (aside from commuting to work), you likely need a commercial auto policy.

You Drive Passengers for Hire

If you use your car to drive for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft and don’t tell your insurer, it might cancel your policy or deny a claim. Your personal car insurance policy is intended only to cover you for personal vehicle use. If you cause an accident while using your vehicle for a business, your claim could be denied. Instead, look into rideshare insurance.

Auto Insurance Cancellation vs. Non-Renewal

Another way to lose your auto insurance is through non-renewal. This happens when a policy is due for renewal and the insurer decides not to continue it after the policy expiration date.

Reasons for car insurance non-renewal can be similar to cancellation, such as nonpayment and misrepresentation on an application. Some states, such as New York and Oregon, allow credit information and/or your auto insurance score to be a reason for non-renewal by an auto insurer.

How Do I Find Out If My Car Insurance is Canceled?

A car insurance company is required to give you advance notification of cancellation, typically sent by mail or electronic delivery.

The time frame for advance notice varies by state and the reason the policy is being canceled:

  • Cancellation for nonpayment typically requires 10 days notice of cancellation. 
  • A notice of cancellation for other reasons, like a driver’s license suspension, can generally range from 20 to 45 days, depending on the state.

If you receive a cancellation notice, you’ll want to deal with it immediately. If you think the insurer has misinformation, or the reason is a late payment, ask if you can resolve the issue before cancellation.

If you think the cancellation of your car insurance policy is unfair or unlawful, and you can’t resolve it with the insurance company, you can contact your state department of insurance. State departments of insurance are the official takers of complaints against insurers, not the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or other organizations. And if a department of insurance sees a pattern of unfair cancellations, it could take enforcement actions against the insurer, such as fines.

What Happens If Your Car Insurance is Canceled ?

After a car insurance company cancels a policy, it is required to notify the state’s department of motor vehicles. When you lack car insurance, your state could require you to turn in your car’s tags.

Driving without car insurance is illegal in all states (except New Hampshire and Virginia) and could result in penalties, including driver’s license suspension, fines and even jail time in some states.

In addition, if you cause an accident while driving without insurance, you could be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for any damages, including costly medical bills.

Can You Get Car Insurance After Being Canceled ?

You can still typically get car insurance after a cancellation, but expect to pay higher premiums because of it. To save money, compare car insurance quotes from several different insurance companies.

Regular drivers without major driving record issues and past claims typically have “standard” auto insurance policies. But in some cases, a history of accidents, lapses in coverage and, yes, cancellation, can make it hard to find any company willing to sell you a standard policy.

These drivers can be forced into the “non-standard” market, where there are fewer insurance options and higher insurance rates. Non-standard auto insurers include Dairyland, Direct General, Gainsco, The General and Infinity.

As a last resort, you can get coverage through your state’s assigned-risk pool. Car insurance companies in every state must participate in the state’s assigned-risk pool by taking a certain number of drivers, based on the insurer’s amount of business in the state. These assigned-risk policies will be expensive, but it’s a way to get auto insurance.

If you’re unable to find coverage, contact your state insurance department for more information on the assigned-risk pool.

What Happens If I Get Caught Driving Without Car Insurance?

Driving without car insurance can have both legal and financial consequences. That’s because every state has some form of “financial responsibility” law, which basically means that you must show you can pay for others’ medical bills and property damage if you cause a car accident. Most folks satisfy this requirement by purchasing auto liability insurance.

Here are two ways that driving uninsured could cause serious financial and legal pain.

Causing an Accident Without Car Insurance

If you cause a car accident while driving without insurance, you could be hit hard by out-of-pocket expenses to pay for others’ medical bills and car repairs. For context, the average nationwide cost of a bodily injury claim is more than $20,000 and the average property damage liability claim is about $4,200, according to the most recent data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

People who drive without insurance end up costing everyone else. Because an uninsured driver may not have funds to pay a legal judgment, other drivers protect themselves by purchasing uninsured motorist coverage in case they’re hit by an uninsured driver.

Getting Caught Driving Uninsured

Many states have sought to crack down on uninsured drivers with legal ramifications. If you get pulled over and cannot show proof of insurance, you could be hit with fines, penalties and even jail time.

Here’s a look at examples of the consequences for driving without car insurance.

State Fine (first offense) Other potential consequences
$100-$200
Impoundment of your vehicle
$150 reinstatement fee
License and car registration suspension
$300-$1,000
Loss of your driver’s license for one year community service
$150-$1,500
Jail for up to 15 days
$175-$350
$250 surcharge on your license for three years

Reasons Car Insurance Can Be Canceled in Your State

Alabama

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation.
  • Violation of policy terms and conditions.
  • You didn’t fully disclose motor vehicle accidents and moving traffic violations for the preceding 36 months on your insurance application.
  • You made a false or fraudulent claim, or assisted someone else make a false or fraudulent claim.
  • You failed to maintain membership in a group or organization in which the membership was a prerequisite for getting the car insurance policy.
  • You or any other driver in your household or someone who customarily drives your car has within 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation 1) had their driver’s license revoked or suspended; or 2) becomes subject to epilepsy or heart attacks and does not have a certificate from a physician testifying to their ability to drive a car; 3) has an accident record, conviction record, physical, mental or other condition which might endanger public safety; 4) addiction to narcotics or other drugs; 5) excessive use of alcohol.
  • You or any other driver in your household or someone who customarily drives your car has been convicted or forfeited bail within 36 months prior to cancellation for 1) any felony 2) any felony, criminal negligence resulting in death, homicide or assault arising out of driving your car; 3) driving while intoxicated under the influence of alcohol or drugs; 4) being intoxicated while in or about a car or having custody of a car; 5) leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it; 6) theft or unlawful taking of a car; 7) making false statements on a driver’s license application.
  • You or any other driver in your household or someone who customarily drives your car has been convicted of or forfeited bail for three or more violations in the 36 months prior to cancellation.
  • Your car is mechanically defective and endangers public safety.
  • Your car is used for hire, like a taxi service.
  • Your car is used to transport flammable materials or explosives.
  • Your car is an authorized emergency vehicle.
  • You changed the shape or condition of your car during the policy period in a way that would substantially increase risk.
  • Your car has not been inspected or failed inspection.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 20 days notice for all other reasons. The notice must be mailed or delivered to you.

Alaska

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You or another driver in your household had their license suspended or revoked

Your car insurance company is required to give you 20 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium, 10 days for license suspension or 30 days for all other reasons. The notice must be mailed or sent by electronic delivery.

Arizona

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Policy misrepresentation.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your vehicle has 1) had their driver’s license revoked during the policy period; 2) develops a permanent disability and does not have a certificate from a physician or nurse practitioner testifying to their ability to safely drive a car.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your vehicle has been convicted in the 36 months immediately before the policy effective date or during the policy period of 1) criminal negligence resulting in death, homicide or assault arising out of driving a car; 2) operating a car while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs; 3) leaving the scene of an accident; 4) making false statements on their driver’s license application; 5) reckless driving.
  • The insurance company has been placed in rehabilitation or receivership by the insurance supervisory official or has its certificate of authority suspended due to financial problems.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car uses it for business purposes.
  • The Arizona director of insurance determines the continuation of your insurance policy would place your insurance company in violation of the laws of Arizona or would jeopardize the insurance company’s solvency.
  • If you are eligible for an insurance policy based on being an employee of the insurance company and you are terminated, the insurance company can non-renew your policy within 12 months following your termination of employment.

Your car insurance can be canceled for nonpayment of premium after a seven-day grace period. For all other cancellations, the insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice. Cancellation notices are sent by mail or sent by electronic delivery, or delivered to a designated third-party for military personnel.

Arkansas

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You or any driver of your car is convicted of driving while intoxicated, or homicide assault arising out of the use of a car.
  • You or any driver have three separate convictions of speeding or reckless driving in the 36 months prior to the policy effective date, or any combination of the two during the policy period.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has had their driver’s license suspended or revoked during the policy period, if the policy is a renewal, during the policy period or 180 days immediately preceding the policy effective date.
  • Misrepresentation of a fact that would have caused the insurance company to decline to issue a policy.
  • Nonpayment of membership dues when they are required by your policy.

Your car insurance company is required to give 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment and 20 days for all other reasons. Cancellation notices will be mailed or delivered to you and your lienholder (if you have one).

California

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has had their driver’s license suspended or revoked during the policy period; or if the policy is a renewal, during the policy period or the 180 days immediately preceding the policy effective date.
  • You made a fraudulent car insurance claim.
  • Misrepresentation of any of the following information about you, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car 1) safety record; 2) annual miles driven in previous years; 3) number of years of driving experience; 4) record of prior car insurance claims; 5) any other factor found by the California insurance commissioner to cause a substantial risk of loss.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice for cancellation due to nonpayment of premium and 20 days for all other reasons. Notice of cancellation will be mailed to you, your lien-holder (if you have one) and any additional interested parties.

Colorado

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You, your household members and anyone who customarily drives your car has had their driver’s license suspended or revoked during the policy period; or if the policy is a renewal, during the policy period or the 180 days immediately preceding the policy effective date.
  • You knowingly made a false statement on your car insurance application.
  • You knowingly and willfully made a false statement on a claim submitted to your car insurance company.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice for nonpayment of premium or 30 days for all other reasons. Notice of cancellation will be mailed or sent by electronic delivery.

Connecticut

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Your driver’s license or vehicle registration was revoked.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. Notice of cancellation will be mailed or sent by electronic delivery.

Delaware

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Policy misrepresentation, such as lying about the vehicle’s garaging address.
  • You violated the terms and conditions of your policy.
  • You failed to disclose your car accidents and moving traffic violations or car insurance claims for physical damages within the previous 36 months (if your application requests this information).
  • You did not fully disclose facts about car insurance claims.
  • You made a false or fraudulent car insurance claim.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has within the 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation 1) had their driver’s license revoked or suspended (except for revocations and suspensions based on a juvenile court action or non-driving related drug offense); 2) has a history of epilepsy or heart attacks; 3) has an accident record, conviction record, or a physical or mental condition in which driving a car might endanger the public; 4) participated in a race while driving a car insured under the policy; 5) uses narcotics or other drugs; 6) uses alcohol to excess.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has been convicted or forfeited bail during the 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation for 1) any felony; 2) criminal negligence resulting in death; 3) driving while intoxicated; 4) leaving the scene of an accident; 5) theft or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; 6) making false statements when applying for a driver’s license.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has been convicted or forfeited bail for three or more violations and the point total exceeds eight points, or three at-fault accidents in which claims paid exceed $250 per accident within 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation.
  • Your car is mechanically defective.
  • You carry passengers for hire.
  • You use your car for the business of transporting flammable materials or explosives.
  • Your car is an authorized emergency vehicle.
  • A change occurs during the policy period that substantially increases risk.
  • Your car has not been inspected or fails inspection.
  • If the Delaware commissioner of insurance shows that the continuation of your policy may be hazardous to you or the public.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. Notice of cancellation will be sent by mail or electronic delivery.

District of Columbia

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Your motor vehicle registration certificate has been suspended or revoked during the policy period.
  • Your driver’s license was suspended or revoked during the policy period.
  • You made a material and willful misstatement or omission of fact to your insurance company or its employees, agents or brokers in connection with an insurance application or claim.
  • Your car has been transferred to a person (other than your beneficiary), unless the transfer is permissible under the terms of your policy.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 15 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be sent by mail or electronic delivery.

Florida

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation or fraud.
  • You or a regular driver had your driver’s license suspended or revoked.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 45 days for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be sent by mail.

Georgia

  • Nonpayment of any premium or installment.
  • Material misrepresentation, like your garaging location.
  • You violated the terms and conditions of your policy.
  • You failed to disclose accidents and moving violations for the preceding 36 months (if required in the application).
  • You failed to disclose necessary underwriting information.
  • You made a false or fraudulent claim.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car within 36 months of the notice of cancellation has 1) had their driver’s license suspended or revoked; 2) has heart attacks or epilepsy and does not produce a medical certificate testifying to their ability to drive a car; 3) has an accident record, criminal record or other condition which might endanger the public; 4) has been addicted to drugs within 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has been convicted or forfeited bail within 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation for 1) any felony; 2) criminal negligence using a car resulting in death or assault; 3) driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs; 4) intoxicated while in or about a car; 5) leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it; 6) theft or unlawful taking of a car; 7) making a false statement in your driver’s license application; 8) convicted of or forfeited bail for three or more moving violations within 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation.
  • Your car is mechanically defective in a way that endangers the public.
  • Your car is used to carry passengers for hire (except for car pools).
  • Your car is used to transport flammables or explosives.
  • Your car is an authorized emergency vehicle.
  • Your car has changed shape or condition during the policy period in a way that substantially increases the risk.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation due to nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be sent by mail or electronic delivery.

Hawaii

  • The license of the principal driver of the car is suspended or revoked.
  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • The policy has a conditional renewal.
  • The policy has been in effect for 60 days or less and the reason for cancellation is not prohibited.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 20 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be sent to you in the mail.

Idaho

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation.
  • You violated the policy conditions.
  • You failed to disclose your traffic record.
  • You pursued a fraudulent claim.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has within 36 months: 1) had their driver’s license revoked or suspended; 2) has a history or subject to epilepsy or heart attacks and does not have a physician’s certificate testifying to safely driving a car; 3) has an accident record, conviction record (either criminal or traffic) or has a physical or mental condition that endangers public safety; 4) has used the insured vehicle to participate in racing; 5) has been addicted to drugs within the 36 months preceding cancellation; 6) uses alcohol to excess.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has within the 36 months prior to notice of cancellation has been convicted or forfeited bail for 1) any felony; 2) criminal negligence arising from the operation of the automobile; 3) driving while under the influence or driving while intoxicated; 4) leaving the scene of an accident; 5) automobile theft; 6) fraudulent statement on the driver’s license application; 7) convicted or forfeited bail or has had a judgment entered against any law, ordinance or regulation of any state for which a point is assessed in Idaho.
  • Your car is mechanically defective in a way that endangers the public.
  • Your car is used to carry passengers for hire (except carpools).
  • Your car is used to transport flammables or explosives.
  • Your car is an authorized emergency vehicle.
  • Your car has changed in a way that would increase the risk.
  • Your car has not been inspected or fails to pass.
  • Your car insurance company may go out of business: It has an action ordered due to rehabilitation or liquidation.
  • Continuation of the insurance policy might create a condition for the insurance company that is hazardous to policyholders, creditors, members, subscribers, stockholders or the public.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation due to nonpayment of premium and 20 days for all other reasons. Notice of cancellation is sent in the mail or delivered to your address.

Illinois

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation, such as lying about the car’s garaging address.
  • You violated the policy’s terms and conditions.
  • You failed to fully disclose your motor vehicle accidents and moving traffic violations for the preceding 36 months (if requested in the application).
  • You made a false or fraudulent claim or assisted someone with a false or fraudulent claim.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has within 12 months prior to the notice of cancellation 1) had their driver’s license revoked or suspended; 2) becomes subject to epilepsy or heart attacks and does not produce a certificate from a physician testifying to their ability to safely drive a car; 3) has an accident record, conviction (criminal or traffic), or physical or mental condition which might endanger public safety; 4) has been addicted to narcotics or other drugs within the last 36 months.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car in the last 36 months has been convicted or forfeited bail for 1) any felony; 2) criminal negligence resulting in death, homicide or assault arising out of driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs; 3) being intoxicated while in or about or while having custody of a car; 4) leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it; 5) theft or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; 6) making false statements in an application for a driver’s or chauffeur’s license; 7) been convicted or forfeited bail for three or more violations within the 12 months immediately preceding the notice of cancellation.
  • The car is mechanically defective in a way that endangers public safety.
  • The car is used in carrying passengers for hire (except for carpools).
  • The car is used in the business of transportation of flammables or explosives.
  • The car is an authorized emergency vehicle.
  • The car changed shape or condition during the policy in a way that substantially increased the risk.
  • The car has not been inspected or failed to qualify.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be mailed to you and your lien-holder (if you have one) by mail or electronic delivery.

Indiana

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has had their license suspended, revoked or denied during the policy period.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car is 1) under treatment for epilepsy or heart disease and does not produce a certificate from a physician testifying to their ability to safely drive a car; 2) uses drugs or alcohol to excess.
  • Fraud, willful misrepresentation or concealment of any fact relating to the issuance or continuation of the insurance policy or relating to a claim.
  • You violated the terms and conditions of the policy.
  • The place of residence is changed to a state or county where the insurance company is not licensed.

Your car insurance company is required to provide at least 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 20 days for all other reasons. Notice of cancellation will be mailed or delivered to you and your insurance agent, or sent electronically.

Iowa

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Nonpayment of dues or fees to an association where your membership is required in order to obtain or continue the insurance policy.
  • Fraud or misrepresentation regarding the insurance policy or an insurance claim.
  • You violated the terms and conditions of the policy.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has had 1) their license suspended or revoked during the policy period, or if the policy is a renewal, during the 180 days immediately preceding the policy effective date; 2) has used the insured vehicle to race.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has within the 36 months preceding the notice of cancellation been convicted or forfeited bail for any of the following: 1) criminal negligence resulting in death, homicide or assault arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle; 2) driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a drug.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. Notice of cancellation will be sent by mail or electronic delivery.

Kansas

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Fraudulent misrepresentation.
  • You violated policy conditions.
  • You or anyone who customarily drives your car has had 1) their driver’s license suspended or revoked during the policy period; 2) a condition of epilepsy or heart attack and they cannot produce a certificate from a physician testifying to their ability to drive safely.
  • You or anyone who customarily drives your car during the 36 months preceding the policy effective date or during the policy period has been convicted of 1) any felony; 2) criminal negligence resulting in death, or assault while operating a motor vehicle; 3) driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs; 4) leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it; 5) theft of a motor vehicle; 6) false statement on driver’s license application; 7) three moving violations within 18 months.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 30 days notice of cancellations for all reasons other than nonpayment of premium. Refer to your policy for the rules for cancellation notice for nonpayment. Your notice of cancellation will be mailed to you.

Kentucky

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You or anyone who customarily drives your car has had their license suspended or revoked during the policy period, or if a renewal, during the policy period or 180 days immediately preceding the policy effective date.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation.

Your insurance company is required to give you 14 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 20 days for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be sent by mail or electronic delivery.

Louisiana

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has had their driver’s license or vehicle registration revoked or suspended during the policy period, or if the policy is a renewal, during the 180 days preceding the policy effective date.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation in relation to an insurance claim.
  • The insurance company has not received an application for insurance in which a valid binder has been issued.

Your insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice due to nonpayment of premiums and 30 days notice of cancellation for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be mailed or delivered to you.

Maine

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation.
  • You violated the terms or conditions of the policy.
  • You or a regular driver has had their driver’s license suspended.

Your insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium, plus five days for mailing. All other reasons require 20 days notice, plus five for mailing. The notice of cancellation will be mailed to you and the loss payee.

Maryland

  • Material misrepresentation or fraud in relation with the application, policy or claim.
  • A matter or issue related to a risk that might endanger public safety.
  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Revocation or suspension of your driver’s license or motor vehicle registration.
  • You or a driver covered under the policy have 1) two or more at-fault accidents or any combination of three or more accidents and moving violations within the preceding 36 months; 2) three or more moving violations within the preceding 24 month period.
  • Material misrepresentation about your driving record for which the insurance company would not have provided coverage.
  • You or another driver covered under the policy have been convicted of one of the following: 1) driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs; 2) homicide, assault, reckless endangerment or criminal negligence arising out of the operation of the vehicle; 3) using the car to participate in a felony.
  • You intentionally misrepresented information on an application to prevent the insurance company from obtaining a credit report, credit score or other credit history.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 45 days for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be sent by mail or electronic delivery.

Massachusetts

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation in your insurance application or renewal.
  • You or household members who drive your car have had their license revoked or suspended.
  • You fail to have your car inspected after the insurance company requests an inspection after paying a collision insurance claim.
  • Your car insurance company can cancel you up to 90 days after the policy renewal date if 1) the insurance company is making a general reduction in written policies in Massachusetts or 2) you have failed to complete and return the renewal application at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the previous policy.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 20 days notice of cancellation. The notice of cancellation will be sent to you in the mail.

Michigan

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You or another driver lost your license and the suspension or revocation is final.
  • The risk is unacceptable to the insurance company.

A car insurance company is required to give 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium. The notice of cancellation can be sent by mail or electronic delivery.

Minnesota

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation or fraud.
  • You did not fully disclose all car accidents and traffic violations for the preceding 36 months.
  • You did not fully complete the written application for insurance.
  • You did not give a written notice of loss (claim) or lawsuit against you, or you refused to cooperate in the investigation or defense of a claim or lawsuit.
  • You or a household member has 1) had their driver’s license suspended within 36 months prior to cancellation; 2) epilepsy or a heart condition and has not produced a medical opinion testifying to their ability to safely drive a car; 3) a driving record, or physical or mental condition that endangers public safety.
  • You or a household member has been convicted or forfeited bail in the last 24 months for 1) criminal negligence; 2) assault in the use of an automobile; 3) DWI or DUI; 4) leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it; 5) false statement on a driver’s license application, or 5) conviction or bail forfeiture in the last 18 months for any violation which justifies the revocation of your driver’s license.

A car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. Notice of cancellation will be mailed or delivered to you, or sent electronically.

Mississippi

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You, your household members or anyone who regularly drives your car has had their driver’s license or vehicle registration suspended or revoked during the policy period, or if a policy is a renewal, during its policy period or during the 180 days preceding the effective date, unless within seven days of the action you advise the insurance company of the suspension and agree to exclude the driver from coverage. Further use of the car by the excluded driver will be grounds for cancellation.
  • Failure to maintain membership in an organization when the policy is dependent on membership.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice of cancellation will be mailed or delivered to you and any named creditor loss payee.

Missouri

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended during the policy period.

Your car insurance company is required to give you at least 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed to you or sent electronically.

Montana

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has had their driver’s license revoked or suspended during the policy period, or if the policy is a renewal, during the 180 days preceding the effective date.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 45 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

Nebraska

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation or fraud.
  • You violated the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.
  • You or a regular driver of the vehicle has 1) had their license suspended or revoked; 2) been convicted of larceny or theft of an auto; 3) been convicted for an offense for which suspension or revocation of their driver’s license is mandatory.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed to you.

Nevada

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation.
  • Discovery of an act of omission or violation of policy conditions that occurred after the policy effective date and substantially increased the risk.
  • Conviction of a crime arising out of acts increasing hazards the vehicle is insured against.
  • A change that increases the risk.
  • The Nevada insurance commissioner determines that continuation of the insurance policy would jeopardize the insurance company’s solvency or be hazardous to the interests of policyholders.
  • The insurance commissioner determines that continuation of your insurance policy would violate Nevada law.

Your insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. “Anniversary cancellations,” meaning you’ve had the policy longer than one year, require 30 days notice. The notice will be mailed to you or sent electronically.

New Hampshire

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Failure to sign the required New Hampshire residency form.
  • At your request.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 45 days for failure to sign the state residency form. The notice will be mailed to you.

New Jersey

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation or nondisclosure of a fact that would increase the risk.
  • Lack of cooperation in matters which could substantially increase the risk.
  • Failure to provide reasonable and necessary information to the insurance company.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 15 to 30 days notice of cancellation due to nonpayment, or 10 days if you paid a portion of the premiums. Notice of 20 days is required for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed to you.

New Mexico

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Misrepresentation, fraud or concealment of fact.
  • Your driver’s license was revoked or suspended.
  • You submitted a fraudulent claim.
  • There is a change which substantially increases risk.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium, 30 days for a substantial change in risk and 15 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

New York

  • Nonpayment of premium or an installment that was overdue, and any unpaid fees charged for installments, late payments or reinstatement.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation when obtaining the insurance policy or in submitting an insurance claim.
  • You or a regular driver of the car has had their driver’s license revoked or suspended.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 15 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 20 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you and your insurance agent or broker, and to third parties designated by senior citizens.

North Carolina

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You and the insured vehicle are not licensed, registered or principally garaged in North Carolina.
  • The insurance company has terminated your insurance agent’s contract or the agent has terminated their contract with the company.
  • You provide false or misleading information that would affect risk.
  • You knowingly make a material misrepresentation in relation to you or a regular driver’s driving record.

Your car insurance company is required to give 15 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 60 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed to you or sent electronically.

North Dakota

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You or your household members who usually drive your car have had their driver’s license revoked or suspended.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation.
  • Your car is mechanically defective in a way that endangers public safety.
  • Your car is used to carry passengers for hire (except for carpools).
  • Your car is used to transport flammables or explosives for an illegal purpose.
  • The car is an authorized emergency vehicle.
  • The car is altered in a way that would substantially increase risk.
  • You failed to pay membership dues or fees to an organization that was a prerequisite for obtaining or continuing the policy.
  • The North Dakota insurance commissioner determines that continuation of the policy would place the insurance company in violation of the law or would be hazardous to the interests of policyholders, creditors or the public.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 20 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

Ohio

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Misrepresentation, fraud or concealment of fact to the insurer.
  • You had negligent acts or omission that increased risk.
  • You had your driver’s license revoked or suspended.
  • You made a fraudulent claim.
  • There was a substantial change in risk.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

Oklahoma

  • Your insurance company can cancel a policy for reasons relating to your credit information. Oklahoma law does not state other grounds for cancellation.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation by mail or electronic delivery. In relation to credit information, the reasons must be clear and specific. Terms such as “poor credit history,” “poor credit rating” or “poor credit score” are not sufficient explanations.

Oregon

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation or fraud.
  • Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
  • Your credit history or score.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. Notice will be mailed or delivered to you, or sent electronically.

Pennsylvania

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Misrepresentation or concealment of facts that would be used by the insurer to determine risk.
  • Your driver’s license or vehicle registration has been revoked or suspended.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 15 days notice for nonpayment of premium or loss of license or vehicle registration and 60 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

Rhode Island

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended.
  • You violated the terms and conditions of the policy.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation.
  • You or another regular driver is subject to epilepsy or heart attacks.
  • You have been convicted or forfeiture of bail for three or more violations (speeding or any motor vehicle misdemeanor) committed within an 18-month period.
  • You have been convicted or forfeiture of bail during the 36 months preceding the policy effective date for 1) any felony; 2) homicide, assault or criminal negligence resulting in death, in operation of a motor vehicle; 3) driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs; 4) hit and run; 5) motor vehicle theft; 6) false statements in your application for your driver’s license.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

South Carolina

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Your driver’s license was suspended or revoked.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 15 days notice of cancellation. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you, or sent electronically.

South Dakota

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended.
  • You failed to participate in a 24/7 sobriety program.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 20 days notice of cancellation. The notice will be sent by mail, delivery or electronically.

Tennessee

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Misrepresentation or failure to disclose information when obtaining the insurance policy.
  • Failure to fully disclose your driving record from the previous 36 months.
  • Failure to provide requested information.
  • You violated the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.
  • You made false or fraudulent claims.
  • You or another driver of the car has 1) had a driver’s license or motor vehicle registration revoked or suspended up to 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation; 2) epilepsy or heart attacks and cannot provide a physician’s approval to drive; 3) been convicted or forfeited bail during the previous 36 months for various offenses.
  • The car is altered in a way that would increase risk.
  • The car is used as an emergency vehicle.
  • Your car has not been inspected or fails to pass inspection.
  • There’s an additional driver not listed on the original application who is an unacceptable risk.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 20 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you or sent electronically.

Texas

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • You presented a fraudulent claim.
  • The department of insurance determines that continuation of your policy would result in a violation of the insurance code or any other state insurance law.
  • Your driver’s license or motor vehicle registration has been suspended or revoked.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation. The notice will be mailed to you.

Utah

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation or fraud.
  • A substantial change in risk that could not have reasonably been seen by the underwriter when writing your policy.
  • A violation of contractual duties, conditions or warranties.
  • Your age is specified as a “terminal age for coverage.”
  • You or a customary driver has had their license revoked or suspended.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation and 30 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you and your lienholder (if you have one), or sent electronically.

Vermont

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Fraud or material misrepresentation affecting your policy or a claim made under the policy.
  • Your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 15 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 45 days for all other reasons. The notice can be sent by mail, delivery or electronically.

Virginia

  • Nonpayment of premium or any installment.
  • You, your household members or anyone who customarily drives your car has had their driver’s license revoked or suspended.
  • You notified your insurance company that your legal residence has changed and your car will be garaged in a new state.

Your car insurance company is required to give 15 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 45 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

Washington

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked.
  • A reason for the cancellation existed prior to the effective date of the policy renewal.

Your car insurance company is required to give 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium or 20 days for all other reasons. The notice must be mailed or delivered to you.

West Virginia

  • Nonpayment of premium or any installment.
  • Your policy was obtained through material misrepresentation.
  • You violated the terms or conditions of your policy.
  • You or a regular driver of the car had their license suspended or revoked for failing to consent to a chemical test for intoxication.
  • You or a regular driver is subject to epilepsy or heart attacks and cannot provide a doctor’s approval to drive.
  • You or a regular driver is convicted or forfeited bail during the policy period for certain crimes, such as any felony or assault involving the use of a motor vehicle, negligent homicide arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle, a DUI or leaving the scene of an accident.

Your car insurance company is required to give 14 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 30 days for other grounds. The notice will be mailed or e-mailed to you and the loss payee.

Wisconsin

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Material misrepresentation.
  • You violated contractual duties, conditions or warranties.
  • There was a substantial change in risk.
  • An accident during the course of employment.

Your car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation. If your policy has a term longer than one year (or an indefinite term), 60 days notice of cancellation is required. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

Wyoming

  • Nonpayment of premium.
  • Your driver’s license or vehicle registration has been revoked or suspended.
  • Fraud when filling out the auto insurance application.
  • Any reason determined by the Wyoming insurance commissioner after a hearing.

The car insurance company is required to give you 10 days notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium and 20 days for all other reasons. The notice will be mailed or delivered to you.

Car Insurance Cancellation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I can’t afford my car insurance payments?

If you can’t afford your car insurance payments, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company may work with you to avoid cancellation for non-payment, including extended car insurance grace periods, waiving late fees and offering payment plans.

Do insurance companies check if you had insurance canceled?

Yes, insurance companies check to see if you’ve had continuous auto insurance, including cancellations. That’s because having a gap in your insurance history is seen as a higher risk, which typically translates into higher insurance premiums.

If you plan on getting rid of your car or you are between cars, you might want to maintain car insurance to avoid the “coverage gap.” A good way to do this is by purchasing non-owner car insurance.

Is it hard to get car insurance after being canceled?

It can be difficult to get car insurance after being canceled, depending on the reason for cancellation. For example, cancellations due to a DUI conviction, too many traffic violations or a history of car accidents generally make you an undesirable customer.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t get car insurance. If you are placed in your state’s “non-standard” market, you can find insurance from companies like Dairyland, Direct General, Gainsco, The General and Infinity. While you can expect to pay higher rates, you can ask if you qualify for any car insurance discounts, like discounts for vehicle safety equipment, an anti-theft device and pay-in-full discounts.

What happens if you cause a wreck and don’t have insurance?

If you cause a car accident and don’t have car insurance, you can expect both financial and legal pain. Without car liability insurance, you’ll be on the hook for any property damage and injuries you may have caused (meaning you’ll have to pay out of pocket). 

Aside from being responsible for car repair bills and medical expenses, you could also face fines, penalties and even jail time.