Reader’s Question:
What should I know before canceling my old vehicle insurance?
Denny
Reno NV
Changing insurers can prove expensive if you do not plan it properly. An old vehicle insurance coverage that has not been properly cancelled may damage your credit report and even your driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you do not give notice to your old insurer, it could report to the DMV that your vehicle insurance has lapsed causing a lot of misunderstanding with the agency. Usually, a cancelled insurance before the expiration date incurs a fee, the amount of which will be determined by the insurer. When giving notice to the old carrier, send them a written notice instead of calling your insurance agent. A written notice avoids miscommunication and misunderstandings concerning the policy number, your name, or even your contact number. You’d like to avoid having another person’s vehicle insurance canceled because of wrong information taken over the phone. Once the company has addressed your request, confirm that your policy has indeed been canceled. Take note of the old plan’s cancellation date and make sure that the effective date of your new insurance coincides with the cancellation to avoid being in a period wherein you are not covered. Accidents could happen any time and it may choose to occur at a time when you’re not covered.