How to Switch Car Insurance

Switching car insurance companies can often save you money and time. To make life even easier, we’ve highlighted the five key steps to switching from one insurer to another with ease.
Author:
Lily DiGregorio
Lily DiGregorio,Staff copywriter
Lily DiGregorio
Staff copywriter specializing in auto and home insurance for The Hartford.
Reviewed By:
Ben Ewbank
Ben Ewbank,Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing
Ben Ewbank
Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing at The Hartford.
LinkedIn Profile
Updated: 02/04/2026
Read Time: 7 minutes
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Key Takeaways

  • There is no universal best time to switch your car insurance, since it depends on factors unique to you, like whether you’ve moved or if your relationship has changed. Regardless, you may want to time it close to your renewal date to avoid any lapse of coverage.
  • We’ve detailed the five key steps to remember when you’re looking to change car insurance companies. 
  • If you’re thinking about switching insurance providers, The Hartford offers industry-leading customer service and exclusive benefits just for AARP members.

How To Switch Car Insurance Providers

Are you wondering how to switch car insurance companies or if it’s even a good idea? In some cases, switching from your current insurer can help you save money while ensuring your policy fits your evolving car insurance needs.  
 
We’ve noted the best time to switch car insurance carriers and the five essential steps you’ll need to take.
family happy knowing how to change car insurance

When Is the Best Time To Switch Car Insurance?

The best time to switch car insurance is based on personal factors, like budget or lifestyle changes. However, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you switch before your current coverage expires to avoid a lapse in insurance.
 
Factors to consider include:

Changing Car Insurance Due to Personal Circumstances

When life changes, your car insurance should change with it. Significant life events play a role in your car insurance cost, such as:
 
  • Celebrating a marriage
  • Navigating a divorce
  • Adding a teen driver to your policy
  • Assessing your changing credit score
Once you turn 50, you’ll become eligible for AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford,1 unlocking exclusive benefits and savings just for experienced drivers.
With AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, you can save up to 10% on your car insurance just for being an AARP member.†
 

Changing Auto Insurance When You Move to a New State

While many people know that moving impacts your home insurance, where you live also plays a big part in your car insurance. Rates and coverage requirements vary by state, so if you’re planning to move or recently did, it’s a good idea to review your policy and shop around if necessary to make sure you have the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.
 

Switching Auto Insurance Because Your Rates Are Too High

A common reason people switch car insurance carriers is because they’re looking to save money. Whether you’ve experienced a rate increase or are just looking for ways to keep more money in your pocket, it can be wise to see what discounts and savings other insurance companies offer that yours may not.
We believe in rewarding responsible habits behind the wheel with safe driver discounts. By having no collisions, at-fault accidents or violations for at least five years on your driving history, you can save up to 10% on your auto insurance policy with The Hartford.
couple happily changing auto insurance online

How To Switch  Car Insurance Companies in 5 Steps

Switching car insurance companies doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, we’ve made it simple by detailing five crucial steps.

1. Compare Car Insurance Quotes

To find the best rate, you’ll want to compare car insurance quotes from various insurance carriers. The Insurance Information Institute recommends comparing at least three different car insurance companies.
 
To get a quote, you’ll need to provide:
 
  • Basic personal details, like your name, address and date of birth.
  • Vehicle information,** like make, model and ownership status.
  • Details about any additional drivers.
  • Information about your current auto insurance policy, like coverage amounts.
** Tip: Knowing your Vehicle identification number (VIN) will get you the most accurate price.
Remember that the cheapest insurance policy isn’t always the best and usually comes with less coverage, leaving you vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses if an accident occurs. Be sure to compare quotes with the same coverage limits and types of protection.
 
Also, look at the company’s car insurance reviews and ratings, which many insurers post publicly, to understand how customers feel about their service and claims process.
 

2. Look for Cancellation Fees and Penalties

Before you cancel your old policy, review any cancellation fees and penalties. To check these penalties, you can:
 
  • Visit your insurance provider’s website
  • Call the carrier directly to speak with a representative
  • Talk with your insurance agent
Also, look at the timing of your new car insurance policy’s start date and your old policy’s cancellation date to avoid a coverage lapse. In some states, you can be penalized for not having car insurance coverage, even for a short period of time. You’ll then have to pay out of pocket for any accidents during this lapse in protection.
 

3. Get Your New Policy

Once you’ve compared policies and feel confident, it’s time to buy your new policy. At this point, you may want to speak with your new insurance provider to ensure you have the car insurance coverage and benefits you’re looking for. For example, if you have a lease or loan on your vehicle, you’ll likely need both collision and comprehensive coverage.
 
When you finally change car insurance, be sure you have at least the minimum coverage amount required in your state.
Debating your coverage needs and insurance goals? The Hartford's car insurance calculator will explain what's required where you live, plus how much additional coverage you may want.
 

4. Ensure Your Existing Policy is Canceled

If you’ve switched to a new insurer, confirm your old car insurance policy is canceled so you’re not stuck paying for two policies. In some cases, you’ll need to officially cancel your policy in writing. It can be helpful to talk with a representative at your insurance company to ensure you’ve done everything correctly and request confirmation that your car insurance policy is terminated.
 

5. Swap Out Your Old Insurance ID Cards

Once your new coverage is effective, you’ll receive proof of insurance cards. They may be sent in the mail but are sometimes sent digitally, so print them for easy access when you need them most. Remember to replace your old insurance ID cards from your previous insurer with your new ones. If you’re in an accident or are stopped by the police, you’ll need to provide this proof of insurance.
 

Can I Switch Insurance Companies in the Middle of a Policy?

Yes, you can switch insurance policies at any time during your policy. But sometimes the insurance company will charge cancellation fees if you end your policy early. These can range from around $20 to over $200.
 
Sometimes when you switch insurers, you may also lose out on deals that can last throughout multiple policy terms. Companies typically offer these car insurance discounts because they’re trying to build a loyal customer base.
 
However, switching to the right carrier can still result in overall savings.
The Hartford proudly offers car insurance discounts and exclusive benefits just for AARP members. For instance, if you bundle insurance with The Hartford and combine your auto and home policies, you can save an average of $963.**
females in car discuss changing car insurance

How Often Should You Switch Car Insurance Companies?

Generally, it’s good to shop around for car insurance quotes every six to twelve months. Ideally, you’ll want to time an insurance coverage switch when your current policy period is up. This can help you avoid cancellation fees or a lapse in coverage.

Switch Auto Insurance and Save With The Hartford

Wondering how to change auto insurance? AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford is easy to get and comes with a variety of car insurance benefits and discounts to help save you money.
 
Some additional coverage options and benefits include:
New Car Replacement Coverage, which helps pay to replace a totaled new vehicle with a new car of the same make, model and equipment without subtracting anything for depreciation.§§
RecoverCare§ Coverage, which helps cover costs for home services, like house cleaning, if you’re injured in an accident and can’t do them yourself.
Disappearing Deductible, an optional benefit that reduces your collision deductible on your auto policy over time as long as you are a safe driver and maintain a clean driving record.‡
Accident Forgiveness, which excuses your first accident if you need to file a car insurance claim, as long as all drivers on your policy have a clean driving record and are accident-free for five straight years with The Hartford.‡
To learn more about how to change car insurance and start taking advantage of savings with AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, get a quote online or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.
Find out how much you could save if you switch:
For payroll amount:
You could save
$597
on average
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Related Articles

† Average annual savings are derived from 6-month policy terms and based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford’s newest rate plan between 9/1/24 and 8/31/25. This data is also used to determine the number/percentage of individuals who saved money when they switched. Your savings may vary. Rate differences from AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure.
** Average annual savings are based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford’s newest rate plan between 9/1/24 and 8/31/25. Average auto insurance savings $597 and average home insurance savings $366. Your savings may vary. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.
 
§ Availability of RecoverCare benefit and benefit levels vary by state. The Hartford RecoverCare Advantage® is a registered mark of The Hartford.
 
§§ Terms and conditions apply.
 
‡ Terms and conditions apply. Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible are not available to CA policyholders.
 
‡‡ Terms and conditions apply. Availability varies by state.
 
‡‡‡ Based on one car and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and characteristics of vehicle(s)/driver(s).
 
Additional disclosures below.
AARP® Auto Insurance
Quick Links
FAQs
For AARP® Members
Additional Resources
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. The Hartford does not write new Home business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.