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When is the new policy actually active?
Is the effective date I request enough to confirm a replacement auto policy is active, or should I wait for final confirmation or proof of coverage before cancelling the old one?
Starting the new policy a little early seems safer than risking a gap, but I’m not sure how insurers handle the overlap or any unused premium on the old policy. If the new documents arrive late, what should I ask the insurer to confirm before setting the cancellation date?
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1 reply
A requested effective date isn’t the same as confirmation that the policy is bound. If the documents are delayed, get the new insurer to confirm in writing that coverage has been issued, with the exact start date and time, and ask for a binder or other proof of coverage. Then set the old policy’s cancellation for after that confirmed start time, rather than cancelling based only on the date you requested.