Get free quote in-app

(400K+)

Car Insurance Refund (July 2023)

The Better Way to Shop for Car Insurance Refund

√ Free quotes from 200+ carriers in seconds

√ Lowest rate guaranteed

√ $971 savings per year on average

4.9/5 Rating on the App Store

consumerreports
lifehacker
nationwide
travellers
mapfre
safeco
kemper
national-general
anchor
still-water
bridger
alinsco
commonwealth
suncoast
aspire

Car Insurance Refund

You would possibly also want to cancel your car insurance policy if you have decided to quit driving your car for some reason. Reasons might include wishing to minimize your carbon emissions and ride in public transport. Another reason might be moving to a different country or state that doesn't need a motorcycle or RV trading in your smartphone. Also, you might only want to change your insurance providers for a more affordable or more robust plan and want to end your current policy.

In recent times car insurance has been canceled as people are stuck at home due to work from policy enforced by their respective employees. In some cases, people have lost their jobs and cannot afford to pay the insurance payments that can seem like a luxury. To alleviate the policyholders of the financial burden, many car insurance companies have introduced car insurance discounts, rebates, or refunds. Some car insurance companies provide savings because fewer people are driving because of stay-at-home or social distancing guidelines. Many of you have to cancel your vacations, take fewer trips around town, or work from home. Many car insurance holders have either suspended their policy or canceled it as a whole.

One of the most beautiful words to hear is a refund. Car insurance companies also have a policy of issuing a refund. Knowing how your auto insurance payment system operates and the penalties that might lead to early termination of a policy will help you make choices such as when to adjust your car insurance or remove coverage on a vehicle.

How does a car insurance refund work?

US drivers are scheduled to collect trillions of insurance refunds, as lockouts of COVID-19 have limited car usage and the possibility of accidents. The compensation steps taken by car insurers in the USA were unequal, and the results were uneven. In certain situations, states like California and New Jersey required premium refunds or invited insurers. The majority of personal car operators returned between 10 percent and 25 percent to customers in March, April, and May to account for the considerably smaller number of miles. However, the multiple premium discounts for auto insurance in the US were not enough to build customers' loyalty, but had the opposite effect and led customers to pursue alternatives. This is because only 37% of consumers know about the reductions and refunds, and 50 percent were far more likely to shop for new insurance, transfer and cancel policies, even if they knew that the drops were being delivered.

Many car insurance firms provided auto insurance rate reductions to reflect the lower risk and estimated that customers' cost savings could amount to $600 million. However, these reimbursements did not compensate for the prizes that customers in some regions have charged so far.

Car insurance paid in full

If you have paid your car insurance in full, the billing will be easier to grasp. Refunds may occur for a variety of different reasons. The more you paid in advance, the more likely you will get a refund if you cancel your auto insurance policy. Frequent reasons to qualify for a refund if you have paid in full include:

  • Mid-term cancellation of your auto insurance policy
  • Removing the coverage of a car
  • Change of coverage or the omission of a vehicle
  • Moving to a low-risk area
  • Excluding a high-risk driver from your schedule

See what you could save on auto insurance

Car insurance paid by the month

If you pay your premiums on a month-to-month basis, you have less money to pay for the future. More than likely, any adjustments you make to your car will come in the form of credit for your future billing. In other words, a refund is less likely, and credit is expected to minimize the future expenses instead of producing a refund. The best way of getting a refund if you pay annually is to cancel your auto insurance policy in the middle of the billing period.

How can you stop any issues with the car insurance refund?

Follow the below tips to avoid car insurance refund problems:

  • Cancel on the day of renewal of your auto insurance.
  • Stop on your monthly payment due date if you pay every month.
  • Make changes to your auto insurance renewal deadline.

Using your renewal or payment date as the day to make changes makes it so that you don't owe any money to them, and they don't owe any money to you. Previous adjustments to your auto insurance might make that statement untrue. However, most of the time, you'll be all set if you stick to your renewal date.

How is the refund amount calculated during the present situation?

With most U.S. drivers sheltered and a substantial decrease in miles and auto insurance claims around the country, car insurance providers have taken extraordinary measures as "financial first responders" to alleviate their consumers' pressure in the form of refunds and loans.

Rebates of 15% for April and May auto insurance premiums are standard, but amounts differ by the insurance provider. The total amount returned to U.S. auto insurance consumers will be more than $10 billion, as estimated by the Insurance Information Institute on April 11. But why the 15 percent refund? And in some instances, 25%? How did car insurance firms get to these numbers? Telematics systems monitor mileage and driving conduct, such as braking and speeding, to determine the consumer's car insurance rate.

While these car insurance refunds are an unprecedented response to an unusual situation, some argue they are not enough. Current rebates are not adequate to represent a severe drop in claims. This leads to insurers receiving 'coronavirus windfall.' Current insurers' premiums are excessive, even with refunds. According to their estimates, the number of cars and incidents has decreased by 50% or more since the outbreak of COVID-19. The policyholders may need twice the amount of reductions and refunds that are initially given by the insurers. This will balance how much consumers pay with how much driving they do.

It is recommended that the policyholders do the following:

  • Ask the insurance provider for a premium allowance.
  • Tell the insurance provider to re-rate your rates based on your current mileage, not the mileage you used to drive.
  • Contact the state insurance commissions and elected officials to ask them to get insurance providers to take more action.

The hidden and obscure costs during car insurance refund

The challenge in measuring acceptable car insurance refunds is that a specific percentage reduction in driving cannot be converted into an equivalent percentage of refunds. There are also unknown factors, such as the severity of lawsuits, which is the real expense of each new claim when calculating the refund. Some "hidden costs" are not expressed in the refund percentages. Many car insurance providers have extended free commercial auto insurance to drivers who use their vehicles for distribution. Usually, the distribution of driving will not be protected by a private car insurance policy. This expansion of coverage would inevitably require claims that would not otherwise have been paid. In the short term, there might also be improvements in driving habits that push up insurance premiums.

Although car insurance companies' telematics data indicate a substantial decrease in the number of miles driven, they have also seen a rise in speed, which may lead to a significant increase in the number of claims due to car damage. Some of the uncertain factors include the nature of injuries, changing driving patterns, and claims for delayed maintenance due to people staying at home. There are other factors, too. There could be a disturbance in the supply chain of auto parts—many of which are imported from foreign countries, increasing repair costs.

Due to the current situation, many automobile insurance firms have left the door open to further actions to offer their customers financial relief. USAA aims to track the status and search for ways to support its members. Historically, the U.S.A. has returned the money to its members in distributions, dividends, and bank rebates and incentives. In the meantime, more insurance commissioners and direct insurers in their countries are expected to change premiums, such as refunds, credits, and reductions.

You should consult with your state insurance department to see if it has ordered the insurers to take similar action.

Refunds and grants are not the only tools used by insurance providers to support consumers. Many auto insurers provided flexible payment options, deferred late payment fines, fees, suspended cancellations, and non-renewals and offered extended auto insurance grace periods.

Status of car insurance refund of significant companies

A total of $10.5 billion has been returned to consumers by the largest insurers in the country. Allstate, Liberty Mutual, USAA, Chubb, and others give consumers offers. They are among those firms. The United States has abandoned highways and roads to help lessen the coronavirus's spread since the beginning of quarantine in mid-March. Car insurance providers want to assist the individuals responsible for the outbreak and stayed at home. These citizens, who only have to pick up the phone and ask for them, will be paid back and credit.

Major car insurance companies in the United States of America have refunded most of their policyholders. In April, Allstate was the first significant insurance firm to declare it would offer a credit of around 15% of the month's premiums for its auto insurance policyholders due to the April and May pandemic. The same loan will be extended to June 30. Because of COVID-19, State Farm and many others supported consumers with car insurance relief.

Below is the status of the refund:

Allstate car insurance refund: Allstate is the nation's fourth-largest auto insurer. The auto insurance company refunded 15 percent of monthly premiums to consumers in April, May, and June. The payments for the Northbrook, Illinois-based firm amounted to more than $1 billion. Allstate is going to be paying consumers back in two ways. Quarantine drivers will be reimbursed, although most consumers receive a 15 percent rebate for April and May. Eighteen million consumers will receive discounts.

American Family car insurance refund: American Family Insurance of Madison, Wisconsin, the ninth-largest corporation. American Family Insurance offered a one-time refund in April of $50 for each vehicle under its automotive scheme. Since then, the company has launched a new initiative providing a 10% monthly credit for auto-policy purchases by the end of the year.

See what you could save on auto insurance

Farmers car insurance refund: Farmers Insurance of Woodland Hills, California, the seventh-largest group. Farmers cut premiums for farmers and 21st-century auto-policy holders by 25 percent in April and 15 percent in May. New York consumers received a one-time 40 percent refund.

Liberty Mutual car insurance refund: Liberty Mutual, the sixth-largest auto insurer. Liberty Mutual provided 15 percent of the annual premium to auto policyholders for two months. It returned around $250 million to the Boston-based Liberty Mutual and Safeco customers it owns.

Nationwide car insurance refund: Nationwide, the No. 8 automobile insurance carrier, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide issued a one-time refund of $50 on each personal auto insurance policy effective March 31. The refund is equal to 15 percent of the average bill for two months.

State Farm car insurance refund: State Farm is the country's largest auto insurer, headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois. State Farm paid an average of 25 percent of auto policyholder credits from March 20 to May 31. State Farm has lowered the car rate by an average of 11 percent nationally due to a shift in driving behavior. The two programs had saved consumers $4.2 billion.

Travelers car insurance refund: Travelers offered 15 percent premium credit to customers keeping personal auto policies for April, May, and June. The nation's 10th largest automobile insurer is based in New York City.

USAA car insurance refund: USAA is a San Antonio-based member-owned association representing active and retired military members. USAA is repaying $800 million to policyholders via a three-month premium credit of 20%.

Hartford car insurance refund: Hartford, whose plans include AARP-branded auto insurance, charged consumers 15 percent of their personal auto insurance premiums for April, May, and June.

Chubb Auto insurance car insurance refund: Chubb Auto insurance will offer a 35% premium deduction for April and May and will give out additional discounts over the subsequent months.

MetLife car insurance refund: MetLife will give a 15% credit for April and May premium members.

Car insurance companies have introduced other steps to support consumers who have lost or been burst into their jobs and are financially disadvantaged by the pandemic. In the spring, several people briefly avoided canceling non-payment plans and withdrew late payment charges. As with the premium rebates, these blanket compensation schemes ended mostly between May and June, but a few businesses provide support on a case-by-case basis, such as flexible payment plans. Moreover, some countries and Columbia have demanded leniency for insurance customers in terms of policy cancellations. For more details, please contact your insurance company or the insurance department of your state.

The refunds are arriving at a very convenient time with the financial lock-up of millions of households across the world. The refunds initiated by car insurance companies in the United States can be used as an example. Car insurance companies worldwide can follow the same model of issuing refunds due to a drop in driving, primarily due to commuters working from home. More quiet roads are likely to lead to fewer injuries and resulting lawsuits.

INSURANCE AGENT EXPERTS

Wilson Mathew Nechikat

Wilson Mathew Nechikat

Principal

View Profile

Anthony Luu

Anthony Luu

Sr. Director of Insurance Operations

View Profile

Ezra Peterson

Ezra Peterson

Sr. Director of Insurance

View Profile

Danny Herrera

Danny Herrera

Head of Commercial Insurance

View Profile

Auto Insurance Data Methodology

The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of research completed by Way.com’s data team. Using a mix of public and internal data, we analyzed millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes.

Quotes are typically based on a full coverage policy average unless otherwise noted within the content.

These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only — your own quotes will differ. Given this, it’s important to go through our insurance steps form to find how much you can save with way.com

Car Insurance Refund FAQ

Can I cancel my car insurance?

Yes, you can cancel your car insurance.

When I cancel my car insurance, will I get a refund?

You will be refunded your premium payments in full within 21 days of your order – the cooling-off period (as long as you have not made any claims). You are refunded a pro-rata amount, i.e., any new share of the premium (less the 'early termination' charge, and before you have made any claim) if the premium is charged annually and canceled after the cooling-down period. Payments (e.g., quince or a monthly) to your premium and cancel it after the time of refreshment will not refund all fees you have made.

Is there a charge to cancel car insurance?

It is possible to charge a fee if you cancel a car insurance policy. Usually, a charge would apply if you cancel your auto insurance policy within the first two weeks of purchase. Most of the time, if you have had the same insurance policy for a long time, no charge would apply. If a fee is paid, it will be deducted from your refund's balance if any is due. Check with your insurance company about cancellation fees.

How high is my car insurance refund going to be?

It can be tricky to work out the value of your insurance refund. Often the tax company or insurance agent can determine the refund amount instantly. Car insurance refunds are typically pro-rated, i.e., the premium is measured by day, and any prepaid unused days will be refunded. If you cannot get the exact bill from your representative at the time of your policy shift, you will usually be able to get an accurate response within a few days of your change request.

How long is it going to take to get my car insurance refund?

It depends. Drivers should expect a refund anywhere between April and June, depending on the type of refund policy the car insurer provides, including rebates, credits, or a one-time payment. Many insurance providers have a 10-day period in which your auto insurance account must have been canceled before a refund check is issued. Expect an average wait period of two weeks to receive a check in the mail.

How am I going to get my auto insurance refund?

The traditional method of refunding is by checking in the mail. Some insurance carriers refund the money to your bank account if you have a car insurance policy with EFT payments. Since the methods of refund delivery can differ, you can ask your insurance agent or representative.

I haven't got a refund check. What am I going to do now?

If you have been waiting for two weeks and have not got a refund check or a direct deposit, please contact your insurance company. Check your mailing address to see if the right address is in the register. The insurance carrier will be able to see if the refund check has been paid. Assuming the statement has not been paid, the insurance company will be allowed to keep the check issued and issue a new bill to you. Some businesses need a full 30 days to pass before a further statement is released. Luckily, your account will arrive in the mail promptly. Otherwise, you could be waiting for a replacement for up to 45 days.

Is it possible to cancel my car insurance policy after I make a claim?

You can cancel your car insurance policy anytime you want. Remember that you will not be refunded for the remainder of your contract periods if you pay your premium monthly and cancel your policy mid-term after you claim.

What is the process of switching car insurance companies?

It is much simpler and more comfortable to switch car insurers than you might expect - follow these measures.

  • Research and Compare – Compare and seek quotes from various insurers' offerings.
  • Purchase – you'll save 15 percent if you get an offer and purchase a robust Budget Direct or third party strategy.
  • Contact – Contact your former insurer when you are covered to reject their renewal

proposal or cancel the other policy in the interim. You can refund the unused part of your premium if you cancel mid-term. However, they may charge you an annulment fee.

When I prepay my premium month in advance, how will I demand a refund?

In general, policyholders with prepayment premiums are more than likely to earn credits issued to policyholders with monthly premiums in the same month.

What is the status of the USAA car insurance refund?

USAA is repaying $800 million to policyholders via a three-month premium credit of 20%.

What is the status of the Allstate car insurance refund?

Allstate refunded 15 percent of monthly premiums to consumers in April, May, and June. The payments amounted to more than $1 billion. Allstate is going to be paying consumers back in two ways. Quarantine drivers will be reimbursed, although most consumers receive a 15 percent rebate for April and May. Eighteen million consumers will receive discounts.

Do you get a refund when you cancel car insurance?

In most situations, if you have paid your premium in advance and canceled it before the end of the contract, the insurance provider must refund the balance.

Can you get a refund on unused car insurance?

Before the lapse of your policy, it is recommended that you seek a refund from your insurance service provider. The insurer must pay you the rebate if you have already charged the annual fee.

Can I get a refund on car insurance?

Having a refund on your insurance would depend on the circumstances surrounding your cancellation policy. Many businesses will refund any remaining balance if you need to cancel before your policy term is finished.

How to get a refund on car insurance?

If you have paid your premiums in full and canceled your auto insurance policy until it expires, most insurance providers will refund you for the remaining months. You can also get a refund if you make changes to your policy, such as selling a vehicle or withdrawing a driver from your policy.

Learn more by city and state for car insurance



Learn more by city and state for car insurance




Digital Insurance Card

Access your digital insurance card through the app. You no longer need to carry your physical insurance card with you.

Get reminders & quotes

Receive reminders before your renewal. Way.com will also send new quotes from up to 45 insurance companies with your renewal reminder.

Share with family

Keep everyone on your policy up to date by sharing your insurance information.

Manage your policy

Make changes to your policy right from the app (coming soon) and ask for expert advice.

Get the App:

Find the best Auto insurance rates on-the-go

For the best user experience, please download our Way app.

Please Enter A Valid Mobile Number!
Text Sent, Please download!

or

app store
google play