How to Cancel GEICO Auto Insurance in 2026
Updated February 2026 · Difficulty: Medium · ~$150-200/mo average
⚠️ Critical: Get New Insurance BEFORE You Cancel
A coverage gap — even one day — can increase your next insurance premium by 20-40%, get your license suspended in some states, and violate your auto loan agreement. Always have your new policy active before canceling GEICO.
Step-by-Step: Cancel GEICO
- Get new insurance first. Have your new policy number and effective date ready
- Call 1-800-841-3000 (GEICO cancellation line)
- Tell the agent: "I need to cancel my auto policy effective [date]."
- Provide your new insurance company name and policy number
- The agent may ask why and offer a discount — decline if you've already switched
- Confirm your refund amount and how it will be delivered
- Ask for written confirmation of cancellation (email or letter)
- If you financed your car, confirm GEICO notified your lienholder
Your Refund
GEICO provides a prorated refund for any unused premium — no cancellation fee. Here's what to expect:
- Paid in full: Refund for unused months/days, typically within 2-4 weeks
- Monthly payments: Remaining balance adjusted; you may owe nothing or get a small refund
- Refund method: Check mailed to your address, or credit back to your payment method
- If you cancel mid-month, your refund is calculated to the exact day
Why People Leave GEICO
GEICO's premiums have increased significantly in 2024-2026. Common reasons for leaving:
- Rate increases: GEICO raised rates 15-25% across many states in 2025-2026
- Renewal shock: Your renewal quote is often 20-40% higher than your current premium
- Better rates elsewhere: Progressive, State Farm, and USAA are frequently cheaper for the same coverage
- Poor claims experience: GEICO's claims satisfaction has dropped in recent J.D. Power surveys
- Bundling savings: Combining home + auto with another insurer often beats GEICO's auto-only price
The Coverage Gap Danger
Insurance companies share data through the CLUE database and state DMV systems. A lapse in coverage — even one day — triggers consequences:
- Higher premiums: Insurance companies charge 20-40% more for drivers with a coverage gap
- State penalties: 49 states require auto insurance; penalties include fines ($150-$5,000), license/registration suspension, or SR-22 requirements
- Loan violation: Your lender may buy force-placed insurance at 3-5x the normal rate and add it to your loan
- Legal liability: An accident without insurance means personal liability for all damages
How to Find Cheaper Insurance
- Compare quotes: Use The Zebra, Policygenius, or Jerry to compare 10+ companies in minutes
- Bundle discounts: Home + auto saves 15-25% with most companies
- Raise your deductible: Going from $500 to $1,000 deductible saves 15-20% on premiums
- Check for discounts: Good driver, low mileage, multiple vehicles, professional organization
- Ask about usage-based: Pay-per-mile programs (like Metromile or Root) can save 40-60% if you drive under 10,000 miles/year
💰 The Insurance Shopping Payoff
The average driver saves $400-800/year by shopping around at renewal time. Insurance companies count on inertia — they know most people won't bother comparing quotes. Spending 15 minutes on a comparison site could save you more per hour than your actual job pays.
🔍 Find all your insurance charges
Upload your bank statement to JustCancel and we'll identify all your insurance payments — auto, home, renters, pet, identity theft — plus every other subscription. You might be paying for overlapping coverage. Takes 30 seconds.