The average driver overpays $500-1,200/year by not shopping around. Switching takes 30 minutes and the process is risk-free if you follow these steps.
🚨 The Golden Rule: NEVER have a gap in coverage. Your new policy must be active BEFORE you cancel the old one. Even one day without insurance is illegal in most states and can raise your rates for 3-5 years.
Step 1: Gather Your Current Policy Details
Before getting quotes, know what you currently have:
Deductibles: How much you pay before insurance kicks in ($500, $1,000, etc.)
Current premium: What you pay per month or per 6-month term
Discounts you have: Multi-car, good driver, bundled home, etc.
Policy renewal date: The ideal time to switch
Step 2: Get 5+ Competing Quotes (30 Minutes)
Comparison sites (do these first): The Zebra, Policygenius, Insurify — one form, 50-100+ carriers
Direct carriers: GEICO (geico.com), Progressive (progressive.com), USAA (military only)
Independent agent: Represents multiple carriers, can find deals you won't see online
Credit union/employer/alumni: Group rates through Costco, AAA, professional associations
Important: Compare the SAME coverage levels across all quotes. A cheaper quote with lower liability limits isn't actually cheaper — it's less protection.
Step 3: Evaluate Beyond Price
Claims satisfaction: Check J.D. Power ratings — the cheapest insurer isn't helpful if they fight every claim
Financial strength: A.M. Best rating of A or higher (the insurer can actually pay claims)
Discounts available: Bundling, good driver, low mileage, defensive driving, paperless
Specific features: Accident forgiveness, new car replacement, roadside assistance
Mobile app quality: For filing claims, ID cards, roadside — matters more than you think
Step 4: Buy New Policy First
Choose your new carrier and purchase the policy
Set the effective date to match your old policy's cancellation date
Get your new insurance ID card (digital or printed)
Verify coverage is active before proceeding
Step 5: Cancel Old Policy
Call your current insurer (or visit your agent)
Say: "I want to cancel my policy effective [date]"
Provide new carrier name and policy number if asked
Ask about your refund for any prepaid premium
Get written confirmation of the cancellation date
Verify your old autopay is stopped
Step 6: Post-Switch Checklist
☐ Update your car's glove box with new insurance card
☐ Update your state DMV/registry if required
☐ Inform your lender/leasing company of the new carrier
☐ Verify the refund from your old insurer arrives (7-14 days)
☐ Set a calendar reminder to re-shop in 2-3 years
💡 Pro Tips for Maximum Savings: • Raise your deductible from $500 to $1,000 — saves 15-30% on premiums • Drop collision on older cars — if your car is worth under $10K, self-insure the collision • Ask for every discount — many insurers have hidden discounts (teachers, engineers, homeowners) • Pay in full if you can — avoids monthly installment fees ($3-10/month) • Improve your credit — in most states, better credit = lower insurance rates • Take a defensive driving course — $25-50 course saves 5-15% for 3 years
When NOT to Switch
Active claim: Wait until it's fully resolved — switching mid-claim complicates things
Recent accident: Your current carrier may be more forgiving than a new one seeing recent claims history
Savings are minimal: Switching for $50/year isn't worth the 30 minutes — look for at least $200+ difference
You love your agent: A great agent who advocates during claims has genuine value
📊 Find All Your Insurance Payments Upload your bank statement to JustCancel — we'll find every recurring charge including insurance premiums and help you identify what to audit.