Install
Shopping and Switching terms
Comparing quotes and changing carriers.
Car insurance quoteAn insurer's estimate of what a specific policy would cost you, based on the drivers, vehicles, coverage and discounts you describe.Continuous coverageAn unbroken history of car insurance with no gaps, which many insurers reward with lower rates and some require for discounts.Grace periodExtra time after a missed premium due date, or after buying a car, during which coverage continues before a lapse or a reporting deadline.Independent agentAn insurance agent who represents several insurers and can quote and place your policy with whichever one fits your needs best.Insurance binderA temporary written agreement that puts coverage in force immediately while the insurer finishes issuing the formal policy.Lapse in coverageA period when a vehicle or driver has no active auto insurance, often from missed payments, which can bring penalties and higher future rates.NonrenewalAn insurer's decision not to offer a new term when the current one ends, regulated by states through advance notice requirements.Policy cancellationEnding an insurance policy before its term is over, either by you or by the insurer, as opposed to letting it expire or not renew.Policy renewalThe start of a new policy term with the same insurer when the current one expires, often with an updated price and terms.Prior insuranceYour record of having been insured before you apply, which insurers use to set rates and which can earn a discount when unbroken.Pro rata cancellationA cancellation in which the insurer refunds exactly the unused share of the premium, with no penalty for ending the policy early.ReinstatementRestoring a car insurance policy after it was cancelled, usually for a missed payment, sometimes with a gap in coverage and a fee.Short-rate cancellationA cancellation in which the insurer refunds less than the full unused premium, keeping an early-termination charge when you end a policy mid-term.