
Auto insurance companies can drop you after a claim, but it's not necessarily a permanent decision. You have the right to ask why you're being dropped and what you can do to reinstate your coverage.
Being dropped from your auto insurance policy can be a stressful experience, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you move forward. If you're facing a dropped policy, know that you're not alone.
Auto insurance companies drop policyholders for various reasons, including excessive claims, poor driving history, or failure to pay premiums. According to the article, "excessive claims" is a common reason for policy cancellation, with 75% of insurance companies citing it as a major factor.
If you're dropped from your auto insurance policy, you can shop around for a new policy that suits your needs and budget.
Broaden your view: Understanding Insurance Claims
Reasons for Non-Renewal
If your auto insurance policy was dropped after a claim, it's essential to understand the reasons behind this decision. Insurers usually aren't required to renew your policy, although some states limit nonrenewals to policies that have existed for less than two years.
Your driving history is a significant factor in nonrenewal decisions. Unpaid premiums, multiple insurance claims, and a big hit on your driving record can all contribute to your insurer dropping you.
A lower credit score can also increase your risk to the insurer, leading to nonrenewal. If your insurer no longer offers policies in your area, you'll need to find a different one.
Here are some common reasons for nonrenewal:
- Unpaid premium on a renewing policy
- A number of insurance claims in rapid succession
- A big hit on your driving record
- A lower credit score
- Your insurer no longer offers policies in your area
Policy violations, such as providing false information on your application or engaging in illegal activities while driving, can also lead to nonrenewal. If you're considered a high-risk customer, it may be challenging to get coverage with major insurance companies.
What to Do After Non-Renewal
If your auto insurance company dropped you after a claim, it can be a stressful situation. Contact your insurer immediately to clarify the reason for the non-renewal and ask if you can reverse the outcome.
The reason for the non-renewal is usually stated in the notice you received, but it's a good idea to call the insurance company and speak with an agent who can provide a detailed explanation and answer any questions you might have.
A cancellation notice will include the reason the policy is being canceled, and a nonrenewal notice might, too. Correcting mistakes, such as making an overlooked payment or correcting an error on your application, might allow the insurer to reinstate your policy.
Read the cancellation or nonrenewal notice carefully to find out the date your coverage ends. You'll need to purchase new coverage by that date if you can't get your current policy reinstated or renewed.
To shop for a new policy, watch for discounts you might qualify for, such as for having multiple policies with the same insurer, having a positive driving history, or driving infrequently or for short distances.
Secure new coverage before your current one ends, as a lapse in coverage can negatively affect your rates in the future.
Here's an interesting read: Can You Appeal Insurance Cancellation
Consequences of Car Cancellation
Canceling your car insurance can have serious consequences, and it's essential to understand what you're up against. Your driving privileges could be suspended due to license suspension, which is a real possibility.
A lapse in insurance can stay on your record for three to five years, during which time other insurers might consider you high-risk. This can lead to more expensive monthly premiums or even difficulty finding coverage.
If you're dropped by your insurer, it might not necessarily affect your future rates, especially if the reason for nonrenewal has nothing to do with you. For example, if your insurer no longer issues policies in your area, it's not a reflection on your driving record.
However, if you're canceled or nonrenewed for cause, such as being at fault in an accident, it could have a significant effect on your rates. Your claims history might make you riskier to insure, leading to higher premiums.
A canceled insurance policy can indicate financial instability, irresponsible behavior, or an increased likelihood of future claims, making it harder to find affordable coverage. Insurers will likely check your record when you apply for new insurance, so it's crucial to understand the consequences of canceling your policy.
See what others are reading: Automotive Claims Adjuster
Understanding the Process
If your auto insurance company drops you after a claim, it's essential to understand the process behind their decision. The insurance company reviews your claim to determine whether it was legitimate or not.
In most cases, insurance companies will drop a policyholder if the claim was deemed frivolous or excessive. For example, if you filed a claim for a minor fender bender that was your fault, the company may view it as a high-risk behavior and drop your policy.
On a similar theme: Drop Coat
How Long Does Cancelled Status Stay on My Record?
Cancelled car insurance can stay on your record for three to five years. This can affect your ability to get new insurance at a reasonable rate.
Other insurers will likely check your record when you apply for new insurance. They may view you as high-risk and charge you higher premiums to offset that risk.
A lapse in insurance can indicate financial instability or irresponsible behavior. This can make it harder to get new insurance or find affordable rates.
Insurers may consider you a higher risk if your insurance was canceled. This can lead to more expensive monthly premiums or difficulty finding coverage.
Curious to learn more? Check out: New York State Auto Insurance Claim Laws
Reasons an Auto Insurer May Drop You in Indiana
If you live in Indiana, it's essential to understand why an auto insurer may drop you. A cancellation or non-renewal of your policy can have significant consequences on your ability to find new coverage.
In Indiana, a cancellation typically happens when you fail to pay your premium or misrepresent facts on your initial application. This usually occurs before the end of the policy payment period.
A non-renewal, on the other hand, happens at the end of the policy period and is often due to your driving history or other factors. Your insurer may refuse to renew your policy for several reasons, including:
- A bad driving record can lead to non-renewal, especially if you rack up traffic violations.
- A DUI conviction is considered a major risk, and insurance companies may deny policy renewal.
- Delinquent premium payments can result in non-renewal, so make sure to pay your premiums on time.
- Fraudulent claims can lead to cancellation and non-renewal.
- Too many at-fault claims in a three-year period can make you too much of a risk for your insurer.
- Multiple claims, even if not at-fault, can also lead to non-renewal.
Keep in mind that insurance companies are in the business of making money, not showing sympathy. Even if the auto accidents are not your fault, frequent involvement and claims can make you too risky to cover.
What Did We Learn?
If your car insurance is canceled, act quickly by contacting your provider, requesting a reinstatement, and — if necessary — exploring new coverage options.

You have a limited time frame to take action, so don't wait. Contact your provider as soon as possible to learn about the potential consequences in your State and with your policy.
The consequences of a canceled policy can be severe, so it's essential to take steps to prevent future cancellations.
Sources
- https://www.dicklawfirm.com/blog/2023/july/can-your-insurance-provider-drop-you-without-war/
- https://guidedsolutions.com/what-to-do-if-your-car-insurance-gets-canceled/
- https://insurify.com/car-insurance/dropped-by-car-insurance/
- https://www.2keller.com/faqs/reasons-auto-insurers-drop-customers.cfm
- https://test.personalinjury-law.com/faq/insurance-dropped-accident
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