Once I buy the policy, will I ever need to change my insurance coverage?
Drivers need to change their policy in order to keep it up-to-date. Will I need to contact my auto insurance company to change my insurance coverage? You can call your insurance company to make a change, but most companies allow drivers to update their police online. You can even shop for a new policy online. But how do I keep my low auto insurance rates and change my insurance coverage as needed? Drivers can keep rates low by adding all applicable discounts to their policy.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Automatio...
Insurance Operations Specialist
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We partner with top insurance providers. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We partner with top insurance providers. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
On This Page
- Drivers should regularly review their policy to verify that it is up-to-date
- Drivers can make changes to their policy by calling their insurance company or accessing their policy online
- Drivers may have to switch to a new insurance company because rates are too high or if they have moved
Human beings are constantly in a state of evolution. You aren’t the same person you were five years ago, and there’s a very good chance that your automobile insurance isn’t the same as it was back then either. You may have moved or sold your car. Your children may have grown up and left the nest. These are all events that would require you to make changes to your insurance policy.
Now, this might have you thinking, “Can I keep my auto insurance rates and change my insurance coverage at the same time?”
Perhaps, but sometimes updating your insurance coverage could mean that your rates decrease, and that is never a bad thing. Keep reading if you want the answer to questions like, “Do I need to contact my auto insurance company to change my insurance coverage?” or “When can you change your insurance?”
If you’ve ever wondered, “How can I change my insurance coverage?” you can enter your ZIP code to get free insurance quotes right away.
When do drivers need to change their insurance coverage?
When should I change my insurance plan?
That’s a question that a lot of drivers ask themselves, and it’s important to note that there are many events that could induce you to make changes to your insurance plan. If you have a teenage son who has just gotten his license, for example, you would need to add him to your policy as a driver if he would be driving one of your vehicles regularly.
You’ll also be required to update your policy if you were to buy a new car, wanted to reduce your coverage limits on an older vehicle, or if you wanted to add on a discount that you weren’t previously qualified for.
How Drivers Can Change Their Insurance Coverage
Now you may be wondering, “Can I change my car insurance coverage at any time?”
With today’s technology, you certainly can, and you won’t have to conduct an internet search for “how to change my insurance plan” ever again.
Drivers can typically make changes in one of three ways. They can either contact their insurance representative directly, call their insurance company’s 24-hour customer service line, or access their policy online through the company website or a mobile app.
This allows you to make updates to your coverage options on your schedule so you won’t have to worry about taking time off work to call your insurance representative if it’s not convenient. Of course, if you would prefer to speak to someone about the changes you’re thinking of making before anything is finalized, you have that option available to you as well.
But can I change my insurance plan mid-year? Yes, no matter the time of day or year, if you need to update your policy, you are well within your rights to do so.
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When should drivers switch to a new insurance company?
If you want to know if you can switch insurance at any time, you’ll be happy to hear that, yes, you can.
For example, let’s say that you currently purchase your auto insurance from a small insurance company that only does business in Georgia and Kentucky, but you plan on moving to Alaska. Such a move would require you to shop online for a new policy altogether
Also, if you find a cheaper policy that offers you better coverage online, you can switch to that new company whenever you would like. If you’re currently on the hunt for a new insurance company, feel free to use the data table below as a guide to help you find the best insurance company for your demographic:
Insurance Provider | Single 17-year-old female | Single 17-year-old male | Single 25-year-old female | Single 25-year-old male | Married 35-year-old female | Married 35-year-old male | Married 60-year-old female | Married 60-year-old male |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $9,702.39 | $11,687.90 | $4,498.53 | $4,674.05 | $3,644.62 | $3,668.74 | $3,595.93 | $3,595.93 |
American Family | $8,606.74 | $11,338.72 | $4,508.70 | $5,172.72 | $3,076.88 | $3,440.54 | $2,918.23 | $3,357.40 |
Geico | $5,977.56 | $6,157.76 | $2,937.45 | $2,902.58 | $2,717.10 | $2,944.34 | $2,638.90 | $3,023.87 |
Nationwide | $6,664.22 | $8,542.40 | $2,762.74 | $2,985.74 | $2,350.64 | $2,387.13 | $2,080.17 | $2,198.96 |
Progressive | $10,399.12 | $11,605.52 | $2,927.41 | $2,965.04 | $2,473.67 | $2,345.40 | $2,202.78 | $2,243.60 |
State Farm | $5,378.84 | $6,859.94 | $2,421.28 | $2,488.98 | $2,223.31 | $2,223.31 | $1,985.80 | $1,985.80 |
USAA | $4,775.09 | $5,170.04 | $2,235.59 | $2,376.51 | $1,683.17 | $1,685.90 | $1,619.86 | $1,600.72 |
No two insurance companies are the same so it’s important to get multiple quotes when you start shopping for insurance so you can find the best company that offers great coverage and excellent money-saving opportunities.
How can drivers keep their rates low?
Can I keep my affordable auto insurance and change my insurance plan?
While some changes to your insurance policy could increase your rates, like purchasing more coverage, there are ways that you can reduce your insurance rates. Take a look at these discounts offered by some of the top insurance companies in the business that you can use to help reduce your rates:
Auto Insurance Discounts Available by Company and Discount Amount
Discounts | 21st Century Discount Amount | AAA Discount Amount | Allstate Discount Amount | American Family Discount Amount | Ameriprise Discount Amount | Amica Discount Amount | Country Financial Discount Amount | Esurance Discount Amount | Farmers Discount Amount | Geico Discount Amount | Liberty Mutual Discount Amount | MetLife Discount Amount | Nationwide Discount Amount | Progressive Discount Amount | Safe Auto Discount Amount | Safeco Discount Amount | State Farm Discount Amount | The General Discount Amount | The Hanover Discount Amount | The Hartford Discount Amount | Travelers Discount Amount | USAA Discount Amount |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adaptive Cruise Control and/or Headlights | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3% | - | - |
Anti-lock Brakes | - | - | 10% | - | 3% | 5% | - | 5% | - | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% | - | 5% | - | 5% | 8% | 5% | 3% | - | - |
Anti-Theft | - | - | 10% | - | 3% | 25% | 10% | 25% | - | 25% | 20% off of comprehensive portion of policy. | 10% -- this discount factors in features such as VIN etching and vehicle recovery; one anti-theft discount applies. | 25%; combined with vehicle recovery discount. | - | - | - | 15% discount off of comprehensive coverage; higher discount with "engine cut-off." | 8%; one total anti-theft discount applies; if vehicle recovery, a higher discount applies. | 5% | 3% | - | - |
Claim Free | - | - | 35% | - | - | - | - | 25% | - | 26% for going five years without an accident. | Awarded "accident free" on account for lower rating. | 20% if claim/violation free: "Superior Driver" 3+ yrs=12% "MetRewards" 5+ yrs 20% AND save $50 each claim-free year up to $250 (off deductible). | 10% | - | 10% if you go six months without filing a claim; one safe driver/claim free discount applies. | 20% "Safeco Safety Rewards" if you have no at-fault accidents in the last 36 months, no more than 1 point on your license, and no DUI in the last ten years; one safe driver/claim free discount applies. | 15%; must have State Farm for at least three consecutive years without an accident. | - | 15% | - | 23%; must be accident and violation free to get the "Safe Driver" discount listed below; must be accident and violation free to qualify: 23% - 5 years 10% - 3 years; one safe driver/claim free discount applies. | 12%; "Premier Driver Discount" 4%-12%, depending on driving record; 12% is for being accident and violation free for five years; one safe driver/claim free discount applies. Not available in HI. |
Continuous Coverage | - | - | - | - | - | 3% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | No gaps or cancellations; discount depends on how long you have been consistently insured. | 10% for going six or more months with no more than a 30-day coverage gap. | 7% if you have been with Safeco or previous provider for one year or longer; five or more years gets you the highest discount. | - | - | 10%; discount applies at each renewal. | - | 15% | - |
Daytime Running Lights | - | - | 2% | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1% | 5% | 5% | 5% | - | 5% | - | - | - | 5% | 3% | - | - |
Defensive Driver | 5% | - | 10% | 10% | - | 5% | 5% | 10% | - | - | 10% | 7% | 5% | 10% | 10% | 5% | 5% | 8% | 5% | 10% | 10% | 3% |
Distant Student | - | - | 35% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | - | 15% | - | - | 5% | 3% | 7% | - |
Driver's Ed | - | - | 10% | - | - | 5% | 10% | - | - | - | 10% | 10% | - | 10% | 10% | 5% | 15% | 8% | 5% | 3% | 8% | 3% |
Driving Device/App | - | - | 20% | 40% | - | - | - | 25% | - | - | 30% | 15% | 40% | 20% | - | 30% | 50% | - | - | 10% | 30% | 5% |
Early Signing | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | 10% | 10% | - | - | - | 15% | 8% | - | - | 8% | - | - | - | - | 10% | 12% |
Electronic Stability Control | - | - | 2% | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Emergency Deployment | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 25% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Engaged Couple | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Family Legacy | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10% |
Family Plan | - | - | - | - | - | - | 25% | - | - | - | - | - | 25% | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - |
Farm Vehicle | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Fast 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Federal Employee | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8% | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Forward Collision Warning | - | - | - | - | - | 8% | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3% | - | - |
Full Payment | - | - | 10% | - | - | 4% | - | 10% | - | - | $5 | - | - | - | 5% | 15% | - | 8% | 15% | 20% | 7.5% | - |
Further Education | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 15% | - | - | 10% | - | 15% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Garaging/Storing | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 90% |
Good Credit | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | "Financial Stability" gets you a lower rate. You must also have stable residence. | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
Good Student | - | - | 20% | - | - | 10% | 25% | 10% | - | 15% | 22.5% | 15% | 10% | - | 10% | 15% | 25% | 8% | 5% | 3% | 8% | 3% |
Green Vehicle | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3% | 10% | - |
Homeowner | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | 12% | - | - | - | - | 2% | 5% | - | 10% | 10% | 3% | 5% | 5% | - | 5% | - |
Lane Departure Warning | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | Safety features get automatic discounts applied when VIN entered in system. | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Low Mileage | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | 15% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 20% | 30% | - | - | - | - | - |
Loyalty | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | 7% | - | - | - | 5% | - | - |
Married | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Membership/Group | - | 7% | - | - | 15% | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | 7% | - | - | - | - | - | - | 20% | - | - |
Military | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 25% | - | 15% | 4% | 15% | - | - | 25% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Military Garaging | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 15% |
Multiple Drivers | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - |
Multiple Policies | - | - | 10% | - | - | 15% | 25% | - | - | 10% | 20% | 10% | 10% | 12% | - | 15% | 17% | 15% | 10% | 20% | 13% | - |
Multiple Vehicles | - | - | - | - | - | 15% | 15% | - | - | 25% | 10% | - | 20% | 10% | 15% | 15% | 20% | 15% | 5% | 5% | 8% | - |
New Address | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
New Customer/New Plan | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
New Graduate | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Newer Vehicle | - | - | 30% | - | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 40% | - | - | 3% | 10% | 12% |
Newly Licensed | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Newlyweds | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Occasional Operator | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | Discount based on operator's individual driving record. |
Occupation | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | 10% | - | 15% | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | - |
On Time Payments | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 15% | - |
Online Shopper | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11% | - | - | - | - | - | 7% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Paperless Documents | - | - | 10% | - | - | 2% | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | $50 | - | `- | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Paperless/Auto Billing | - | 5% | - | - | 2% | - | - | - | - | - | 25% | $30 | - | $4 | 10% | $2 | 8% | 2% | $5 | 3% | 3% | |
Passive Restraint | - | - | 30% | 30% | 3% | 30% | - | 33% | - | 40% | - | 5% | 20% | - | 5% | 2% | 40% | 8% | 5% | 3% | - | - |
Recent Retiree | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3% | - | - |
Renter | - | - | - | - | - | 2% | - | 30% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Roadside Assistance | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Safe Driver | - | - | 45% | - | - | 15% | - | 40% | 15% | - | 12% | 35% | 31% | 10% | 20% | 15% | - | - | - | 23% | 12% | |
Seat Belt Use | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 15% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Senior Driver | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | 5% | - | - | - |
Stable Residence | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - |
Students and Alumni | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 15% | - | - | 10% | - | 7% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Switching Provider | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | - | - | 10% | 10% | - | - | 10% | - | - | 5% | 5% | - | - | - |
Utility Vehicle | - | - | 15% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Vehicle Recovery | - | - | 10% | - | 5% | 10% | - | 25% | - | 25% | 35% | 10% | 25% | - | - | - | 5% | 8% | - | 3% | - | - |
VIN Etching | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Young Driver | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $75 |
Some of the biggest discounts come from adhering to safe driving practices which you should follow every time you take your car out on the road. Saving money is great, but getting to your destination safely is even better.
Changing Your Insurance Policy: What You Need to Know
Your auto insurance policy may need to change to reflect the changes in your own life, but you may wonder: can I still get cheap auto insurance quotes and change my insurance coverage limits?
That depends. While some changes may increase your rates, you can always switch to a new insurance company at any point during your policy period and utilize applicable discounts to keep your rates low.
Drivers who have had the thought, “I want to buy auto insurance and change my insurance coverage,” should shop online. Taking this step will empower you to compare quotes from multiple companies at once; this way you’ll be able to find the absolute best insurance policy for you.
Enter your ZIP code to get free insurance quotes if you’ve ever thought, Can I change my insurance company and get a better rate?
Enter your ZIP code below to compare auto insurance rates.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Automatio...
Insurance Operations Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.