What Is A Car Insurance Grace Period?

Car Insurance Grace Period

A car insurance grace period allows drivers to keep their coverage even if they miss a payment. This grace period takes effect if you don't pay your car insurance premium on time, whether due to a medical issue, loss of employment, or oversight.

What Is an Insurance Grace Period?

A car insurance grace period is a length of time an insured driver has to pay their insurance premium post-due date before they experience a lapse in coverage. It gives policyholders a chance to pay their bills when circumstances outside their control cause them to miss a due date.

According to The Balance, a grace period differs from a waiting period. The waiting period is the time you have to wait after purchasing coverage until the policy goes into effect.

Car insurance grace periods vary between companies and by coverage type. Not all companies, however, give their policyholders grace periods. You can check your policy to determine its due date and if it includes a grace period. If your company has a grace period, your policy will clearly define the length and any penalties for using it. It will also tell you if the insurance company will pay out a claim if you pay your bill within the grace period.

Do Car Insurance Companies Have Grade Periods for Auto Insurance?

Most car insurance companies provide a grace period for premium payments. The typical time frame for a car insurance grace period is 10 days from the original payment due date, but this can vary depending on the insurer. Some companies offer up to 30 days, while others might not have a grace period. Make sure you know the terms of your policy.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment Deadline?

If your car insurance company doesn't offer a grace period and you miss your premium payment deadline, you won't have coverage if you file a claim. If you have a grace period and miss this deadline, too, your coverage will lapse. Even if it's just one day after the deadline, you won't be covered if you get into an accident. You will then be personally liable for damages.

If you have a lapse in your coverage, your current and future insurance providers will consider you a higher risk to insure. If you drive your vehicle without coverage, the consequences vary by state and can include:

• Fines

• Legal consequences

• License suspension

• Vehicle registration suspension

• Jail time

• Vehicle impoundment

• SR-22 filing requirements

• Community service

How Does a Grace Period Work?

If your policy provides a grace period, you will continue to have coverage for the stated time frame after your due date. If you don't make your payment during the grace period, your insurance policy will lapse, and your provider will cancel your coverage.

There is no standard grace period. Insurance companies set this time frame, which can range from 24 hours to 30 days. In most cases, if you miss your payment due date, the company will send a notice of cancellation. It will state the date by which you need to make your payment to keep your policy in place.

The best thing to do if you can't pay your insurance premium is to call your company. The customer service department might set up a payment plan, allow you to make partial payments, or put you on automatic withdrawal so you never forget to make a payment.

What Are the Penalties for Paying Premiums during the Grace Period?

According to AutoInsurance.org, most companies don't charge a late fee if you make your policy payment within the grace period. If you use the grace period frequently or don't pay before it expires, you will likely have to pay a fee to get your policy reinstated. Other problems you can experience if you let your policy lapse include:

• Rate increases with a new policy

• Inability to find coverage because other companies have underwriting guidelines that restrict them from covering you

• Extra out-of-pocket expenses

• High-risk auto insurance rates

How to Reduce Auto Insurance Premiums

If you are having financial trouble and can't make your car insurance premiums, the Insurance Information Institute lists things you can do to reduce the monthly premium:

Increase your deductible

One of the easiest ways to decrease your monthly premium is to ask for a higher deductible. Your deductible is the out-of-pocket payment you must make before your insurance pays out. If you can pay more in the event of a claim, your insurance company will reduce your premium. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 can save you up to 15 to 30 percent. Make sure you can afford the deductible if you get into an accident.

Remove extra coverage

Car insurance companies offer options you can add to your policy beyond full coverage, and you might not even need full coverage. Review your policy to make sure you meet your state minimum requirements and reduce extra coverage you don't need.

Qualify for new discounts

Talk with your insurance provider to make sure you are getting all the discounts you qualify for. You can often save money by bundling policies together or take a defensive driving course. Some companies also offer discounts for safe driving.

Search for a better rate

Shopping around is another way you can save on premiums. Compare several companies and their rates, and choose the one that fits your needs and budget.

A car insurance grace period gives policyholders extra time to make their premium payments when they need it. You still need to make your payments within the stated time frame to avoid a lapse in coverage.