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HomeCar Insurance ResourcesCar Insurance Cancellation Fee – What You Should Know

In Canada, car insurance cancellation fees can vary depending on the insurance company and policy. Here’s what you should know about car insurance cancellation fees:

  1. Cancellation fees: Some insurance companies may charge a fee if you cancel your policy before the end of the term. The fee can vary based on the length of the term, the insurance company, and the specific policy.
  2. Refunds: If you have already paid for coverage, you may be entitled to a partial refund if you cancel your policy. The amount of the refund will depend on the length of the policy term, the insurance company, and the specific policy.
  3. Switching insurance companies: If you want to switch to a new insurance company, you may be able to do so without paying a cancellation fee. However, you should check with your current insurance company to confirm their policy on cancellations and switches.
  4. Mid-term cancellations: Some insurance companies may allow you to cancel your policy mid-term, but you should expect to pay a cancellation fee in this situation.
  5. Cancelling due to non-payment: If you cancel your policy due to non-payment, you may be subject to a cancellation fee as well as fees for the outstanding balance.

It’s important to review your car insurance policy and speak with your insurance company to understand the specific cancellation fees and policies that apply to your policy. If you’re unsure about your rights or have questions about cancellation fees, you can also reach out to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) for guidance.

Do You Have To Pay A Cancellation Fee For Car Insurance?

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Whether or not you have to pay a cancellation fee for car insurance depends on several factors, including:

  1. Your insurance company: Different insurance companies may have different policies regarding cancellation fees. Some companies may charge a fee, while others may not.
  2. The length of your policy term: If you cancel your policy before the end of the term, you may be required to pay a fee. The fee can vary depending on the length of the term and the insurance company.
  3. The reason for cancellation: If you cancel your policy due to non-payment, you may be subject to a cancellation fee as well as fees for the outstanding balance. If you cancel for another reason, such as switching to a new insurance company, the cancellation fee may be waived.
  4. The specific policy: The terms and conditions of your policy will determine whether or not you have to pay a cancellation fee.

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How Can I Cancel My Car Insurance Without Fees?

The best way to cancel your car insurance without fees is to follow the terms and conditions of your policy. Here are a few tips to help you cancel your car insurance without fees:

  1. Read your policy: Review your policy carefully to understand the terms and conditions for cancelling your coverage, including any cancellation fees that may apply.
  2. Check for a grace period: Some insurance policies may have a grace period that allows you to cancel without a fee if you do so within a certain time frame after purchasing the policy.
  3. Provide notice: If your policy requires notice before cancellation, provide the insurance company with written notice of your intent to cancel. This notice should be provided in a timely manner, typically at least 30 days in advance.
  4. Wait for a policy to expire: If you do not have a fee-free cancellation option, you may be able to avoid fees by waiting until your policy expires.
  5. Switch to a new insurance company: If you want to switch to a new insurance company, you may be able to do so without paying a cancellation fee. However, you should check with your current insurance company to confirm their policy on cancellations and switches.

Do You Get A Refund If You Cancel Your Vehicle Insurance?

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If you cancel your vehicle insurance policy, you may be entitled to a refund, depending on several factors, including:

  1. The length of the policy term: If you cancel your policy before the end of the term, you may be entitled to a partial refund for the unused portion of the term. The amount of the refund will depend on the specific policy and the insurance company.
  2. The amount paid: If you have already paid for coverage, the amount of the refund will depend on the amount paid and the length of the policy term.
  3. The reason for cancellation: If you cancel your policy due to non-payment, you may not be eligible for a refund.
  4. The specific policy: The terms and conditions of your policy will determine whether or not you are entitled to a refund if you cancel your coverage.

It’s important to review your car insurance policy and speak with your insurance company to understand the specific refund policies that apply to your policy. If you’re unsure about your rights or have questions about refunds, you can also reach out to the relevant insurance regulator in your state or province for guidance.

Can I Cancel My Vehicle Insurance Whenever I Want?

You can generally cancel your vehicle insurance policy at any time, but the process and consequences of cancellation will depend on several factors, including:

  1. The length of the policy term: If you have a long-term policy, you may be required to provide notice before cancelling. In some cases, you may be subject to a cancellation fee if you cancel before the end of the term.
  2. The reason for cancellation: If you cancel your policy due to non-payment, your insurance company may cancel the policy without notice. If you cancel for another reason, such as switching to a new insurance company, you may be required to provide notice and may be subject to a cancellation fee.
  3. The specific policy: The terms and conditions of your policy will determine the process for cancelling your coverage and any consequences of cancellation.

Following The Right Process To Cancel Vehicle Insurance

To cancel your vehicle insurance in Canada, you should follow the process outlined in your policy and take the following steps:

  1. Review your policy: Before cancelling your insurance, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your policy, including any notice requirements or cancellation fees.
  2. Provide written notice: If your policy requires notice before cancellation, provide the insurance company with written notice of your intent to cancel. This notice should be provided in a timely manner, typically at least 30 days in advance.
  3. Confirm the cancellation: After providing written notice, confirm with your insurance company that the cancellation has been processed. Make sure you receive written confirmation of the cancellation from your insurance company.
  4. Return your license plates: If you are cancelling your insurance because you are selling your vehicle, make sure to return your license plates to the appropriate government agency.
  5. Transfer coverage: If you are purchasing a new vehicle, make sure to transfer your coverage to the new vehicle before cancelling your current policy.
  6. Provide new insurance information: If you are cancelling your policy to switch to a new insurance company, make sure to provide your new insurance information to the relevant government agency, such as the Ministry of Transportation.

It’s important to follow the process outlined in your policy and provide written notice to the insurance company in a timely manner to avoid cancellation fees and ensure a smooth cancellation process. If you have questions about cancelling your car insurance, you can reach out to your insurance company or the relevant insurance regulator in your state or province for guidance.

Car Insurance Cancellation Fee FAQs

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  1. What is a car insurance cancellation fee? A car insurance cancellation fee is a fee that insurance companies charge when a policyholder cancels their insurance policy before the end of the term. The fee is intended to cover administrative costs associated with canceling the policy.
  2. How much is a car insurance cancellation fee? The amount of a car insurance cancellation fee can vary depending on the insurance company and the terms of the policy. Typically, the fee ranges from $25 to $50, but it can be higher in some cases.
  3. When can I cancel my car insurance policy without a fee? You can usually cancel your car insurance policy without a fee if you do so within the first 14 days of the policy period. This is known as the “cooling-off period.” However, some insurance companies may still charge a small fee to cover administrative costs.
  4. What if I cancel my car insurance because I am selling my car? If you are canceling your car insurance because you are selling your car, you may be able to avoid a cancellation fee if you provide proof of the sale to your insurance company. However, it’s important to check with your insurance company to confirm their specific policies and procedures.
  5. What if I cancel my car insurance because I am moving out of the province? If you are canceling your car insurance because you are moving out of the province, you may be able to avoid a cancellation fee if you provide proof of your move to your insurance company. However, it’s important to check with your insurance company to confirm their specific policies and procedures.
  6. Can I negotiate a lower cancellation fee with my insurance company? It’s possible to negotiate a lower cancellation fee with your insurance company, but it depends on the specific policies and procedures of the company. It may be helpful to explain your reasons for canceling and to provide any documentation that supports your case.
  7. Will I get a refund if I cancel my car insurance policy? If you cancel your car insurance policy before the end of the term, you may be entitled to a refund of the unused portion of your premium. However, the amount of the refund will depend on the specific policies and procedures of your insurance company.
  8. Will I have to pay a cancellation fee if I switch to a different insurance company? If you switch to a different insurance company, you may be charged a cancellation fee by your current insurance company. However, some insurance companies will waive the fee if you switch to another company that they have a partnership or agreement with.
  9. What if my car insurance policy is cancelled by the insurance company? If your car insurance policy is cancelled by the insurance company, you may not be charged a cancellation fee. However, you may still be responsible for paying any outstanding premiums or fees.
  10. Can I cancel my car insurance policy at any time? You can cancel your car insurance policy at any time, but you may be charged a cancellation fee if you do so before the end of the term. It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand their policies and procedures.
  11. How do I cancel my car insurance policy? To cancel your car insurance policy, you will need to contact your insurance company and inform them of your intent to cancel. You may be asked to provide a reason for the cancellation and to complete some paperwork. It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand their specific policies and procedures for cancelling a policy.
  12. Will a cancellation fee affect my credit score? A cancellation fee itself will not affect your credit score, but if you fail to pay the fee or any outstanding premiums, your insurance company may report the debt to a credit bureau, which could potentially impact your credit score.
  13. What if I cancel my car insurance policy because I no longer own a car? If you cancel your car insurance policy because you no longer own a car, you may be able to avoid a cancellation fee if you provide proof of the sale or transfer of ownership to your insurance company. However, it’s important to check with your insurance company to confirm their specific policies and procedures.
  14. How can I avoid a cancellation fee? To avoid a cancellation fee, you can try to time your cancellation so that it falls outside of the policy’s cancellation fee period. You can also try to negotiate with your insurance company to waive the fee, especially if you have a good reason for cancelling.
  15. What if I cancel my car insurance policy because I am no longer driving? If you cancel your car insurance policy because you are no longer driving, you may be able to avoid a cancellation fee if you provide documentation to support your case, such as a letter from your doctor or a copy of your driver’s license suspension.
  16. Can I cancel my car insurance policy if I have an open claim? If you have an open claim, you may not be able to cancel your car insurance policy until the claim is resolved. It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand their policies and procedures for cancelling a policy with an open claim.
  17. What if I cancel my car insurance policy because I am going to be out of the country for an extended period of time? If you cancel your car insurance policy because you are going to be out of the country for an extended period of time, you may be able to avoid a cancellation fee if you provide documentation to support your case, such as a copy of your travel itinerary or a work contract.
  18. What if I cancel my car insurance policy because I am experiencing financial hardship? If you cancel your car insurance policy because you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to negotiate a lower cancellation fee or have the fee waived. Some insurance companies may also offer payment plans or other options to help policyholders in financial distress.
  19. How can I find out if my car insurance policy has a cancellation fee? You can find out if your car insurance policy has a cancellation fee by checking the policy terms and conditions or contacting your insurance company directly. It’s important to understand the specific policies and procedures of your insurance company to avoid any surprises.
  20. Can I cancel my car insurance policy if I am unhappy with the service? If you are unhappy with the service you are receiving from your insurance company, you can try to resolve the issue directly with the company or file a complaint with your provincial insurance regulator. However, you may still be charged a cancellation fee if you choose to cancel your policy.
  21. What if I cancel my car insurance policy mid-term and then want to reinstate it? If you cancel your car insurance policy mid-term and then want to reinstate it, you may be subject to additional fees or penalties. It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand their specific policies and procedures for reinstating a cancelled policy.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

2 Comments

  1. Frank 23 March 2021 at 10:10 am - Reply

    Does selling your vehicle still allow insurers to charge cancellation fees thereby locking you in to sell your car on only the renewal date?

  2. Josee Doucet 17 March 2022 at 10:39 am - Reply

    What about if you find an significant saving with a competitor and want to cancelled if you in only two into the new policy ?

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