How to Write a Car Insurance Cancellation Letter in 2024

People cancel car insurance policies for many reasons including selling their current vehicle or not being able to drive any longer. They may even find better rates with another company. This is especially true if you have moved to a different neighborhood. You may discover lower price quotes for different areas.

Whatever the reason may be, it is important to follow the insurer’s guidelines to properly terminate.

How do I write an insurance cancellation letter?

Some policies can be canceled over the phone with a customer service representative while others may require a 30-day notice and/or written notice. Policies are considered as contracts between the insurer and consumer and a formal letter to cancel insurance is often required.

When shopping for car coverage, it is important to become acquainted with their cancellation policies before making a purchase. Although writing a cancellation notice is very easy, you should be sure to include a few pieces of important information to properly cancel business with the insurer. Before canceling, make sure you have the proper coverage in place.

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What information should I include?

Your written cancellation should be short and to the point.

It should include the following information:

• Name/Address of Insured
• Name/Address of Company
• Policy Number
• Requested Cancellation Date
• Refund Request for Remaining Premium Balance

Be sure to include the names of any direct company representative at the top of the notice. In the main paragraph, begin the notice by directly requesting the cancellation from your insurance company. State that all charges must be terminated.

Read more: How do I terminate my car insurance policy?

Next, state the date that you wish the insurance policy to cancel. Request a refund of any overpaid premiums. If preferred, you can request a check. When closing your notice, simply end with a salutation such as “Sincerely.” Be sure to sign your name underneath the salutation, even if the notification has been typed.

Insurance Cancellation Letter Sample

Below is a sample insurance cancellation letter notice:

April 7, 2015

John Doe
1234 Main St
Springfield, Ohio 12345

Lizard Auto Insurance
54321 Broad St. Suite #100
Springfield, Ohio 12345

Attn: Cancellations Department

RE: Car Insurance Policy Number: 9236647

Hello,
This letter is a formal request to cancel the referenced car insurance policy (9236647). Please stop all debits or charges for premium payments. The effective date of policy cancellation is 04/25/2015.

I am also requesting written correspondence of the cancellation and the refund of any premiums. The cash value of the policy should also be sent with any returned premium. This action needs to occur within a period of 30 days from the receipt of this notice.

Sincerely,

John Doe
1234 Main St
Springfield, Ohio 12345

Be sure to check for spelling errors and verify all information, including names, addresses, and the policy number. Use business letter format when typing the notice.

What should I remember when writing an auto insurance cancellation letter?

Before you fold up the notification and send it off, keep a few things in mind:

• Make sure you have the correct mailing address. The insurer would not be held responsible for a document they did not receive. If possible, use a shipping method that provides a tracking number so you can know exactly when the notice arrives at their location
• Include “cancellations” within the send-to address. Insurers are often large operations with many departments. You want to ensure that your notification goes exactly where it needs to
• The main policyholder should be the only one to sign the notice. For example, if your relative is listed as a driver, he or she would not be authorized to sign the cancellation notice and the company may deny the request
• Be professional, yet firm in your tone
• Be sure to make two copies of your notice of cancellation, so you can keep one for your own records

Why should I always keep car insurance on my vehicles?

If you plan to operate your vehicle, it’s important to ensure that it has insurance coverage. Before you cancel the insurance with a letter, you should have new coverage set up and ready to go. A lapse in your car coverage can cause you many problems.

Consequences of letting your car coverage lapse include:

• Responsibility to pay for all damages due to an auto accident that you caused
• A record that shows the lapse may result in higher premiums for future policies

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How do I tie up loose ends?

Once you have successfully canceled your car coverage, you will want to take care of a few more things. Contact your state’s DMV and notify them of the cancellation. This may be a requirement in some states. You may have to surrender the vehicle’s license plates and registration tags.

You may have to surrender the vehicle’s license plates and registration tags.

If your car is financed, you should notify the lienholder that you have changed car insurers. Keep in mind that most finance companies require coverage on financed vehicles. If they discover that their vehicle is not insured, you will likely be asked to return it.

Terminating a car insurance policy is a relatively quick and easy process. As the consumer, you always have the right to cancel an insurance policy with an insurance cancellation letter from your insurance provider at any time for any reason. Establish the date you want it to end, request your refund for overpaid premiums and make sure you have another insurer lined up to take its place if you plan to keep driving the car.

Once you have written the cancellation notice, you can either mail it or fax it. Remember, though, if you’re still driving, you still need coverage.

Case Studies: Writing a Car Insurance Cancellation Letter

Case Study 1: Direct and Concise Communication

John has decided to switch his car insurance provider and wants to cancel his current policy. He writes a car insurance cancellation letter addressed to his insurance company.

John keeps the letter concise, clearly stating his intention to cancel the policy, providing his policy number, effective cancellation date, and requesting confirmation of the cancellation. He signs the letter and sends it via certified mail to ensure delivery and maintain a record.

Case Study 2: Providing Reason for Cancellation

Sarah is dissatisfied with the service provided by her current car insurance company and wants to cancel her policy. In her cancellation letter, she includes a brief explanation of her reasons for cancellation.

Sarah highlights specific issues or concerns she has experienced, such as poor claims handling or unexpected premium increases. Along with the relevant policy details, she clearly requests a cancellation and a refund of any unused premium.

Case Study 3: Policy Information and Contact Details

Mike is relocating to another state and needs to cancel his car insurance policy. In his cancellation letter, he includes all the necessary policy information, such as his policy number, effective date of cancellation, and the reason for cancellation.

Mike also provides his contact details, including his current address and phone number, to ensure proper communication and any required follow-up from the insurance company.

Case Study 4: Acknowledging Outstanding Obligations

Samantha wants to cancel her car insurance policy due to the sale of her vehicle. In her cancellation letter, she acknowledges any outstanding premium or fees that may be due and requests the insurance company to calculate and refund any applicable amount. Samantha includes her policy details, effective cancellation date, and a request for a written confirmation of the cancellation and refund.

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