8 Best Auto Insurance Companies That Don’t Penalize for a Lapse in Coverage (2024)
The best auto insurance companies that don't penalize for a lapse in coverage are Geico, Progressive, and State Farm. On average, drivers pay a monthly cost of $92 with companies that don't penalize for a lapse in coverage. Securing the top spot, Geico offers an affordable monthly rate of just $82.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
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UPDATED: Jul 18, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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: Jul 18, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
The best auto insurance companies that don’t penalize for a lapse in coverage are Geico, Progressive, and State Farm. Consider our top pick, Geico, offering rates starting at $82 per month.
Not renewing insurance, even for parked cars, can still harm you.
Our Top 8 Picks: Best Auto Insurance Companies That Don't Penalize for a Lapse in Coverage
Company | Rank | A.M. Best | Good Driver Discount | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | A++ | 26% | Cheap Rates | Geico | |
#2 | A+ | 30% | Snapshot Program | Progressive | |
#3 | A++ | 25% | Customer Service | State Farm | |
#4 | A+ | 25% | Drivewise Program | Allstate | |
#5 | A++ | 30% | Military Members | USAA | |
#6 | A | 20% | Unique Coverages | Liberty Mutual | |
#7 | A+ | 40% | Vanishing Deductible | Nationwide | |
#8 | A | 30% | Bundling Discounts | Farmers |
A lapse in auto insurance coverage is a timeframe of between 30 and 60 days in which you don’t have insurance coverage. Lapses happen due to expired policies, missed payments, or other reasons.
When you reinstate your auto insurance after a lapse in coverage, most insurers increase rates because driving without insurance is a high-risk behavior. Enter your ZIP code above to search for cheaper rates from top providers.
- Lapses in auto insurance can cause more than just an inconvenience
- Driving without insurance risks increased future premiums and DMV fines
- Car registration links your name to mandatory insurance coverage for the vehicle
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#1 – Geico: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Flexible Policies: Geico is known for offering policies with flexibility, accommodating customers even if they have experienced car insurance lapse. You can learn more in our Geico auto insurance review.
- Discounts: Geico provides various discounts, offering potential savings for customers with a lapse in coverage, making Geico the best car insurance after lapse in coverage and the cheapest auto insurance for lapse in coverage.
- Online Tools: Geico’s online tools and mobile app facilitate easy management of policies, which can be helpful for those re-establishing coverage.
Cons
- Limited Agent Interaction: Geico is primarily known for online services, and some customers may find limited in-person interaction with agents if they prefer a more traditional approach.
- Claim Handling Time: Some customers have reported that Geico’s claim handling time may be longer compared to other insurers.
#2 – Progressive: Runner Up
Pros
- Snapshot Program: Progressive’s Snapshot program allows drivers to save based on their current driving habits, which can benefit those re-entering the insurance market. You can learn more about Progressive’s Snapshot program in our Progressive auto insurance review.
- Name Your Price Tool: The Name Your Price Tool helps customers find a policy that fits their budget, especially useful for those seeking cheap auto insurance lapsed coverage.
- Wide Coverage Options: Progressive provides a variety of coverage options, allowing individuals to tailor their policies.
Cons
- Rate Increases: While they may not penalize for lapses, Progressive’s rates can increase for various reasons, impacting the overall cost.
- Rate Comparisons: While Progressive offers competitive rates, it’s essential for customers to regularly compare quotes, as rates can vary based on individual circumstances.
#3 – State Farm: Best for Drive Safe & Save Program
Pros
- Drive Safe & Save Program: State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program rewards safe driving habits with discounts, which can benefit those with a lapse in coverage seeking lower rates. You can learn more about State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program in our State Farm auto insurance review.
- Extensive Agent Network: State Farm’s extensive agent network allows for personalized assistance, helping individuals navigate coverage options after lapse in car insurance.
- Steady Rates: State Farm is known for maintaining relatively stable rates over time, providing consistency for customers returning to coverage.
Cons
- May Vary by Location: Policies and regulations regarding lapses in coverage may vary by location.
- Less Flexibility for High-Risk Drivers: State Farm may be less forgiving for high-risk drivers, and those with a history of accidents or violations might find higher premiums.
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#4 – Allstate: Best for Drivewise Program
Pros
- Drivewise Program: Allstate’s Drivewise program rewards safe driving with discounts, offering a potential advantage for those aiming to demonstrate responsible driving post-lapse. You can learn more about Allstate’s Drivewise program in our Allstate auto insurance review.
- Claim Satisfaction Guarantee: Allstate’s Claim Satisfaction Guarantee underscores their commitment to customer service, which may be reassuring for individuals re-entering the insurance market.
- Multiple Discounts: Allstate provides various discounts that can help customers save on their premiums, including those with lapses in coverage.
Cons
- Premium Costs: Allstate’s premiums can be relatively high compared to some other insurers, impacting the affordability for those seeking coverage after a lapse.
- Optional Coverages Can Be Costly: While Allstate provides various coverage options, some optional coverages can significantly increase the overall premium.
#5 – USAA: Best for Military Members
Pros
- Military Discounts: USAA offers discounts for military members and their families, providing cost savings for a specific group of customers. You can learn more about USAA’s discounts in our USAA auto insurance review.
- Customer Satisfaction: USAA consistently receives high marks for customer satisfaction, which is beneficial for individuals seeking a smooth re-entry into coverage.
- Financial Strength: USAA’s financial stability adds reliability for customers looking to re-establish coverage.
Cons
- Limited Eligibility: USAA membership is limited to military members and their families, excluding a portion of potential customers.
- Limited Physical Presence: USAA is primarily online or over the phone, and individuals who prefer face-to-face interactions with agents might find this limiting.
#6 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customizable Policies
Pros
- Customizable Policies: Liberty Mutual allows customers to tailor their policies, providing flexibility for individuals with unique coverage needs post-lapse. You can learn more in our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
- New Car Replacement: Liberty Mutual offers new car replacement coverage for qualifying vehicles, a valuable feature for those considering a new purchase after a lapse.
- Online Tools: Liberty Mutual’s online tools make it convenient for customers to manage their policies, particularly useful for those seeking a streamlined process post-lapse.
Cons
- Premiums: The cost of coverage with Liberty Mutual can be relatively high, impacting the affordability for those re-entering the insurance market.
- Complex Claims Process: Some customers have reported that Liberty Mutual’s claims process can be more complex compared to other insurers, potentially causing delays for those in need of prompt coverage.
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#7 – Nationwide: Best for Vanishing Deductible
Pros
- Vanishing Deductible: Nationwide’s vanishing deductible program can help lower deductibles over time, providing an incentive for responsible driving post-lapse. You can learn more about Nationwide’s vanishing deductible program in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
- Plenti Rewards Program: Nationwide offers rewards through the Plenti program, potentially providing cost savings for customers seeking affordable coverage.
- On Your Side Review: Nationwide’s annual policy review helps ensure customers have the coverage they need, a valuable service for those reassessing their needs after a lapse.
Cons
- Customer Service: Some reviews suggest that Nationwide’s customer service may not be as responsive as desired, which could impact the experience for those seeking assistance after a lapse.
- Policy Cancellation Fees: Nationwide may charge fees for canceling policies, so customers should be aware of potential costs if they need to switch insurers.
#8 – Farmers: Best for Bundling Discounts
Pros
- Bundling Discounts: Farmers offers discounts for bundling multiple policies, providing potential cost savings for those seeking coverage for multiple vehicles or additional insurance needs, making Farmers an excellent choice for car insurance for lapsed coverage. You can learn more in our Farmers auto insurance review.
- Signal Program: Farmers Signal program rewards safe driving habits with discounts, offering an opportunity for lower rates for responsible driving post-lapse.
- Claims Satisfaction: Farmers has a reputation for good claims satisfaction, which can be reassuring for those re-entering the insurance market.
Cons
- Policy Costs: Farmers’ premiums may be higher compared to some competitors, impacting the affordability for those re-establishing coverage.
- Limited Availability: Farmers may not be available in all states, limiting its accessibility for potential customers in certain regions.
Companies That Don’t Charge You After a Lapse in Coverage
Unfortunately, auto insurance companies that do charge you for a lapse in coverage are much more common than those that do not. Most (if not all) companies charge you after a lapse in coverage because of the increase in your perceived risk.
Companies like Geico, Progressive, and others offer a grace period for a lapse in coverage (usually applies in the case of a late payment), during which you'll be able to renew your coverage without any extra charges or rate increases.Daniel Walker Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
However, this grace period depends on the company, where you live (state law can dictate how long the grace period is, what qualifies, etc.), the reason for the lapse in coverage, how long your coverage has lapsed, and your personal history with the company.
Best Auto Insurance Companies Monthly Rates That Don't Penalize For a Lapse in Coverage
Insurance Company Minimum Coverage
Allstate $120
Farmers $110
Geico $100
Liberty Mutual $110
Nationwide $100
Progressive $110
State Farm $90
USAA $80
By contrast, while companies like Safe Auto and The General may still penalize you for a lapse in coverage, they focus specifically on insuring high-risk drivers and, as a result, sometimes offer better rates than companies focusing on more standard insurance needs.
Learn More: Best Auto Insurance Companies That Don’t Charge Late Fees
While you may not be using your car frequently, acquiring car insurance after a period without coverage could result in long-term expenses.
Here’s how it all works. The worst-case scenario would be if you forgot to renew your policy or make regular payments and then got into an accident that was your fault and had no coverage.
Understanding the Meaning of a Lapse in Coverage
Any time you have a registered car but no auto insurance, that is considered a lapse in coverage. Any time you go without auto insurance, even for a single day, is considered a lapse. Some insurers, though, might not penalize you for a brief lapse of fewer than two weeks.
You might experience a lapse for several reasons:
- Your policy expired
- Your policy was canceled because you missed a payment
- You stopped driving
- You were deployed on active-duty military service
The best thing you can do is work with your insurance company to avoid a lapse in auto coverage.
Whether your plan has expired or you haven’t set one up yet, you should never drive without auto insurance, as it’s illegal in every state except for New Hampshire.
Call your insurance provider as soon as you suspect you will miss or have already missed a car insurance payment. Doing so informs them of the circumstance and helps them determine what to do next. The options you have will depend on how long it has been since you have paid your auto insurance bill in full, the policies of your insurance provider, and the regulations in your state.
Read More: Auto Insurance Premium Defined
But regardless of the specifics of your circumstance, you must get in touch with your insurance provider to work out a solution. Ignoring or postponing the problem will only make it worse.
The Consequences of Having a Lapse in Auto Insurance
Driving without auto insurance can result in penalties that range from simple warnings to steep fines and even jail time. Penalties can be extremely harsh for repeat offenders and in extreme circumstances.
Every time your auto insurance expires, it may have a potentially negative effect on your driving record. How long your insurance was inactive for and whether your prior policy was canceled or simply not renewed will determine how long the lapse is reflected on your record.
For at least six months after reinstating their insurance policy or obtaining a new one, car owners who have experienced a lapse in coverage typically pay higher rates.
If you don’t have insurance for a while, your monthly rate could go up by about 25%, but the standard increase depends on your plan, provider, and personal circumstances. In some cases, it could go up even more.
However, if your new insurance policy goes into effect without a hitch and your credit and driving records are clean, your offered rate might eventually drop to what it was before.
Except for New Hampshire, all U.S. states prohibit driving without insurance.
If you need car insurance after lapse in coverage, you might need to file an SR-22 with your state for three years to demonstrate that you have at least the minimum amount of required auto insurance. You can learn more about minimum auto insurance requirements by state in our guide.
Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance by State
States | Penalties |
---|---|
Alabama | Fine: Up to $500; registration suspension, $200 reinstatement fee |
Alaska | License suspension for 90 days |
Arizona | Fine: $500+; license/registration suspension for 3 months |
Arkansas | Fine: $50-$250; suspended registration; $20 reinstatement fee; possible impoundment |
California | Fine: $100-$200; possible impoundment |
Colorado | Fine: $500+; 4 points; license suspension until proof of insurance |
Connecticut | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for 1 month; $175 reinstatement fee |
Delaware | Fine: $1500+; license suspension for 6 months |
Florida | Suspension of license/registration; $150 reinstatement fee |
Georgia | Suspended registration; $25 lapse fee; $60 reinstatement fee |
Hawaii | Fine: $500 or community service; 3-month license suspension or 6-month insurance policy |
Idaho | Fine: $75; license suspension until proof of insurance |
Illinois | Fine: $500+; license plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee |
Indiana | License/registration suspension for 90 days to 1 year |
Iowa | Fine: $250-$500; possible community service; possible impoundment |
Kansas | Fine: $300-$1000; possible jail for 6 months; license/registration suspension; $100 reinstatement fee |
Kentucky | Fine: $500-$1000; possible jail for 90 days; plates/registration revoked for 1 year |
Louisiana | Fine: $500-$1000; if in accident, registration revoked, driving privileges suspended for 180 days |
Maine | Fine: $100-$500; license/registration suspension until proof of insurance |
Maryland | Loss of plates/registration; uninsured motorist penalty fees; $25 restoration fee |
Massachusetts | Fine: $500-$5000; possible imprisonment for 1 year or less |
Michigan | Fine: $200-$500; possible imprisonment for 1 year; license suspension for 30 days; $25 service fee |
Minnesota | Fine: $200-$1000; possible community service; possible imprisonment for 90 days; license/registration revoked for 12 months |
Mississippi | Fine: $1000; driving privileges suspended for 1 year |
Missouri | Four points; suspended until proof of insurance; $20 reinstatement fee |
Montana | Fine: $250-$500; possible imprisonment for 10 days |
Nebraska | License/registration suspension; $50 reinstatement fee for each |
Nevada | Fine: $250-$1000; registration suspension; $250 reinstatement fee |
New Hampshire | Not mandatory, but SR-22 may be required post-conviction or accident |
New Jersey | Fine: $300-$1000; license suspension for 1 year; $250/year surcharge for 3 years |
New Mexico | Fine: $300; possible imprisonment for 90 days; license suspension |
New York | Fine: $1500; $750 civil penalty; license/registration suspension; $8-$12 daily penalties for lapse |
North Carolina | Fine: $50; registration suspension until proof of insurance; $50 restoration fee |
North Dakota | Fine: $1500; possible 30-day imprisonment; 14 points; proof required for 1 year; $50 fee |
Ohio | License/plates/registration suspension; $100 reinstatement fee; high-risk coverage for 3-5 years |
Oklahoma | Fine: $250; possible 30-day imprisonment; license suspension; $275 reinstatement fee |
Oregon | Fine: $130-$1000; possible 1-year license suspension; proof required for 3 years |
Pennsylvania | Registration suspended for 3 months; $88 restoration fee or $500 civil penalty |
Rhode Island | Fine: $100-$500; license/registration suspension for 3 months; $30-$50 reinstatement fee |
South Carolina | Fine: $100-$200; possible 30-day imprisonment; $200 reinstatement fee |
South Dakota | Fine: $100; possible 30-day imprisonment; 30-day to 1-year license suspension; SR-22 required for 3 years |
Tennessee | $25 coverage failure fee; additional $100 fee if unpaid; possible registration suspension |
Texas | Fine: $175-$350; $250 surcharge for 3 years |
Utah | Fine: $400; license suspension; $100 reinstatement fee; proof required for 3 years |
Vermont | Fine: $500; license suspension until proof of insurance |
Virginia | $500 uninsured motorist fee; suspension if unpaid |
Washington | Fine: $250+ |
West Virginia | Fine: $200-$5000; 30-day license suspension; $200 penalty fee |
Wisconsin | Fine: $500 |
Wyoming | Fine: $750; possible 6-month imprisonment |
Even if you have a clean driving record, a coverage gap could cause insurance companies to view you as a high-risk driver.
It might also affect how much you pay for auto insurance in the future. Maintaining continuous coverage is one of the best ways to get the best car insurance rate and ensure you are covered in case of an accident.
How Insurers Find Out if Your Insurance Lapses
To keep up-to-date databases of who has auto insurance and when they have it, car insurers collaborate with state DMVs. Therefore, even though you might be able to get a lower quote by lying about having a lapse in insurance, your insurer will eventually find out.
You are personally responsible for the damages if your auto insurance expires and you were involved in an accident. You must pay for your damages out of pocket even though the insurance policy could have covered your losses.
Additionally, if the opposing party has a claim against you, they might look to your personal assets rather than the insurance policy for payment. However, the conventional laws of car accident fault and liability continue to apply even if your auto insurance expires and you are involved in an accident.
You can contest your liability for the accident and even make a third party compensate you.
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The Bottom Line on Auto Insurance Lapses
Allowing your insurance policy to lapse due to nonpayment, even if you’re not actively operating a motor vehicle, can increase your insurance premiums if you decide to get car insurance in the future. Experts advise not to allow insurance lapses if you can help it.
If you’ve been without auto insurance for a year, explore the options available for auto insurance for lapsed coverage near you. Enter your ZIP code below to get started on comparing quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does auto insurance lapse?
There are many potential causes for lapsed auto insurance. These are some of the more frequent causes for insurance to lapse, even for a brief period.
- Several payments were missed
- Inadequate funds to cover the bill
- Overpaid for the premium
- Not renewing the insurance
- The policy was canceled
Can I suspend my auto insurance?
You might think about suspending your auto insurance if there are times when you won’t need to drive for a while, for instance, if you are residing or being deployed abroad.
Customers can suspend their insurance while traveling with some companies, including Geico, USAA, and Esurance. Since this is not a lapse, it has no impact on their rates. To suspend your insurance, you must obtain an affidavit from the DMV confirming that you will not operate the vehicle while your insurance is suspended.
Suspension of coverage is not always an option, and there are some circumstances in which it is not possible. For instance, you typically cannot discontinue coverage for a leased vehicle or one for which you still owe money on a loan.
What is a lapse in auto insurance?
Any time you have a registered car but no insurance, even if you aren’t driving, that is considered to be a lapse in coverage. Regardless of whether the car is even operable, the DMV may also seek to impose a fine and yearly registration fees on top of insurance companies penalizing you on future policies.
Will my premiums be affected if I switch to an auto insurance company that doesn’t penalize for a lapse in coverage?
Switching to an auto insurance company that doesn’t penalize for a lapse in coverage may or may not have an impact on your premiums. Premiums are determined based on various factors, such as your driving history, vehicle type, location, and more. It’s advisable to obtain quotes from different insurers and compare them to see the potential impact on your premiums.
How can I avoid a lapse in coverage altogether?
To avoid a lapse in coverage, it’s essential to stay proactive. Ensure you pay your premiums on time, renew your policy before it expires, and promptly notify your insurer of any changes or updates to your contact information. Additionally, setting up automatic payments or reminders can help you stay on track with your insurance coverage.
What are the best auto insurance companies that don’t penalize for a lapse in coverage?
The the best auto insurance companies that don’t penalize for a lapse in coverage are Geico, Progressive, and State Farm.
What is the average monthly cost drivers pay with companies that don’t penalize for a lapse in coverage?
Drivers typically incur a monthly expense of $92 with insurers that don’t penalize for coverage lapses, on average.
Which company is the top choice that doesn’t penalize for a lapse in coverage?
Geico is the top choice among companies that don’t penalize for a lapse in coverage.
What is the monthly rate Geico provides for drivers?
Geico provides a budget-friendly monthly rate, starting at only $82.
In which states is there a penalty for coverage lapses?
With the exception of New Hampshire, driving without insurance is forbidden in all U.S. states.
What do I do if my auto insurance lapses?
Contact your insurance provider immediately if you anticipate or have already missed a car insurance payment.
How long does an insurance lapse stay on your record?
The duration and reason for your insurance inactivity will determine the length of the lapse on your record.
What happens if you let your auto insurance lapse and you have an accident?
If your auto insurance expires and you’re in an accident, you are personally responsible for covering the damages out of pocket, even though the insurance policy could have paid for the losses.
Is it bad to have a lapse in auto insurance?
Yes, driving without auto insurance can lead to penalties ranging from warnings to steep fines and jail time, especially for repeat offenders and in extreme cases.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
Licensed Insurance Agent
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.