Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Is it ever possible to buy retroactive car insurance?

I have a 2016 Honda Accord, bought it new when I was 19, with a co-signer but I have made every single payment. When my full coverage policy expired, the insurance told me I could save 150/month by getting liability only. Apparently, Honda Financial was supposed to not let this happen but somehow it did. I got into a car accident with extensive damage. $9300+ for repairs, and I still owe $11300 on the Accord. The car fixing people recommend I total the car and get 1-2k for parts, because they say that major support beams would have to be cut out and new ones welded in, making it extremely unsafe if I got into another accident. I do also have gap insurance through Honda, but that only covers the difference from what I owe to what the car is worth, right? Can I still get the value on that insurance?

Dec 27, 2018 Chandler, AZ

Answer
Author profile picture

Ava Lynch

Insurance Analyst

Ava joined The Zebra as a writer and licensed insurance agent in 2016. She now works as a senior insurance contributor, providing insights and data a…

Credentials
  • 7+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Unfortunately, if you did not have collisioncoverage on the vehicle at the time of the accident, your damages will not be covered. Insurance cannot be backdated. Liabilitycoverage will only cover the damages you cause to others. You will be responsible for the loan. I would contact the finance company to find out what your options will be. Typically, your gap coverage only covers the difference between what your insurance company pays based on the value of the vehicle and what you owe. Since the insurance company will not be making a payment, your gap coverage does not take effect. Good luck and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Do you offer insurance for conversion vehicles?

Unfortunately, it will be difficult to find insurance for your RV since it classifies as a modified vehicle. Currently, The Zebra does not work with any insurance carriers that will cover this type of vehicle so we recommend looking into insurance companies that specialize in modified vehicles, whi…
Dec 1, 2019 Phoenix, AZ

If I have gap insurance and totaled my car, but there is no gap between insurance payment and remaining loan balance, do I get a refund?

Not all gap insurance is written in the same manner, so you may have to refer to your insurer to get more information. From my understanding, if you pay off the loan and didn't use gap insurance to do so, they will probably refund some premiums paid back to you. It doesn't hurt to call th…
Jan 21, 2020 Woodland, CA

Can I insure a car with a rebuilt title?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra! Rebuilt, or salvage-titled vehicles, can be a little more tricky to deal with but you can still insure them.To get insurance on a vehicle with a rebuilt title, you need to find the proper insurer since not every company will offer coverage. It’s important to no…
Sep 16, 2021 Garfield, OH

Parked car insurance so I can get tags for my vehicle

There's a couple of things to think about here. First, there isn't really anything for parked car insurance. What you may be thinking about is storage insurance. This coverage isn't provided by every company and usually only available if you have another vehicle insurance for at leas…
Oct 5, 2018 Mesa, AZ