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?

Nov 8, 2026 Chandler, AZ

Answer

Author profile picture
Director of Insurance Content

Ava joined The Zebra in 2016 as a licensed insurance agent and writer. She now serves as director of insurance content, leading coverage strategy and…

Credentials
  • 9+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Arizona drivers with liability-only insurance cannot claim their own collision damage, and gap insurance typically won't cover the remaining loan.


Unfortunately, if you did not have collision coverage 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.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

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

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!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Do I have to pay a deductible if I caused an accident?

You only pay a deductible for collision or comprehensive claims, not liability coverageIf you do not file a claim to have your car repaired you do not have to pay your deductible. Your liability insurance will pay for the damages to the other vehicle. Liability coverage does not have a deductible, …
Feb 27, 2026 Phoenix, AZ

If I have an open claim on a totaled car, how do I handle the insurance?

There's a couple of things to think about. First, canceling the coverage on this vehicle will not cancel the claim. As long as the policy was active at the time of the accident (which it sounds like it was), you should be fine. Second, if your car is totaled, you can cancel your insurance if you a…
Jul 28, 2021 El Paso, TX

If the repair costs more than the car without an accident, will it still get totaled?

Insurance won’t cover repairs if there was no accident or covered lossYour insurance company will never get involved in helping you repair your vehicle if there was no accident or other loss that caused the damage. Since there was no accident, you are on the hook for paying for your vehicle's repai…
Mar 2, 2026 Wiggins, CO

Can I sell my vehicle if it is totaled?

A totaled vehicle is one where the cost of repairs is more than the value of the vehicle itself. If the vehicle is truly totaled, you can do what you'd like with it. There shouldn't be any legal issue with selling the vehicle if choose to do so. However, you will need to obtain a salvage title for …
Jul 28, 2021 Dallas, TX