What if I can't pay my insurance while furloughed?

I'm a government employee, have been furloughed, and am worried about losing my income completely if the shutdown continues (more than just delayed paychecks). What are my options if I can't pay my insurance? Any advice for saving on homeowners, too? I don't know how long I'll be out of work.

This is a great question, whether you're a government employee or not. If the government shutdown delays your paycheck, it can be stressful to keep up with home and car insurance payments, but most insurers are prepared to help.

Start by calling your insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurers offer payment grace periods or short-term assistance programs for people affected by income delays. Asking early can help you avoid a policy cancellation or lapse that could raise your auto insurance rates later.

For your home insurance, staying insured is especially important if you have a mortgage (lenders usually require proof of coverage). If a payment might be late, let both your insurer and lender know what’s going on to avoid issues like force-placed insurance, which is usually pretty expensive.

For auto insurance, most companies won’t immediately cancel your policy if you miss one payment, but communication is key. Even a brief lapse in coverage could affect your future premiums and leave you without protection if an accident happens during the gap.

If the shutdown lasts a while, keep checking for updates. Some state insurance regulators and major carriers have announced special relief options for government workers. If you want to shop around and try to find cheaper coverage, our agents here at The Zebra would be happy to help you compare and check out other options that may fit your current budget.