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

I got in an accident the same day I reinstated my lapsed policy. Will it be covered?

I've been on time on my payments. But in January, my insurance payment lapsed on 1/25/20. But I made a payment on the next workday at noon on 1/27/20, but I had an accident that same morning. Do I have a right to be covered by my insurance?

Mar 30, 2023 Pico Rivera, CA

Answer
Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Data Insights Analyst

Kristine joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer, with a property and casualty insurance license. Before joining The Ze…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 6+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

It depends on how the policy was reinstated. If they reinstated with no lapse, then you are free to file a claim. If they reinstated with no lapse but had you sign what is called a No Loss letter — which dictates that no accidents had occurred before taking payment — then filing a claim would be considered fraudulent.

Finally, they may have reinstated the policy with a lapse, meaning that anything prior to the time of payment cannot be claimed.

If you have any questions, feel free 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...

Got into an accident and didn't get their insurance info

I recommend your father contacting his insurance company and informing them of the situation. Providing them with all available information including the other driver's state registration information. In order to register your vehicle, you first need insurance. So it's a good bet they have insuranc…
Apr 19, 2023 Chicago, Illinois

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 them up and …
Aug 13, 2024 Woodland, CA

Debris fell out of truck and damaged my bumper

I recommend you contact your insurance company and give them all the information regarding the accident. This includes photos of the damage to your vehicle, the highway name, time, the license plate of the at-fault driver, and a vehicle description. Providing as much information as possible will ne…
Aug 13, 2024 Bakersfield, CA

Can my wife get a car insurance policy when both our names are on the title?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra!Car insurance can be very confusing, especially when it comes to who is listed on the title and who needs to be listed on the policy. In insurance we want all registered owners of the vehicle to be rated, listed, or excluded on the policy. Rating a driver mea…
Oct 16, 2025 Concord, CA