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...

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

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 insur…
Oct 22, 2025 Arlington, VA

Why is it so difficult to find insurance after a lapse in coverage?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra! I'm sorry to hear that you're having difficulty finding insurance after experiencing such a devastating event like losing your home. Auto insurance companies rate heavily on whether or not you have prior insurance or not. Any lapse in coverage (even that of …
Oct 16, 2025 New Prague, MN

Who covers my medical bills if I borrowed a car?

Because you were driving a borrowed vehicle, the coverage available to you will depend on both your friend's State Farm policy and whether you carry any auto insurance of your own, but there are are a few options for you to look into.Your friend's State Farm policy is the first place to start. A fu…
Jun 10, 2026 Wayne, WV

I started a claim but canceled it with no payout. Why is it on my CLUE report?

A canceled claim can still appear on your CLUE reportUnfortunately, if you start the claims process, the insurance company can list it on your CLUE report through LexisNexis which contains your claims history — even if there was no payout or resolution. You can dispute with State Farm to see if the…
Feb 27, 2026 La Mirada, CA