Car Insurance with a Lapse in Coverage
- An auto insurance policy can lapse due to non payment, policy non-renewal or cancellation by the insurance company.
- Car insurance premiums can be up to 20% higher after a lapse than they would be otherwise.
- 29% of drivers are uninsured in 2026[1].
Struggling to find affordable insurance after a lapse in coverage? Let The Zebra help! Enter your ZIP code to get started.
Why you can trust The Zebra
Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as a licensed insurance professional and content strategis…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…
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- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- Associate in Insurance (AINS)
- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
Can I get insurance after a lapse in coverage?
Yes, but it'll be more expensive. Start by contacting your previous insurance provider and asking for reinstatement — but this may only be possible if the lapse was brief. If you have to find a new policy, compare quotes and sign up as soon as possible. Do not drive until you're covered again. A lapse may raise rates, but driving uninsured can lead to far more expensive consequences.
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Step 1Step 1
Don't drive while uninsured
Driving uninsured is illegal in most states and can be costly in the event of an accident.
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Step 2Step 2
Contact your insurance company and ask for reinstatement
If coverage has been lapsed for less than 10 days, call your insurance company and ask about reinstatement.
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Step 3Step 3
Compare quotes and get a new policy
If reinstatement isn't possible, compare quotes from other providers and apply for a new policy.
What is a lapse in car insurance?
A lapse in auto insurance coverage means you have been uninsured for a certain time period, usually due to non payment or non-renewal or cancellation by the insurance company. A lapse can range from as little as one day to 60 days or more. The exact number of days depends on the insurance company, their specifications, and your state regulations. In Georgia, for example, a lapse happens after ten days between policies.[2]
It depends on the insurance company, the length of the lapse and why coverage was interrupted. A company may reinstate the policy after a short lapse, such as a missed payment that’s quickly resolved, though a fee may apply.
Why do car insurance rates go up after a lapse?
A lapse in car insurance can lead to higher rates because insurance companies may view a break in coverage as a sign of increased risk. To an insurer, you've shown either an inability to maintain your coverage, or you've chosen to drive while uninsured. Unless you’re a newly licensed driver, having a driving history without continuous insurance can result in more expensive rates.
Cheapest companies for drivers with a lapse
No increase
State Farm does not increase rates for drivers without insurance history
Minimal increase
Travelers may charge a bit more for driver with a lapse, but the price difference is minimal
Slight increase
With consistently affordable premiums, GEICO's costs for coverage with a lapse remain low.
Updating data...
| Company | No history | 1 year of coverage | 3 years of coverage | % increase - No coverage vs 1 year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Family | $2,111 | $1,753 | $1,696 | 20% |
| Allstate | $2,100 | $2,011 | $1,917 | 4% |
| Farmers | $1,743 | $1,598 | $1,530 | 9% |
| State Farm | $1,482 | $1,482 | $1,482 | 0% |
| Progressive | $1,296 | $1,244 | $1,246 | 4% |
| USAA | $1,258 | $1,179 | $1,139 | 7% |
| GEICO | $1,113 | $1,066 | $1,035 | 4% |
| Travelers | $1,061 | $1,049 | $1,027 | 1% |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Other ways a coverage lapse can affect car insurance
Besides a premium increase, a prolonged coverage lapse can incur further consequences, including:
- Driver's license suspension
- Tickets
- Lack of coverage in the event of an accident
- Classification as a high-risk driver
- Difficulty finding coverage
- Vehicle repossession
Let The Zebra help you find car insurance after a lapse!
How to avoid a lapse in car insurance coverage
Whether a lapse is caused by a missed payment or temporarily going without a vehicle, it’s best to avoid one when possible. Consider these alternatives to maintain coverage and help keep your premiums low.
Switch to liability-only coverage
If cost is a concern and your circumstances allow, switching to liability-only coverage will make premiums lower but leave gaps in coverage.
Enroll in auto-pay
If missed payments are the issue, auto-pay offers a good solution. Many companies offer auto-pay discounts, too.
Consider alternative insurance options
Pay-per-mile or usage-based programs may be more suitable for you if you drive infrequently. Premiums tend to be lower; with a base rate plus a per-mile fee.
"You can get a non-owners policy if you don't currently have a vehicle, then you'd get a new auto policy once you have a vehicle again. However, a non-owner insurance policy will only work if you do not have any vehicle registered in your name (or you don't have regular access to one in the home)."
Stephen Alcaraz, Insurance Advisor at The Zebra
How to handle a car accident after a coverage lapse
If you’ve been in a car accident and later realize your car insurance has lapsed, there’s no easy fix. Let’s review a few example scenarios and feel free to ask us if you have further questions.
If your coverage lapsed on Tuesday, and you had an accident on Thursday, your insurance company may allow you to reinstate your policy, but it’s very unlikely they will provide coverage for your accident. If you lie and say the accident happened after you were insured again, you’re committing insurance fraud. Having a reinstated policy and immediately filing a claim will be suspicious to your insurance company’s claims department and they will most likely investigate it.
Your lack of insurance should not affect your ability to receive compensation after a not-at-fault accident. If it is clearly the other driver’s fault, you should contact their insurance company and begin the claims process.
The only people who can determine fault are claims adjusters. So, if responsibility for the incident is not cut and dry, not having a claims adjuster on your side can be difficult. Insurance companies are going to try to avoid claims. Without an insurance company to back you, you could be stuck footing the bill.
If this happens to you, your best bet is to seek legal advice.
This is the worst-case scenario. If you’re uninsured and cause property or bodily injury damage to someone else, you’re responsible for those damages. If you’re unable to pay, you can have your assets seized and face legal action. Depending on the nature of the accident, you can also be ticketed, have your license suspended, or have your vehicle towed.
Bottom line: if you’re currently uninsured, get insurance quotes now. If it’s been a few days since your insurance lapsed, your best bet is to call your current provider and see if you can get your coverage reinstated. If you’re requiring an entirely new insurance quote, enter your ZIP code below to see rates from over a hundred local and national providers across the U.S.
Licensed. Knowledgeable. Helpful.
Alejandro joined The Zebra in 2019 with over a decade of insurance experience. He began his career as a bilingual sales agent at Progressive Insuranc…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Erick began his insurance career at The Zebra in 2020, starting in an unlicensed role assisting customers before earning his Property & Casualty lice…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Amber Vigil has three years of experience in the insurance industry and joined The Zebra in 2024. As manager, she leads a group of sales agents, ensu…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Make an informed decision: compare insurance rates today.
FAQs
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Lapse or Loss of Insurance Coverage. GA Department of Revenue
Lapse or Loss of Insurance Coverage. GA Department of Revenue
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
