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Why Shopping for Insurance During the 45-Day Renewal Period Just Makes Sense

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By Susan Meyer
Updated December 23, 2025
Reviewed By Beth Swanson
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
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  1. What Is the 45-Day Renewal Period?
  2. Insurance Rates Fluctuate
  3. Why Shop During Your Renewal Period
  4. Insurance Discounts
  5. Coverage Needs Change
  6. Compare Rates

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

If you’re like most people, when it comes to insurance, you want to be thinking about it as little as possible. You’re buying peace of mind in case something goes wrong (or because you legally have to). And then you sit back, hope nothing goes wrong, and insurance becomes just one more monthly bill fading into the background.

But your insurance policy has its own lifecycle. The average insurance policy is 6 to 12 months, and then you enter your renewal period. This is typically a 45-day window during which you see how much your premiums will increase and can shop around to see if there are better options. 

One of the smartest times to shop for insurance is during the 45-day renewal period—and doing so can save you money, improve your coverage, or both.

What Is the 45-Day Renewal Period?

The 45-day renewal period is the window of time before your insurance policy expires when your insurer sends you a renewal notice.

This notice outlines your new premium, coverage details and any changes to your policy for the upcoming term.

This timeframe is critical because:

  • You’re not locked into the new rate yet
  • You have time to compare options without a coverage gap
  • Most insurers still consider you a “current customer,” which can affect pricing and eligibility

In short, it’s your opportunity to reassess before committing.

Insurance Rates Change—Even If Nothing Else Does

One of the biggest misconceptions about insurance is that rates only change if you file a claim or make a major life change. 

In reality, premiums can increase for reasons completely outside your control, such as:

  • Inflation and rising repair or medical costs
  • Changes in your insurer’s pricing models
  • State-level regulatory updates
  • Increased claims in your area

This chart shows the national average for auto insurance premiums for the last decade, so you can see just how much things have changed.

Average increase in auto insurance premiums over time

Source: The Zebra

Shopping during your renewal period helps you catch these increases early—and decide whether they’re worth accepting. It’s also a good reason to track insurance prices year-round so you know what to expect.

Why Shop During Your Renewal Period

The truth is, you can cancel your insurance policy at any time. But is there any leverage for the policyholder in waiting until their renewal period to make a decision?

The main advantage is that you will know what your new premium will be. That way, you know what price you need to beat to consider changing insurance companies. 

Shopping during the 45-day window gives you time to:

  • Compare multiple quotes
  • Ask questions about coverage differences
  • Set a new policy to start the same day your old one ends

This ensures continuous coverage, which is especially important for auto and homeowners insurance, where even a short lapse can lead to higher rates later. If you hit 6 months of continuous coverage by waiting until your renewal period, you may qualify for a currently insured discount. More on discounts below.

You Might Qualify for Better Discounts

Insurance companies regularly adjust their discounts and underwriting criteria. Even if you didn’t qualify for certain savings last year, you might now. For example:

  • Improved credit (where allowed by law)
  • Fewer claims or violations over time
  • Bundling opportunities with home, renters or auto insurance
  • New customer or switching discounts

By shopping around and tracking prices, you can see which insurers reward your current profile the most.

Coverage Needs Change Over Time

Your life doesn’t stay the same—and neither should your insurance. During the renewal period, it’s a good idea to review whether your coverage still fits your needs. You may need to:

  • Increase liability limits
  • Adjust deductibles
  • Add or remove optional coverages
  • Make sure your home or belongings are insured at accurate values

Shopping around helps you compare not just price, but coverage quality. Set it and forget it only works so far with insurance, and the renewal window is the perfect time to make sure your insurance really has you covered.

It Costs Nothing to Compare—and Could Save You Hundreds

One of the best parts about shopping for insurance is that it’s free. Getting quotes doesn’t obligate you to switch, but it gives you valuable insight into whether you’re overpaying or underinsured.

Many drivers and homeowners find they can save hundreds of dollars a year just by comparing options at renewal—without sacrificing coverage.

And one of the easiest ways to compare is with The Zebra’s Price Tracking. You can enter your information once and be notified if rates change and we find a lower rate for you.

Wrapping Up

The 45-day renewal period isn’t just a reminder to pay your bill—it’s a built-in opportunity to make sure your insurance still works for you. By shopping during this window, you give yourself time, leverage and choices. Even if you end up staying with your current insurer, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you made an informed decision.

Before you renew, take a few minutes to shop (or sign up for price tracking). Your future self (and your budget) will thank you.