How to Cancel Your GEICO Car Insurance Policy in 3 Easy Steps

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Written by Mandy Sleight Edited by Lequita Westbrooks

Updated December 15, 2023

GEICO is known for offering cheap rates and is among the best auto insurance companies. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for all drivers. If you plan to cancel your GEICO car insurance policy, you have to call and speak to a GEICO representative.

This step-by-step guide can help you through the process of canceling your GEICO policy. We’ll also provide tips on how to know when canceling is a good idea, alternative solutions, and things to consider before requesting cancellation.

Key Takeaways:

• GEICO only allows cancellations over the phone.
• Canceling your GEICO policy is free, but there may be a short-rate premium calculation for North Carolina residents.
• Make sure your new policy starts the same day (or before) you’re canceling your GEICO policy so you have continuous car insurance coverage.

3 Steps to Cancel a GEICO Car Insurance Policy

You can cancel your GEICO insurance policy with three easy steps and one phone call. But before you do, check out the first step in the process to ensure you’re making the right choice.

1. Review Your Policy Terms

GEICO auto policies are usually in effect for six months and renew automatically. So if you wish to cancel your GEICO policy, you have to request it.

Before you do, check to see if you’re paying for coverage you no longer need — especially if you’re canceling for pricing reasons. You can also check to see if you might be missing out on any discounts that can help lower your premium.

If you still need to cancel your current policy, have your GEICO policy number handy in case you need to provide it to the insurance agent.

2. Contact GEICO Customer Service

The only way to cancel your policy is to speak with a GEICO customer service agent by calling 1 (800) 841-1587. Once the Interactive Voice Response system prompts you to speak, say something like “cancel insurance policy.” Then, specify that you want “car” or “auto” to cancel the correct policy.

GEICO’s automated system may ask you for information such as your date of birth, your phone number, your Social Security number, and the state your vehicle is in. You may also need to provide your GEICO policy number. The agent will ask for the cancellation date, which should coincide with your new policy date if you’re switching insurers.

There isn’t a cancellation fee, but North Carolina drivers may be charged based on something called a “short-rate premium calculation,” which is a refund you might receive if you paid in full and are canceling before your policy ends.

3. Get Your Cancellation Confirmation

Before you hang up, ask the licensed agent how you’ll receive your cancellation confirmation. You may receive it by email, by mail, or both. Receiving the information is important since it will provide the cancellation date and may include any refund amount.

If you have automatic payments set up, ask how to cancel it to avoid being charged. The cancellation process is usually quick and can take effect as soon as the following business day.

When to Cancel Your Car Insurance Policy

Here are some reasons why it might make sense to cancel your car insurance policy:

• You’ve moved to another state or ZIP code. Many car insurance companies offer coverage in multiple states. But switching to a new insurer might be necessary if your current insurer isn’t available in your new location.
• Your vehicle has been sold or totaled. If a car accident totals your car or you sell it, and you’re not getting another one, canceling may be the next step.
• You found a better deal. While GEICO is known for lower prices, it’s not always the cheapest for everyone. Finding a better rate is a great reason to get a new auto insurance policy with a different company.
• You can’t afford your current policy. Taking a closer look at your current policy can help you determine if you can get a lower rate with discounts or by making a coverage change. Discussing options with your insurance agent before you cancel is a good idea to see if you’re getting the cheapest rate. In some circumstances, going with a different insurance company may be the right move.

What to Consider Before Canceling Your GEICO Auto Insurance Policy

Before you begin the cancellation process with GEICO, consider the following:

• Shopping around: The only way to know you’re getting the best deal on insurance coverage is to compare quotes with different car insurance companies. By comparing the same coverages, you can be sure you’re getting the cheapest rate, whether with GEICO or another insurer.
• Your new policy start date: Before canceling your GEICO policy, make sure you know the start date of your new policy to avoid a lapse in coverage. Your new policy should start the same day or before your GEICO cancellation date.
• The effect on other policies: If you have other policies with GEICO, like homeowners or an umbrella policy, you could lose your bundling discount if you cancel your auto insurance. Check to make sure losing the discount won’t increase how much you pay for all your insurance policies before you cancel.

Alternatives to Canceling Your GEICO Policy

Although canceling your GEICO policy may seem like the best option, here are some alternatives that may be better:

• Ask about discounts to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Speak with an experienced agent to see if you can reduce or change coverage.
• Increase your comprehensive and collision deductibles to save money.
• If you’re a safe driver, consider the GEICO DriveEasy telematics program.
• Consider going from a full-coverage policy to liability only if your car is older and paid off.
• Switch to a GEICO non-owner car insurance policy if you no longer own a vehicle but plan to drive someone else’s or rent one.

Canceling GEICO Policy FAQs

Check out answers to common questions on canceling a GEICO policy to make sure it’s the right choice for you.

Can you cancel your GEICO policy anytime?

Yes. You can cancel your GEICO policy anytime. Canceling over the phone is fast and easy and can take effect the same day if needed. But make sure your new car insurance policy is active before you make the cancellation request to avoid a coverage lapse.

Can a GEICO policy be canceled online?

No. GEICO’s cancellation policy requires all policyholders to call for cancellations, so you can’t cancel your policy online. But there are other policy service options available online and in the GEICO mobile app, such as making coverage changes and adding or removing a vehicle.

Can someone else cancel your GEICO policy for you?

No. Insurance is a contract between the policyholder and the insurance company. To cancel your GEICO policy, the insurance company will want to speak with the policyholder, not someone else. If an issue prevents you from canceling it yourself, consider making a written request and sending the paperwork to GEICO.

Does GEICO refund your money if you cancel?

It depends. GEICO refunds any unused premium if you cancel your policy mid-term. For example, if you paid in full, GEICO will refund the remaining balance to your bank account or mail you a check. But if you pay monthly, chances are you’re not eligible for a refund.

Does canceling car insurance affect your credit?

Canceling car insurance doesn’t affect your credit. However, if you don’t pay your car insurance on time, the insurer could send you to collections, which can negatively affect your credit score. A lapse in coverage could also affect your new insurance policy rates in some states.

Sources

1. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Auto Insurance,” Accessed November 11, 2023.

Mandy Sleight Auto Insurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She is a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications. She uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content to help readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.