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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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Table of contents
If you’re considering switching insurers, you’re not alone. Around 40% of insured households searched for new car insurance in 2023, according to the LexisNexis Insurance Demand Meter. Luckily, Auto-Owners makes it easy to cancel your policy with your independent agent over the phone or in person.
If you pay high rates, need different coverage, or want better benefits, you should shop for a new insurer. But before you switch, speak with your Auto-Owners agent about your needs — the company might be willing to work with you.
Let’s explore how to cancel your Auto-Owners policy.
5 Steps to Cancel Your Auto-Owners Car Insurance Policy
Auto-Owners makes canceling your car insurance policy easy. But you need to follow the right steps to avoid costly mistakes like a lapse in insurance coverage. Auto-Owners requires you to contact your local agent to cancel your policy. The company may also request written notice.
Before you start the cancellation process, review what you need to know about your current policy.
1. Review your current policy
Review your current policy details, including the renewal date, cancellation fees, and refund policy. Canceling at the right time can help you avoid fees and even get you a refund.
You should also check your policy number and coverage details. You’ll want these handy when you contact your insurance agent.
2. Understand what you need from your next policy
Think about why you’re canceling your policy. It might be because you have high premiums or want better coverage. Understanding your priorities makes it easier to find policies that match your needs.
Your new policy needs to meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements. And if you finance your car, your lender might have additional requirements. Lenders often require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage as part of your loan agreement. You should also consider whether you need any additional coverage.
3. Compare quotes and purchase your new policy
To avoid a lapse in coverage, you must have a new policy before canceling your Auto-Owners insurance. You could face fines or higher premiums if your insurance lapses.
Getting quotes from top insurance companies is the easiest way to find the best coverage. Car insurance comparison sites allow you to check rates from multiple companies quickly.
Once you’ve chosen the company that fits your needs, ensure your new policy starts before your current policy ends.
4. Contact Auto-Owners customer service
To cancel your Auto-Owners car insurance policy, you must contact your local independent agent by phone or in person. If you need help finding an agent, you can call Auto-Owners customer service at 1 (800) 346-0346. You can only cancel your policy with an agent, not with Auto-Owners customer service.
Be prepared to provide your policy number, the cancellation date, and the reason for cancellation. You should also ask your agent if you’re eligible for a refund and if you need to submit a written cancellation request.
5. Confirm your cancellation and get your refund
Confirm with your Auto-Owners agent that they canceled your policy. The cancellation process typically takes a few days to finalize. If you set up automatic payments, cancel them to avoid future charges.
You may be entitled to a refund depending on your cancellation terms and whether you prepaid your premiums. Your agent will guide you through the refund process and explain how and when you’ll receive it — typically via check or direct deposit.
Ways to Cancel Your Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Policy
You can cancel your Auto-Owners insurance policy with your agent by phone or in person. Let’s take a look at both methods.
By phone
You can call your local agent (but not the insurer’s customer service hotline) to cancel your Auto-Owners policy. Your agent will need your policy number and may ask you a few questions to verify your identity. They’ll also tell you whether you need to do anything else, like provide a written cancellation letter.
In person
You can also visit your local independent agent’s office to cancel your Auto-Owners insurance policy. Meeting in person can make it easier to discuss fees and your eligibility for a refund.
Because local independent agents manage policies, cancellation methods may vary depending on your policy and agent. Contact your agent to find out how you can cancel.
When to Cancel Your Car Insurance Policy
Most car insurance companies — including Auto-Owners — allow you to cancel your policy anytime. But some insurers, like Liberty Mutual, may charge a cancellation fee. And because rules vary by state, companies may charge fees in one state but not another.
When switching auto insurers, your new policy should start when your old policy ends to avoid a lapse in coverage.
If you’re canceling because you’re selling your car, you should notify your state’s DMV so you won’t be liable for future issues.
What to Consider Before Canceling Your Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Policy
Here are a few things to consider before canceling your Auto-Owners policy:
Shopping around: To find the best coverage at the best price, you should compare quotes from multiple car insurance companies. Car insurance comparison sites are an easy and quick way to do this.
Coverage lapses: To avoid penalties or higher premiums, ensure your new policy begins before or the same day your Auto-Owners policy ends.
Cancellation fees: Auto-Owners rarely charges cancellation fees, but you should ask your agent if you’ll owe anything when you cancel.
Reimbursement: You may qualify for a refund if you cancel before your policy’s renewal date. Ask your agent for more information.
Lost discounts: When you cancel your car insurance, you could lose any multi-policy discounts if you’ve bundled your home or renters insurance with Auto-Owners.
Auto-Owners Car Insurance Premiums vs. the Competition
Car insurance premiums rose an average of 5.75% in 2022, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — so comparing rates from several companies can save you money. The table below shows average monthly premiums from Auto-Owners and its top competitors, according to data from Compare.com.
Company | Average Monthly Premium | Compared to Auto-Owners |
---|---|---|
Auto-Owners | $53 | — |
GEICO | $86 | +62% |
Progressive | $124 | +134% |
State Farm | $86 | +62% |
Industry average | $134 | +153% |
Auto-Owners stands out with significantly lower-than-average rates — even cheaper than competitors like Progressive and GEICO. While GEICO and State Farm are usually affordable options, they’re still 62% more expensive than Auto-Owners, on average.
But the cheapest option might not be the best one for you. Dozens of factors affect your rates, like age and marital status. Comparing multiple companies can help you get the cheapest coverage for your situation.
Canceling Auto-Owners Insurance FAQs
Auto-Owners makes canceling your insurance policy easy, but you may still need more information. Below are answers to common questions from Auto-Owners customers.
How do you cancel your Auto-Owners policy?
Contact your local independent agent to cancel your Auto-Owners insurance policy. You may need to provide a written request, policy details, and a cancellation date to finalize the process.
Can you cancel Auto-Owners auto insurance anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your Auto-Owners auto insurance policy anytime. But check your policy terms for cancellation requirements and potential fees.
Does Auto-Owners charge a cancellation fee?
No, Auto-Owners typically doesn’t charge a cancellation fee. But you should confirm with your agent because policies and regulations vary by state.
Can you cancel Auto-Owners insurance online?
No, you can’t cancel your Auto-Owners policy online. You must contact your local independent agent to cancel.
Sources
PR Newswire, “U.S. Consumers Continue to Shop and Switch Auto Insurance at Higher Rates, Dragging Down Carriers’ Retention Rates,” accessed January 27, 2025.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “NAIC Releases Latest ‘Auto Insurance Database Average Premium Supplement’,” accessed January 27, 2025.
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)
J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
)
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.