When Does My Car Insurance Policy Expire?

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

Knowing exactly when your car insurance ends helps you avoid an accidental lapse in coverage (and the higher rates and DMV headaches that can come with it).

If you’re not sure when your policy expires, you could mistakenly let your car insurance lapse between policies—which can quickly flag you as a higher-risk driver.

Most auto insurance policies run for 6 or 12 months. Many insurers offer auto-renewal, but renewal isn’t guaranteed if there’s a missed payment, underwriting change, or a non-renewal decision. If you cancel your policy (or it’s canceled), coverage typically ends at 12:01 a.m. on the effective date shown on your documents—meaning you’re uninsured for any driving later that day unless a new policy is already active.

Below is how to find your expiration date, what “12:01 a.m.” really means, and the simplest way to avoid a gap in coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Many auto policies end at 12:01 a.m. on the expiration/cancellation date listed—so your last fully covered day is often the day before.
• Don’t rely on memory: confirm your expiration date/time on your declarations page, ID card, online account, or by calling your insurer.
• Auto-renewal helps, but it can fail due to missed payments or underwriting changes—verify renewal status before your policy end date.
• To avoid a lapse, set your new policy to start on the same date your old policy ends, then cancel the old policy only after the new one is active.

Most Policies End at 12:01 a.m. on the Expiration Date Listed

For many insurers, coverage ends at 12:01 a.m. on the expiration (or cancellation) date shown on your policy. In practical terms, if your documents show an expiration date of September 1, your last fully covered day is usually August 31.

Example: If you buy a 6-month policy on March 1 with GEICO, your paperwork might show an expiration date of September 1. If that policy ends at 12:01 a.m. on September 1, an accident at 12:30 a.m. on September 1 would be outside the coverage window—and the insurer could deny your claim.

Important: Not every policy uses the exact same end time. Some carriers list 12:00 a.m., 12:01 a.m., or another specific time. Always rely on what your declarations page (or cancellation notice) actually says.

Where to Find Your Policy Expiration Date Fast

You can usually find your policy end date (and sometimes the exact time) in one of these places:

• Declarations page (“Dec page”): Shows your policy period, vehicles, drivers, and coverage details.
• Insurance ID card: Often lists effective and expiration dates (sometimes without a time).
• Billing statement / renewal offer: Typically includes your renewal date and amount due.
• Your online account or insurer app: Usually the quickest option.
• Customer service: Call or chat and ask for the exact end date/time in your local time zone.

Auto-Renewal Helps—But Don’t Assume You’re Covered

Many insurers automatically renew policies every 6 or 12 months if you’re enrolled in auto-renewal and your payment method goes through. If renewal happens normally, the new term starts when the old term ends—so there’s no gap.

However, auto-renewal can fail or be turned off. Common reasons include a missed payment, a returned payment, changes in underwriting, or account issues (like an expired card on file). And sometimes you’re the one ending the policy—like when you switch insurance companies or stop driving for an extended period.

It’s also possible your insurer will end your car insurance policy by non-renewing it at the end of the term. That’s why it’s smart to confirm your renewal and payment status before the expiration date hits.

Grace Periods Vary—Verify Before You Rely on One

Some insurers (and some states) allow a grace period for late payments. But grace periods aren’t universal, and they don’t always work the way drivers assume.

If you’re close to your expiration date or you’ve missed a payment, contact your insurer and ask:

• What is my exact expiration/cancellation date and time?
• Is my policy set to renew automatically?
• Is there any grace period, and does it keep coverage active?
• What payment must be made (and by when) to prevent cancellation or reinstate coverage?

How to Avoid a Lapse in Coverage

Even a short gap can count as a lapse. If you go without car insurance for a day, a week, or even a few hours, you may be considered uninsured during that time—and your state may treat that as a coverage lapse.

If coverage lapses, the DMV (or equivalent agency) may take action—up to and including canceling your registration until you provide proof of insurance. Depending on the situation, you might also face reinstatement fees or additional requirements. In some cases, you may need an SR-22 certificate.

And if you’re driving uninsured—even briefly—you’re exposed financially. If you cause an accident while insurance has lapsed, you could be personally responsible for property damage and injuries, including medical bills and treatment.

Start Your New Policy on the Same Date the Old Policy Ends

The simplest rule: your new policy should start on the same date your old policy ends (unless you’re intentionally not driving and not required to keep coverage).

Because many policies end shortly after midnight, drivers sometimes make an easy mistake: their old policy shows an end date of November 15, so they schedule the new policy to begin November 16. That creates a full day with no coverage.

If you’re aiming for continuous coverage, set the new policy effective date to match the old policy’s end date. Then cancel the old policy only after you’ve confirmed the new policy is active.

Watch for Cancellation or Non-Renewal Notices

In many situations, insurers must send advance notice before canceling a policy. If you receive a cancellation notice, treat it as urgent—shop for a replacement policy immediately and have it start on the date/time the notice says your current coverage ends.

Insurers can also choose not to renew at the end of a term—especially if your risk profile changed (for example, after multiple incidents). If you’re worried this could happen, review what can lead to being dropped in the first place (like how many accidents before insurance drops you) and start shopping early.

You Can Cancel Car Insurance at Any Time

If you found a better price or want different coverage, you can usually switch insurers at any time.

To cancel, call your insurer and request an effective cancellation date. Ask whether there are any cancellation policies you should know about. Many companies allow cancellation with no penalty and issue a refund on any premiums you have paid upfront, but the details depend on the carrier and your state.

If you’re switching, set up the new policy first, make sure it starts on the right date, then cancel the old policy to avoid any accidental lapse.

FAQs on Car Insurance Expiration

Final Word on When Your Policy Ends

In many cases, a standard 6- or 12-month auto policy ends at 12:01 a.m. on the expiration or cancellation date listed on your paperwork—so the “last fully covered day” is usually the day before.

Because rules vary by insurer and state (and because grace periods aren’t guaranteed), the safest move is to verify your exact end date/time and make sure any replacement policy starts on the same date.