How Do I Cancel Progressive Insurance?

You can cancel a Progressive car insurance policy at any time by contacting Progressive, and a representative will handle the cancellation. The simplest way is to call 1-800-776-4737, which Progressive says is answered 24/7. Before you call, make sure your new policy is already in effect so you don’t end up with a gap in coverage.

How to Cancel Progressive Car Insurance

1. Line up your new coverage first. Progressive’s own guide to switching insurers says, “If you plan to cancel your current car insurance policy, make sure your new insurance policy is already in effect.”
2. Contact Progressive. Asked whether you can cancel at any time, Progressive’s FAQ answers, “Yes, contact us and a representative will help you cancel your policy.” Call 1-800-776-4737. If you bought your policy through an independent agent, let your agent know as well.
3. Pick the effective date. A Progressive policy form filed in Nevada describes cancelling “by calling or writing us and stating the future date you wish the cancellation to be effective.” Choose the day your new policy starts.
4. Ask about your refund. Find out how much unused premium you’ll get back and whether any fee applies in your state.
5. Tie up loose ends. Stop automatic payments, return your Snapshot device if you have one and tell your lender or leasing company about your new policy.

Progressive also points out that you don’t have to wait for your renewal. Its FAQ says, “You can switch insurers at any time, even if you just renewed your policy.”

Does Progressive Charge a Cancellation Fee?

Progressive doesn’t publish a cancellation fee, and it doesn’t say it never charges one. Its general guide to canceling car insurance explains that “depending on your state, and when you cancel, your insurer may charge a cancellation fee.”

The refund method matters as much as any fee. Progressive’s Nevada policy form calculates refunds on “a 90 percent of a daily pro rata basis” when you cancel during the first policy term, which means about 10% of the unused premium isn’t returned. After a renewal, the same form uses a straight daily pro rata refund. Some states limit how much an insurer can keep. Washington, for example, sets minimum refund amounts when you cancel a personal auto policy yourself. Ask Progressive how your refund will be figured before you pick a date.

How Refunds Work

Progressive’s FAQ says that when you cancel, “you’ll get a refund for the money you paid in advance,” subject to the rules above. Its refund guide adds that if you paid your full premium up front, you’ll typically get a refund, while monthly payers may or may not, depending on timing. Refunds typically go back through the payment method you used. Some states set deadlines too: in Texas, the Department of Insurance says unearned premium must be refunded within 15 days after the cancellation date.

Before You Cancel: A Quick Checklist

• Your new policy is active on or before your cancellation date.
• Your lender or lessor is covered. If you finance or lease, Progressive notes your lender will typically require comprehensive and collision on the new policy.
• Automatic payments are stopped. Progressive suggests canceling autopay before the first renewal payment is drafted.
• Your Snapshot device goes back. Progressive can charge up to $30 if a device isn’t returned in good working order.
• You’ve handled your plates if you’re not replacing coverage. If you’re getting rid of the car, some states want the plates first. New York tells drivers to surrender plates before coverage lapses, and North Carolina says canceling insurance before turning in the plate will result in a fine.

RateFrog’s general guide to canceling car insurance covers these steps for any insurer, and our guide to what happens when coverage lapses explains why a gap matters. If you’re switching, you can compare car insurance quotes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel Progressive Online?

Progressive’s FAQ tells customers to contact Progressive, and a representative will help you cancel. Calling 1-800-776-4737 is the most reliable route, and it lets you confirm the effective date and your refund at the same time.

Can I Cancel Progressive Right After Renewing?

Yes. Progressive says you can switch insurers at any time, even if you just renewed. You’d generally get back the unused part of the new term’s premium, subject to your state’s rules and your policy.

What If I Sold My Car and Don’t Need Insurance?

You can cancel, but first handle your plates and registration the way your state requires. If you still need an SR-22 or want to avoid a gap in your insurance history, consider a non-owner policy instead of dropping coverage entirely.

How Does Canceling Progressive Compare With Canceling GEICO or Allstate?

The basics are the same: have new coverage in place, contact the company and ask about refunds. RateFrog covers the details in how to cancel GEICO and how to cancel Allstate.

Sources

• Progressive: Auto Insurance FAQ
• Progressive: How to Cancel Car Insurance
• Progressive: Changing Car Insurance Companies
• Progressive: Refunds on Car Insurance
• Progressive: Car Insurance Renewal
• Progressive: Nevada Auto Policy 9611D (PDF)
• Texas Department of Insurance: Auto Insurance Guide
• New York DMV: Change, Reinstate or Cancel Insurance Coverage
• North Carolina DMV: Insurance Requirements