What to Do When Car Insurance Expires?
3 Answers
When car insurance expires, it can be renewed. Currently, most insurance companies consider it a new policy if the insurance lapses for more than three months. Even if there were no claims in the previous year, after three months of lapse, the discount will be calculated as a new policy, which is approximately 15% off. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Insurance Expiry: Generally, a car cannot be driven on the road once the insurance expires, so it is advisable to renew it a few days in advance. Typically, the renewal can be delayed for up to two days. If delayed for a longer period, you may face double the insurance premium. 2. Required Materials for Claim Processing: The insured vehicle's driving license, a copy of the insured's organization code (if applicable), a copy of the insured's ID, the original ID of the insurance applicant, the vehicle's certification of conformity, the new car purchase invoice, and proof or contract from the vehicle owner demonstrating the relationship between the insured and the insured vehicle, etc.
I was also quite anxious when my insurance expired last year, but later I realized it's actually not that complicated. Start paying attention to renewal messages and calls from insurance companies one month in advance—they will proactively contact you with quotes. I prefer comparing prices and services from several different companies, such as major platforms like Ping An and PICC, where you can directly calculate premiums on their official websites. Compulsory traffic insurance is a must, while comprehensive coverage and third-party liability insurance depend on your vehicle's condition. If you don’t want to go out, paying via mobile is the most convenient option—e-policies take effect immediately, and you can just print and store them in the glove compartment. Never wait until the expiration day to handle it, as network delays could cause trouble for driving. After renewal, remember to update the compulsory insurance sticker immediately to avoid giving traffic police any reason to issue a ticket.
As an experienced driver, I must say that letting your car insurance expire is no trivial matter. Last time, my neighbor forgot to renew, ended up scratching someone else's car, and had to pay for the repairs out of pocket—big loss. I start preparing two weeks before expiration by reviewing last year's policy to check if the coverage is still appropriate. Nowadays, there are many renewal channels: phone insurance suits older folks unfamiliar with the internet, official websites are more efficient for younger people, and apps allow direct comparison of discounts. Note that insurers adjust premiums based on your claims history—if you've had no claims for three years, discounts can go up to 40%. Also, confirm the new policy's effective date to avoid a coverage gap of even a few hours, as insurers may deny claims during such periods. After selecting coverage, saving the e-policy to your phone gallery is the safest bet.
