Almost every state requires car insurance before you are legally allowed to operate that vehicle on public roads. Florida law requires car insurance with a minimum level of coverage to cover costs associated with your accident. Driving your car while uninsured is never recommended, but what happens if your coverage lapses? If financial or personal struggles have left your coverage unpaid, getting your coverage back up to code should be your number one priority. Despite certain difficulties, it is usually possible for people with lapsed insurance to once again receive car insurance with only minimal roadblocks, typically via insurance reinstatement. If your insurance has expired and you are unsure of your next step, read this blog.
Your Best Option – Insurance Reinstatement
Following a lapse in your coverage due to unpaid insurance premiums, your best bet is always to try and contact the company to get it reinstated. Future companies may perceive you as a higher-risk driver if you have a record of failing to pay your insurance provider and losing coverage as a result.
Missing a payment does not automatically mean your coverage has ended. Your insurance company will have a policy that includes a grace period for late payments. This period can range anywhere from a few days to a month, so always call to inquire whether your coverage has lapsed and pay as soon as possible. Contacting a representative is still your best bet for reinstatement if it has ended. If your lapse in coverage was brief and due to easily explainable circumstances (such as medical emergencies), most insurance providers would be happy to continue your policy with the same contract and information.
But what if you can anticipate a lack of funds to pay for your coverage? Instead of waiting for the policy to lapse and complicate the matter, take proactive steps to reach out to the insurance company and explain the situation. Getting a few-week extension to pay your bill is a much easier and straightforward solution than asking for a policy reinstatement after the fact. However, this can not become a pattern, and insurance companies will generally only allow a few of these extensions per year.
Can’t Get Reinstated – What Other Options Are There?
If you plan to continue to drive your vehicle but are unable to get your policy reinstated by your insurance provider, your only option is to shop around for a new policy from a different provider. Even if your initial provider did not grant a reinstatement, a separate company might hear and understand your situation and provide a policy with similar terms without much price difference. Certain contracts might have higher earlier monthly fees that drop over time as you prove your reliability in paying your bills.
If serious financial troubles cause you to miss payments and lapse in coverage, you might have difficulty getting coverage from most insurance providers. Some companies specialize in insuring ‘higher risk’ drivers, but they often come with higher rates and more severe penalties.
In this case, working with an experienced insurance broker is a lifesaver. The Anderson & Associates Insurance Group professionals are experts in every insurance scenario and can lend their extensive knowledge of the insurance coverage landscape to you. They will sift through all the offerings for the best quotes and company for your unique situation. Not only that, but they can offer professional advice as to how to best get back into good standing with your insurance provider via insurance reinstatement. If you are a local Sarasota or Bradenton driver who experienced a lapse in your coverage, call us today to get back in compliance with driving laws as soon as possible.
