How complicated is switching your car insurance? Will there be fees? How can you be sure you're making the right choice? You probably have a lot of questions. That's why we've created this straightforward guide. We'll take you through everything from comparing quotes to avoiding common pitfalls, so you can switch with confidence and potentially save hundreds.  

How do I switch my car insurance? 

The process of changing auto insurance can be stressful if you don’t know where to start. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on how to switch car insurance providers:

1. Compare auto insurance quotes. Did you know that the average Canadian researches an average of three different providers when buying or renewing their car insurance? Shop around to see who offers the best coverage and customer service at a better rate. You can do it the traditional way by making phone calls or getting a quote directly online, like you can at Sonnet! Make sure you’re matching coverage, limits and deductibles to your current policy. 
2. Research the companies you’re interested in. Sure, the price might be right, but what about reputation? Make sure to read customer reviews and pay attention to the claims experience. If an accident happens, you don’t want a company that’s difficult to deal with when handling a car insurance claim. 
3. Be sure the quote is accurate. In this step, your job is to provide detailed, accurate, up-to-date information about you, your car and your claims and driving history. Some online providers (usually direct insurance writers, like Sonnet) offer accurately priced quotes instantly. 
4. Tell your current insurer. Once you’ve done your homework and found something that works for you, you must proactively cancel your current policy. It’s a common question: should I cancel my car insurance before switching? The answer is no. Make sure your new policy is set up and paid for before scheduling the cancellation to avoid any gaps in coverage. If you don’t cancel the old one, you’ll continue to be billed. 
5. Inform your leasing or financing company. Since they have a financial stake in your policy, you’ll have to contact your lessor or financing company to let them know you’re switching your insurance. Remember to list them as an additional interest in your new policy as well. 
6. Get your new proof of insurance. Don’t forget to put your new insurance card (or "pink slip") in your glove compartment! Or, if you’re a Sonnet customer, you can simply access your digital pink slip through your customer account. Still, it’s best to always keep a paper copy in your car. 

Note on switching vehicles: This guide focuses on how to switch car insurance providers. If you simply need to change the vehicle on your existing policy, the process is much simpler. You can usually do this by contacting your current insurer online or by phone. They will adjust your premium based on the new vehicle's details. 

How to compare car insurance quotes 

Knowing how to switch car insurance effectively starts with a fair comparison. When you're ready to start shopping around, here’s what to look for when you’re comparing auto insurance quotes: 

• Know your current policy: Knowing what’s on your policy will help you know what to look for and compare prices. You might also find that you’re missing coverages or need to change your limits or deductible.
• Provide consistent information: Be consistent with the details you share so that you can compare apples to apples. Things like your commuting distance, tickets, accidents or past claims are all very important to keep consistent across the board. 
• Match the coverage: Double-check the type of coverage and make sure the deductibles are the same, too. It’ll make it easier to compare your options and ensure you're getting a better deal, not just less coverage. 
• Check the limits: Pay attention to how much each company provides for the coverage you need. Sometimes they will have varying limits for things like rental cars, liability or accident benefits coverage. 
• Understand the exclusions: You don’t want any surprises if you have to make a claim, so take time to carefully review anything that won’t be covered. For example, regular wear and tear or mechanical failure are typically not included. 
• Research the company: Look into the company’s reputation. How do they handle claims? What are their customer service reviews like? When you need to ask a question or file a claim, you want a company that will look after your needs. 

How often can you change car insurance providers? 

Many drivers wonder, "can I change auto insurance at any time?" The answer is yes, you absolutely can. You can make a switch whenever you need to, whether it's mid-term or at your renewal date. The best time to switch car insurance is often at renewal to avoid potential fees, but generally, there are no other consequences for changing auto insurance more frequently than the average driver.

Often, drivers may have an accident/conviction that gets forgiven on their policy. Switching midway through will result in them being rated for said accident/conviction with a new provider.  

Can I switch car insurance mid-policy? 

Yes, you can switch car insurance at any time, even in the middle of your policy term, as long as your account is in good standing. This flexibility answers the common question, "can I switch car insurance mid policy?" If you’ve missed a payment, your provider will likely require you to settle the outstanding balance (if there is one) before you can cancel and complete the process of changing auto insurance. 

Will I get a refund if I cancel mid-policy? 

If you cancel your policy before the term is up, you may be eligible for a refund for the unused portion of your premium, especially if you paid in full. However, some providers charge a cancellation fee. Is there a fee if you cancel your car insurance? It depends on the provider and how they calculate your refund. These rules apply whether you pay your premium monthly or annually. There are two common methods: 

Prorating car insurance 

A pro-rata cancellation means your provider will refund the full amount of the premium you’ve paid that you haven’t used, with no additional fee. For example, if you paid for a full year but cancel after six months, you would get back the remaining six months' worth of premium. 

Short-rating car insurance 

A short-rate cancellation includes a penalty for ending your policy early. Your provider will retain a portion of the unearned premium to cover administrative costs, and you will be refunded the rest. This amount will vary by company, and you should be able to find more information about it in your policy documents. The savings from changing auto insurance might outweigh the penalty, making it worth it to cancel mid-policy. However, if the fee is high, it may be better to wait until your renewal. 

Will have a pro-rata or short-rate cancelation? 

The answer is that it depends on the situation behind the cancelation. For example, if you’re moving to another province that your provider does not service, you may be able to cancel pro-rata. However, if you are canceling to switch to a different provider, a short-rate cancelation may be applied.     

Can I change car insurance after an accident?

Yes, you can still switch providers if you have an open claim. Just be aware that the insurance company you were with at the time of the accident will continue to handle that specific claim, including any payouts. When getting quotes, you must disclose the open claim to the new insurance company, even if they are still in process. This transparency is key to getting an accurate price and ensuring your new policy is valid. 

How do I change my car insurance if I'm moving to another province? 

Since car insurance varies by province, the process depends on where you’re moving. If you need to know how to switch car insurance in Ontario, Alberta or another province with private insurance (like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador or Prince Edward Island), you can simply shop around and choose a new provider that works for you. 

However, if you're moving to Manitoba, Saskatchewan or British Columbia, you will need to visit their official government websites to learn how to register. That's because these provincial governments provide their own public insurance.  

Changing car insurance providers? Sonnet is here to help. 

Now that you know how simple it is to switch car insurance, you can make an informed decision. The most important thing is to ensure you’re always fully protected without any gaps in coverage. If you're looking for a provider that combines great rates with a seamless digital experience, consider Sonnet insurance. We offer customizable coverage and a quote you can trust in just a few minutes. See how much you could save by making the switch today.