State Farm Auto Insurance: Why You Should Avoid Auto-Renewal

State Farm auto insurance customers may receive a notice of non-renewal of their policy, citing reasons such as incidents and driving records. To cancel a State Farm insurance policy, customers can contact their local State Farm agent, call the auto policy cancellations line, write a letter, or cancel in person. It is recommended to have certain information ready, such as the policy number, name, date of birth, and proof of vehicle sale if applicable. Customers considering cancelling their State Farm policy may want to explore other insurance providers or consult an independent agent to find the best option for their needs.

Cancelling State Farm auto insurance by phone, in writing, or in person

To cancel your State Farm auto insurance policy, you can choose to do so by phone, in writing, or in person. Here's what you need to know about each method:

Cancelling by Phone:

Call 800-STATEFARM to cancel your auto insurance policy by phone. Have your policy number, name, and date of birth ready when you call. If you're cancelling because you've sold your vehicle, you might also need to provide proof of your vehicle's plate forfeiture or a bill of sale. Cancellations by phone are typically effective immediately, or you can schedule them for a future date.

Cancelling in Writing:

To cancel your policy in writing, send a letter to the following address:

Corporate Headquarters

State Farm Insurance

One State Farm Plaza

Bloomington, IL 61710

Your letter should include the following information:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• Your State Farm policy number and the date and time you want your policy to end
• If you're switching providers, include your new insurer's name, policy number, and policy start date
• If you've sold your vehicle, include proof of plate forfeiture or your bill of sale

Sign and date the letter, and mail it at least two weeks before your intended cancellation date to allow for delivery and processing.

Cancelling in Person:

To cancel your policy in person, contact your local State Farm agent and explain that you'd like to cancel your policy. You'll need to provide the following information:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• Your State Farm policy number and the date and time you want your policy to end
• If you're switching providers, your new insurer's name, policy number, and policy start date
• If you've sold your vehicle, proof of plate forfeiture or your bill of sale

Remember that when you cancel your auto insurance, many states require you to inform the DMV. Check your specific state's guidelines or ask your agent if this is necessary. Additionally, you'll need to have a new insurance policy in place before cancelling your State Farm policy to avoid any gaps in coverage, which can lead to a suspension of your driver's license and higher premiums on future policies.

What to do if you want to stay with State Farm

If you want to stay with State Farm, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your insurance coverage continues uninterrupted.

First, it's important to keep your policy up to date. If you have any changes, such as moving to a different state, purchasing a new vehicle, or adding a driver to your policy, be sure to contact your State Farm agent to update your coverage. You can also make changes to your policy online by logging into your account and selecting the relevant option.

Additionally, staying on top of your payments is crucial. State Farm offers various payment methods, including online, by phone, or by mail. You can also set up automatic payments to ensure your premiums are always paid on time. If you're having trouble making a payment, contact your State Farm agent to discuss alternative payment arrangements.

Another way to stay with State Farm is to take advantage of their various coverage options. In addition to auto insurance, State Farm offers coverage for motorcycles, boats, motorhomes, off-road vehicles, classic and antique cars, and more. You can also bundle your auto insurance with other types of insurance, such as homeowners, renters, or life insurance, to save money.

Finally, if you're happy with the service you're receiving from your current State Farm agent, you can continue working with them. However, if you feel that another agent could better meet your needs, you have the option to switch agents. State Farm has over 18,000 agents nationwide, so you can easily find one that's a better fit.

How to avoid high-risk pool providers

High-risk insurance pools, also known as assigned-risk pools, are a last resort for drivers who are unable to obtain insurance through the voluntary market. These pools are typically more expensive and offer limited coverage options. To avoid being placed in a high-risk insurance pool, consider the following strategies:

• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: A history of unsafe driving, including multiple accidents, speeding tickets, or a DUI/DWI, can increase your risk of being placed in a high-risk pool. Drive safely and avoid moving violations to maintain a clean driving record.
• Experience and Age: Inexperience is a factor that insurance companies consider when assessing risk. If you are a new driver, work on gaining experience and improving your driving skills to reduce your risk profile. Additionally, younger drivers are often considered higher-risk, so your risk profile may improve as you get older.
• Improve Your Credit Score: Insurance companies may correlate poor credit scores with a higher likelihood of filing insurance claims. Taking steps to improve your credit score, such as paying bills on time and maintaining low credit card balances, can help lower your risk profile.
• Choose Your Vehicle Wisely: Insuring a high-performance vehicle can be more expensive due to the higher costs of repair or replacement. Additionally, these vehicles may be associated with unsafe driving behaviours. Choosing a safer and more modest vehicle can help reduce your risk profile.
• Location: If you live in an area with high theft and vandalism rates, you may be considered a higher insurance risk. Consider your location and the potential impact on your insurance options.
• Maintain Continuous Insurance Coverage: Gaps in your insurance history or a history of missing payments can be red flags for insurance companies. Maintain continuous insurance coverage and stay on top of your payments to avoid being placed in a high-risk pool.
• Shop Around: If you are having trouble finding affordable insurance, don't give up right away. Different insurance companies have varying underwriting criteria, so it's worth comparing quotes from several providers. You can also explore non-standard auto insurance companies, which offer private insurance policies that are typically more expensive than standard policies but still a better option than the assigned-risk pool.

Remember, improving your risk profile takes time and consistency. By following these strategies, you can work towards avoiding high-risk pool providers and obtaining more affordable and comprehensive insurance coverage.

How to find a cheaper insurance policy

If you're looking for a cheaper insurance policy, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, it's important to compare quotes from multiple insurers. This will help you find the most affordable rates for your specific situation. You can use online tools or work with an insurance broker or independent agent to get quotes from different companies.

Another way to lower your insurance costs is to ask about discounts. Many insurance companies offer a range of discounts that can reduce your premium. For example, you may be eligible for a discount if you have multiple cars on your policy, bundle your auto and home insurance, pay your policy in full, complete a defensive driving course, or have a clean driving record.

Additionally, consider the type of vehicle you drive. Cars with good safety ratings, lower repair costs, and less powerful engines tend to have lower insurance premiums. You can also raise your deductible, which will lower your premium, but make sure you have enough money set aside to cover the higher deductible if needed.

Shopping around and comparing quotes is the best way to find a cheaper insurance policy. You can also work on improving your credit score, maintaining a clean driving record, and bundling your policies to get a better deal.

What to do if you've sold your vehicle

If you've sold your vehicle, you'll need to cancel your State Farm auto insurance policy. Here's what you need to do:

Contact Your Local State Farm Agent

Get in touch with your local State Farm agent and inform them that you want to cancel your policy. You'll typically need to provide your policy number, name, and date of birth. As you're cancelling because you've sold your vehicle, you might also be asked to provide proof of your vehicle's plate forfeiture or a bill of sale.

Call State Farm

For auto policy cancellations only, you can call 800-STATEFARM. Cancellations by phone are typically effective immediately, or you can schedule them for a future date.

Inform the DMV

Many states require you to notify the DMV when you cancel or change your auto insurance, so check your specific state's guidelines or ask your agent if this is necessary.

Provide Information About Your New Provider

If you're planning on getting a new policy with a different provider, your State Farm agent may ask for the name of the new insurer, along with the policy number and effective date.

Write a Letter

You can also cancel your policy by writing a letter that includes the following information:

• Your name, address, and phone number.
• Your State Farm policy number and the date and time you want your policy to end.
• If you're switching providers, include your new insurer's name, policy number, and policy start date.
• If you've sold your vehicle, include proof of plate forfeiture or your bill of sale.

Sign, date, and mail your letter at least two weeks before your intended cancellation date to the following address:

> Corporate Headquarters

> State Farm Insurance

> One State Farm Plaza

> Bloomington, IL 61710

Cancel in Person

If you prefer, you can also cancel your policy in person. Bring the following information with you:

• Your name, address, and phone number.
• Your State Farm policy number and the date and time you want your policy to end.
• If you're switching providers, bring your new insurer's name, policy number, and policy start date.
• If you've sold your vehicle, bring proof of plate forfeiture or your bill of sale.

Frequently asked questions