Things to Know Before You Cancel Insurance

Here's the truth about the insurance ads you see and hear. Getting the best deal you can on insurance is a no-brainer. But if you're thinking about switching to another insurance company, we hope you'll talk to your local Allstate agent first. Bottom line: make sure you're really cutting price - and not actually cutting protection.

Here's another good reason to talk to your local Allstate agent - told, we offer more than 30 different homeowners and auto insurance discounts.

If you're selling something covered by an Allstate policy - say your car, boat, motorcycle, or RV - and aren't planning on replacing it, then canceling your policy makes sense. Just contact your agent or call us at 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828). We'll work with you to make sure your coverage doesn't end before it should - and make sure you're not paying for coverage you no longer need.

If you're canceling one policy and starting a new policy - or if you're simply letting one policy expire before a new one starts - double-check your timing. A gap in auto insurance coverage, even if it's for a matter of days, tells insurance companies that you're a higher risk. This means you can pay higher rates, so be sure there's no lapse in your coverage.

Here's a quick guide to help you understand when to cancel a policy and when to simply adjust your coverage:

• Selling your car, boat, or other item you're not replacing? Once you no longer own the asset, cancel the policy.
• Replacing a similar item? Talk to your agent to adjust coverage for your new car, boat, etc. And don't forget that we offer multiple policy discounts when you insure both your home and auto with us.
• Moving? Talking to your agent is critical, whether you're a renter who's buying a house or a homeowner switching addresses. In most cases, you won't need to cancel your homeowners insurance or auto insurance - your policy and information just need to be updated.