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How to cancel Erie car insurance

Cancel Erie Insurance to cancel with a quick call to your agent.

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Katia Iervasi
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What's in this guide?

Unlike with many other types of insurance, you have the right to cancel your car insurance policy at any time. If you’re covered by Erie, you have three easy ways to end your policy. And you’ll likely receive a refund on any unused premiums.

Can I cancel my Erie car insurance anytime?

Yes. You can cancel your policy with Erie whenever you like without a penalty or fees. And you’ll get a prorated refund for any unused part of your premium.

With Erie, your local agent is your point of contact for anything to do with your policy — including when you’re ready to end it. The quickest way to cancel your coverage is to get in touch with your agent, who will then ask you to put your request into writing. After your cancellation is confirmed, Erie works to refund any unused premiums remaining on your policy.

While you can cancel your policy whenever you want, keep in mind that auto insurance is legally required in most states. Unless you’re no longer driving, you’ll want to have a new policy in place before your old one expires to avoid a coverage lapse penalty and possibly higher premiums in the future.

Does Erie have cancellation fees?

Erie doesn’t charge a cancellation fee, which is great news for current customers. You’ll also get a refund on your unused premiums, eliminating any worry about canceling early.

How do I cancel my policy?

Erie encourages you to contact your local agent by phone, by email or in person. Your agent’s details are listed on your policy documents, or use Erie’s online search tool to find an agent near you.

You also have the option to start the cancellation process by calling the customer service line or sending snail mail to Erie’s HQ.

Either way, the insurer requires written notice before it will process your cancellation.

Info you’ll need to cancel your policy

When putting together your written notice, be sure to include:

  • Your name, address and phone number.
  • Your Erie policy number.
  • Your Social Security number and date of birth.
  • Your driver’s license number.
  • The date you’d like your policy to end.
  • Your dated signature.

What’s the best way to cancel Erie car insurance?

To tick it off your to-do list quickly, call your local agent or drop by their office.

If you’d like to avoid the potential sales pitch to keep you as a customer, mail in your written notice. But Erie will likely contact you to confirm the cancellation.

Cancel by phone

To cancel your coverage over the phone, call toll-free at 800-458-0811 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET or Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. Select option 4 or simply stay on the line.

Better yet, contact your local agent directly. Your Erie agent will explain the cancellation process, which includes sending in a written notice.

In some states, you may need to inform the DMV that you’ve canceled or changed your car insurance, so it’s worth asking your agent if that applies to you.

Cancel by email

To bypass the phone call, mail your official written notice. Sign and date a letter with the info you need to cancel your policy and post it to Erie’s headquarters at:

  • Erie Insurance Group
  • 100 Erie Insurance Place
  • Erie, PA 16530

Aim to send in your notice two to three weeks before you want your policy to end. This allows enough time for shipping, processing and delays.

Cancel in person

Erie’s network includes more than 12,000 local agents across the 12 states it services: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.

If you like, you can cancel your coverage in person at your agent’s office. For the address, look at your policy documents.

To find an Erie office near you, type your ZIP code into Erie’s online Find an Agent tool to see a list of local agents

How can I confirm my Erie policy is canceled?

You’ll receive confirmation by mail and email. If you haven’t received confirmation within two weeks, follow up with the insurer to make sure your policy was canceled properly.

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What should I consider before canceling my policy with Erie?

  • Will there be a gap in my coverage? To avoid a lapse between policies, make sure your new policy is in effect before you drop the old one. Some states penalize registered cars that don’t have continuous coverage, so you might end up with a fine as well as a higher premium when you do purchase a new policy.
  • Will there be extra costs? With two policies on the go, there may be an overlap in payments. If you’re on a budget, figure out if it makes more financial sense to wait for your policy to end.
  • How much time do I need to switch policies? Erie requires written notice of cancellation, so allow two to three weeks for them to review and process your letter.
  • Will I lose my discounts? Most insurers offer a discount to new customers. At the same time, perks come with being a loyal, longtime customer. You might want to compare providers and their discount programs before making a decision.
  • Do I have any major life changes coming up? Getting married, moving and buying a home can all lead to major savings. It might be worth holding off on switching providers until you can score a better rate.

When is the best time to cancel or switch car insurance?

Whenever your circumstances change, it’s worth shopping around for a better rate.

If these situations apply to you, it might be time to think about canceling your car insurance policy:

  • Marriage. Recently tied the knot? Married couples can typically group their policies for a lower premium.
  • Buying a home. With most providers, you can bundle your auto and home policies for a discount.
  • Better credit. If you’ve improved your credit score, you might be able to reduce your premium with another provider.
  • New car. Upgraded or changed cars? It’s a good idea to reassess your coverage. Other providers may offer you a better deal or discounts.
  • Moving to a new state. The auto insurance laws vary by state, as does the type of coverage that’s available. If you’re moving, compare the car insurance providers in your new state.
  • Moving overseas. Car insurance doesn’t cross borders, so if you’re moving abroad for work, study or something else, cancel your policy. If you’re deployed by the military, look into suspending or canceling your coverage.

Should I cancel or adjust my policy?

The best car insurance policy should suit how you drive, what you drive and where you drive. If you’re not satisfied with your provider’s pricing, customer service or claims process, consider canceling your coverage.

With Erie, you’ll get a refund on your unused premiums, and you won’t have to pay a cancellation fee.

Staying with your provider has its benefits too. For example, you may be able to save money with renewal or loyalty discounts. Erie also offers a rate-lock guarantee, which means your rates change only if you update cars or drivers on your policy.

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Bottom line

Erie requires written notice, but canceling is easier than with other providers. You can cancel over the phone, in person or by mail without a fee — and you’ll even score a refund on your remaining premiums.

When you’re researching which insurer to switch to, start by comparing car insurance companies to find the best one for you.

Frequently asked questions about canceling Erie

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