Reader’s Question:

Is there a grace period after an insurance policy has been cancelled by the insurance carrier in Edison, New Jersey? I also want to ask if an insurance carrier have to send a letter through mail to let the policyholder know about the cancellation?

Terrence

Edison, NJ

The Consumer Guide for Auto Insurance published by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) states that there is not grace period for car insurance policies that have cancelled or lapsed. Insurers must provide notice of payment due dates according to what kind of payment is due under current regulations.

If your insurance provider terminates your policy for non-payment you should receive a fifteen day warning notice. You should receive a twenty day warning notice for all other reasons. While insurance laws require an insurance company to provide proof that a notification was mailed, they are not required to mail any notice “return receipt” or “certified”.

If your insurance is non-renewed or cancelled, you can file an appeal with the New Jersey DOBI. This department cannot guarantee your reinstatement so they would suggest to shop for alternative insurance during this process.

Tags: auto insurance, automobile

Reader’s Question:

I just bought a new vehicle, and I did not turn in my old vehicle. I have auto insurance on the old vehicle, am I insured on the new car? How much time do I have before I need to buy the insurance on the new car in Boise, Idaho? My insurance broker is out of the country and won’t be back for another ten days. I do not want to drive my new vehicle, unless I know it is insured.

Helen

Boise, ID

Coverage for an additional car varies from state to state and insurance carrier to insurance carrier. Your state may or may not provide a grace period for coverage. So, I cannot guarantee you are insured to operate your newly acquired car. The only way to know for sure is to contact your state’s Department of Financial Services (or Department of Insurance). I suggest that you contact your insurance provider in Boise, Idaho. They will not be able to provide a grace period that is less than your state requires. However, they may provide a grace period that exceeds what your state requires.

Tags: auto insurance, automobile