How to Cancel a Renters Insurance Policy

Before contacting your insurer, collect your policy number from your declarations page or insurance card. You'll also need your coverage limits, deductible amounts, desired cancellation date (provide at least one day's notice), and payment method details such as autopay or monthly billing arrangements.

You can cancel your renters insurance by phone, your insurer’s online portal or written notice depending on your insurance company’s requirements.

• Call your insurer directly: Phone your insurance company during business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in your time zone. Ask the representative to transfer you to the cancellation department. Provide your policy number and requested cancellation date, then write down the confirmation number they give you. This number proves you initiated the cancellation process.
• Cancel online: Sign in to your account and look for "Cancel Policy" or "Make Policy Changes" in the menu. Follow the prompts to submit your cancellation request and screenshot your confirmation page for your records. Not all insurers allow online cancellation, so you may need to call instead if this option isn't available.
• Send written notice: Some companies require written cancellation requests. Email your agent or customer service department with your policy number, requested cancellation date and digital signature. Ask them to confirm receipt via email so you have documentation of your request.

Phone calls alone don't provide adequate protection. Request documentation showing your policy number, coverage end date and time, refund amount and proof of your coverage dates. Save these documents for future insurance applications and potential billing disputes. Insurers typically send confirmation within 24 to 48 hours after processing your request.

Be ready to discuss your current status and thereason you want to cancel. Your insurer may offer other options instead of outright terminating your policy. Before you decide to stop your policy, assess if the alternatives offered by your provider are more viable than cancellation. Ask if you can get a refund if you drop your insurance.

After receiving cancellation confirmation, contact the billing department to disable autopay. Remove your saved payment method from the insurer's website to prevent accidental charges. Check next month's credit card or bank statement to verify no charges posted after your cancellation date. Keep autopay active until your refund arrives to avoid confusion about final payments, then disable it once the refund posts to your account.

Refunds arrive within seven to 21 business days, depending on your insurer and payment method. The timing varies because insurers use different processing systems and refund methods. Call customer service with your cancellation confirmation number if your refund doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe. 

Ask about the refund status and expected timeline, and request a supervisor if the refund is overdue beyond the date they originally promised.

Your lease probably requires renters insurance; check the fine print. Canceling your policy without your landlord's approval breaks your lease agreement and could lead to eviction.

Look for these details in your lease:

• Required insurance clause (often listed under "tenant obligations")
• Minimum liability coverage amount (most landlords require $100,000)
• How much notice do you need to give for coverage changes

Switching to a different insurer? Give your landlord a certificate of insurance from your new provider first, then cancel your old policy. This keeps you compliant and avoids any gaps that could put your lease at risk.

Don't cancel until your new policy kicks in. A single day without coverage means you're on the hook for theft, fire damage or liability claims, costs that can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Here's how to time it right:

• Buy your new policy with a start date that matches when your old one ends
• Example: Your current policy ends June 15 → set your new policy to start June 15
• Get written confirmation of both dates so there's no confusion

Compare renters insurance rates before you cancel to find better coverage at a lower price.

If you paid your renters insurance premium up front, you'll receive a prorated refund for unused coverage. Your refund equals your total premium divided by 365 days, multiplied by the number of unused days remaining on your policy. Most insurers process refunds within seven to 21 business days, though some take up to 30 days depending on their payment systems. 

Some insurers charge cancellation fees or administrative costs when you terminate your policy early. Review your policy's terms and conditions to understand potential charges, and contact your provider directly about its specific refund process and timeline.