How to Cancel Progressive Car Insurance


Key Takeaways
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Progressive accepts online cancellation in most states, but some require phone confirmation to finalize. Submit online, then call to verify if you don't receive a confirmation number within 24 hours.

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Start your new policy before canceling Progressive. A one-day lapse can appear on your driving record and raise your rate with the next carrier. Match the new policy start date exactly to the Progressive cancellation date.

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Progressive refunds on a pro-rata basis for most cancellations, meaning your refund only covers the amount of unused paid-for coverage.

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Some mid-term cancellations use a short-rate calculation instead, which reduces your refund by an administrative fee. Confirm which applies before you submit the request.

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How to Cancel Your Progressive Policy

Set your new policy start date to match your Progressive cancellation date exactly. Progressive processes same-day cancellations by phone, app or website. You can also set a future effective date that aligns with your new policy start. Have your policy number and your new carrier's start date ready before you call or log in. Drivers canceling a different carrier's policy can find carrier-specific steps in our general guide to canceling car insurance.

A coverage gap can flag your driving record and lead to license suspension, fines or higher rates down the road.

  1. 1

    Have Your New Policy Active First

    Start your new policy before canceling Progressive. A one-day lapse can appear on your driving record. That single gap can also raise your rate with your next carrier. Set the new policy start date to match your Progressive cancellation date exactly.

  2. 2

    Contact Progressive to Request Cancellation

    Call 1-888-671-4405 to reach a representative directly. You can also log in through the app or submit the request at Progressive.com, though some states require phone confirmation before the cancellation finalizes. Have your policy number and new policy start date ready.

  3. 3

    Confirm Your Cancellation Date

    Choose same-day cancellation or a future date that aligns with your new policy start. Progressive can backdate in some states if you already moved to a new carrier. This depends on state rules and whether you prepaid your premium. Confirm the effective date before the call ends.

  4. 4

    Ask About Your Refund

    Progressive calculates most refunds on a pro-rata basis. You get back the unused portion of your premium. If you paid $600 for a six-month policy and canceled after two months, you'd get $400 back. Some mid-term cancellations use a short-rate calculation instead, which applies an administrative fee to your refund. 

    Ask the representative which calculation applies. Get the exact dollar amount before you hang up. Refunds return to your original payment method within 7 to 14 business days of the cancellation effective date.

  5. 5

    Get Written Confirmation

    Before the call ends, ask for a confirmation number in writing along with the effective date. Progressive typically sends this confirmation within 24 hours. Save that email in case a billing dispute comes up later.

  6. 6

    Cancel Autopay and Notify Lienholder

    Cancel any autopay arrangements once Progressive confirms the cancellation, so you don't get charged in the next billing cycle. If your vehicle is financed or leased, send your lienholder proof of your new policy. Keep all cancellation documents.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

If you're switching to a new insurer, compare at least three quotes before your Progressive cancellation effective date. State Farm and GEICO price below Progressive for standard driver profiles. Drivers who want to compare before canceling can review current affordable rates by coverage level in our cheapest car insurance guide.

Progressive Cancellation Mistakes to Avoid

Progressive policyholders often encounter three common cancellation risks that can delay refunds, leave policies active unintentionally or trigger penalties. Avoid these three mistakes when canceling your Progressive policy.

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    Phone-Required Cancellation

    In some states, an online submission does not complete the cancellation. Progressive does not notify you if an online attempt fails in a phone-required state, which can leave the policy active and incurring charges. After any online submission, call 1-888-671-4405 to confirm the effective date and get a confirmation number.

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    Snapshot Program

    If you have a Progressive Snapshot device, contact Progressive before canceling to confirm whether you must return it and by what deadline. A non-return fee can be charged to your account after the policy ends. Snapshot discounts do not transfer to a new carrier.

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    Short-Rate Penalty

    Some mid-term cancellations use a short-rate calculation rather than pro-rata. A short-rate penalty applies an administrative fee that reduces your refund. Ask Progressive which calculation applies before you submit the request.

How to Cancel Progressive Auto Insurance: FAQs

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick, Licensed P&C Insurance Expert, MoneyGeek

Mark Fitzpatrick, a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident expert in insurance and economics. He has spent nearly a decade covering the insurance market at LendingTree and MoneyGeek. There, he has analyzed hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR. He draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnerships affect his recommendations.

Mark studied at Boston College and later earned a master's in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He worked in financial risk management at State Street before joining MoneyGeek. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.