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.

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 and 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, log in through the app, or submit the request at Progressive.com. In some states, an online submission does not finalize the cancellation until you confirm by phone. 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 have already moved to a new carrier, depending on state rules and whether your premium was prepaid. Confirm the effective date before the call ends.

  4. 4

    Ask About Your Refund

    Progressive calculates most refunds on a pro-rata basis, meaning 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 to confirm which calculation applies and state 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

    Ask for a confirmation number and the effective date in writing before the call ends. Progressive sends confirmation within 24 hours of processing. Save the confirmation email in case a billing dispute comes up later.

  6. 6

    Cancel Autopay and Notify Lienholder

    Once Progressive confirms the cancellation, cancel any autopay arrangements to avoid a charge 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

How do you cancel Progressive car insurance?

Can you cancel Progressive car insurance online or does it require a phone call?

Does Progressive charge a cancellation fee?

How long does a Progressive refund take after cancellation?

What happens to your Progressive Snapshot device if you cancel?

Can you cancel Progressive car insurance mid-policy, or do you have to wait until renewal?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for almost a decade, first with LendingTree and now with MoneyGeek, conducting original research on hundreds of insurance companies and millions of insurance rates for insurance shoppers. 

He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek, breaking down complex topics so people can have confidence in their purchase. Like all MoneyGeek analysts, Mark collects and analyzes independent cost and consumer experience data on insurance companies to provide objective recommendations in our content that are independent of any of MoneyGeek's insurance company partnerships. 

His insights on products ranging from car, home and renters insurance to health and life insurance have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among others. 

Mark holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He started his career working in financial risk management at State Street before transitioning to the analysis of the personal insurance market. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!