When is my car insurance due?

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Driving without insurance is against the law and if you own the car, it’s up to you to make sure you’re covered… so it’s vital you know when it’s time to renew.

Nobody expects to be in an accident, but we all know they happen, and your car insurance is there to protect you financially if it happens to you.

Insurance policies usually last for 12 months. After that you’ll need to either renew your policy with your current provider or take out a new policy with someone else.

But who remembers when their car insurance is up for renewal? If you know you have a policy, but you’re not sure when it runs out, here’s how to find out when your car insurance is due.

How do I find out when my car insurance runs out?

Check your policy details
Look for emails or paperwork
See if you're making payments
Ask the Motor Insurance Database (MID)

Check your policy details

If you know who you took out your policy with, head to their website and log in to your account. This is the best way to find out when your car insurance is due for renewal. Have a look at your policy details to see when it runs out.

Look for emails or paperwork

If you’re not sure who provides your insurance, have a look through your emails or any paperwork at home to try and jog your memory. Once you know who your policy’s with, head online or get in touch with them and find out when it’s due for renewal.

See if you're making payments

If you pay monthly for your car insurance, take a look at your bank statement and check if the payments are still leaving your account. If they’re not, then maybe your policy has already ended.

Ask the Motor Insurance Database (MID)

A quick check on askMID.com will tell you if your car’s insured. It’s free to use – you just need to enter your vehicle registration and confirm you’re the owner. It only shows you if your vehicle’s currently insured though – it won’t tell you when your insurance is due for renewal or who your insurance provider is.

Why do I need to know when my car insurance is due?

Knowing when your car insurance is due for renewal is important for a number of reasons. You obviously wouldn’t want to be breaking the law and you wouldn’t be happy to find you’re paying out more than you need to, either.

Auto-renewal is convenient and gives you the peace of mind you’ll stay covered, but you’ll want to make sure you’re still getting the right cover. Let’s say your job role has changed since you took out the policy and you’re driving less… that could mean cheaper insurance.

When it comes to insurance, keeping your details accurate and up to date is key to getting the right cover. So, it’s worth checking at least every 12 months. It’s in your best interest to let your insurer know about any change in occupation and any new driving convictions, etc.

Insurers should let you know around three to four weeks before they automatically renew your car insurance to let you know how much your new policy will cost. At this point, you have a choice: continue with your existing cover or cancel and look for a new policy. You may consider changing providers.

What do I do if my car insurance policy has expired?

If you find your car insurance has expired and you’re no longer insured, there are a few steps you should take:

Most importantly, don’t drive your car until you’ve taken out a new policy. If you do, you’ll be breaking the law.
Find a new policy that best suits your needs – whether it’s renewing with your existing insurer or finding a new one.
Make a note of when your car insurance renewal is due.

What happens if I drive without insurance?

Driving without a valid insurance policy could lead to a fine, penalty points on your licence, and even your vehicle being taken away from you. Over 2 million uninsured vehicles have been seized in the UK since 2005, according to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

If you get behind the wheel of a car you’re not insured to drive, official guidance from GOV.UK states you could receive:

A fixed penalty of £300
Six penalty points

Knowing when your car insurance is due is your responsibility as a motorist, and it’s illegal to drive on roads or in public without at least third-party cover.

How can I find the right car insurance for me?

The best car insurance policy for you will always depend on your specific circumstances – there’s no such thing as one policy that’s the perfect fit for everyone.

There are lots of options when it comes to car insurance. If you’re looking for flexible cover that can adapt to your needs, check out our car insurance.

You can customise your policy just the way you want it and adjust it as you go without admin fees.