Best Ways To Make Your Car Insurance Payment

Because car insurance is required in almost every state, it's a bill you don't want to fall behind on. Otherwise, your policy may be cancelled due to nonpayment, resulting in a lapse in coverage. If you are caught driving without insurance, you may face state fines, large bills in the event of an accident, and even seizure of your vehicle or suspension of your license. Obtaining insurance after a lapse in coverage can also be more expensive.

Many insurance companies offer a variety of payment plans to help you stay current. This way, you can decide whether it is more convenient for you to pay for the entire policy at once or divide the premium into smaller payments.

But which path should you take? Let's take a look at the most popular plans and payment methods so you can figure out which one is best for you.

How Often Do You Pay for Car Insurance?

As you work with your insurance agent to obtain car insurance, inquire about the length of your policy. In most cases, you'll need to renew your plan every six to twelve months.

However, you usually do not have to pay for your entire policy all at once. You can, for example, pay in two instalments (half each time) or make monthly payments with Nationwide. GEICO offers a variety of instalment options, including a single, full payment or two to six instalments. Your insurance agent can tell you what payment options are available for your policy, or you'll see them listed when you buy a policy online.

The frequency with which you pay your car insurance can have an impact on how much you have to pay, as some companies offer discounts if you pay the entire amount in full.

  • Even if your car insurance company does not provide a paid-in-full discount, you may end up paying more if you choose to pay for your policy in instalments. Some insurers charge an instalment fee for each payment made, which can add up over time.

Should I Pay My Car Insurance in Full?

Paying your car insurance in full has some advantages. Aside from possibly receiving a discount and avoiding instalment fees, you won't have to pay the bill again until it's time to renew your policy. This means you won't miss a payment, incur late fees, or have your policy cancelled.

The disadvantage is that you must pay the entire premium up front. While the cost of your car insurance depends on a variety of factors, the average liability-only policy with Progressive, for example, ranges from $682 to $1,142 for a six-month term, depending on where you live. This may not work with your budget, so paying over time may be a better option.

Payment terms are typically monthly, quarterly, or semiannually. Many insurance companies let you choose the best payment plan for you. If your situation changes, you may even be able to change your plan mid-policy.

  • It is not always necessary to pay your bill in full. However, there are some instances where this may be the case. For example, if you've had your policy cancelled in the past due to nonpayment, insurers in some states may require you to pay 100 percent of your premium upfront.

Ways To Autopay Your Insurance

Many insurers offer autopay options to make it easier to pay your car insurance. When you set up an autopay plan, the payment is transferred automatically on the specified day.

Most insurers accept autopay transfers from a variety of sources, including:

  • Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Online bill pay from your bank

When you set up the EFT option through your insurance company, there are usually no service fees. If you set up automatic payments with your credit or debit card, you may be charged a small service fee. If you use your bank's online bill pay, there are usually no fees unless you choose a rush payment.

Understand the fees, regardless of which system you use, so you are not caught off guard.

  • If you change banks or obtain a new credit card, notify your insurer and update any autopay settings. If you have access to your account, you may be able to do this online. You won't miss a payment and have your policy cancelled this way.

Making Manual Payments

If you do not want to use autopay, you must make payments manually. Typical alternatives include:

  • Check payment
  • Using a credit card over the phone to make a payment
  • Making a payment through the company's app

Because your payments will not be processed automatically each month, remembering to make payments on time is critical. Otherwise, you run the risk of having your policy cancelled due to nonpayment.

Consider setting a reminder on your phone, writing the payment date on your calendar, or using a reminder service like Memo To Me to help you remember.

The Bottom Line

To keep your car insurance policy active, you must pay your premiums. While paying in full often results in a discount, a payment plan may work better for your budget. After you've decided on a plan, you'll need to figure out how you're going to pay for it. No matter which payment method you choose, make sure you send your payment on time to avoid losing your insurance.