An auto insurance waiting period is typically a specified time frame after purchasing an insurance policy when certain coverage features may not be fully effective. Aspects of your coverage may not activate until that period is over.
In many cases, liability coverage starts right away, while optional benefits like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and other coverage types may include waiting periods.
An auto insurance waiting period may vary from one carrier to another and even between different policies under the same carrier. Be sure to check your policy declarations page to understand if an auto insurance waiting period applies to coverages that you may have purchased.
What happens during the auto insurance enrollment waiting period?
During the waiting period, policyholders may have limited coverage or no coverage at all until the specific waiting period is over.
Why do waiting periods exist?
Waiting periods may help insurance carriers manage risk, prevent policyholder misuse, and allow administrative steps to be finalized. A waiting period may also allow a carrier time to verify payments, confirm policy details, and finalize new policy information.
Tip for policyholders
You may want to read through your personal auto insurance policy carefully, so you know exactly when your coverage starts. If you’re switching to a new insurance carrier, you may want to avoid canceling your old policy right away until you’re certain you are fully covered under the new one.
Reach out for a quote
If you have questions about your auto insurance options, talk to one of our Spanish bilingual representatives at Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA). Call us today at 1-855-478-3705 or get a free quote online!