Car insurance renewal – check your price before it renews

You must have at least third party insurance to drive on UK roads. Since 1 January 2022, insurers cannot charge you more to renew than they would charge a new customer. You can still shop around before your policy renews.

Deadline

At the start of the month your policy ends

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? If your policy ends and you keep the car on the road uninsured, the registered keeper can be fined £100, have the car clamped or taken away, or be taken to court with a maximum fine of £1,000.

Car insurance usually renews once a year. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned 'price walking' in home and motor insurance: your renewal price must not be higher than the price for a new customer. New rules also made it easier to cancel automatic renewal.

How to do it

1. Find the renewal notice from your insurer before your policy ends.
2. Check the price, the cover and the excess. Make sure your details are still correct.
3. Compare quotes from other insurers or a broker if you want to.
4. Decide whether to renew or switch. If you switch, cancel the automatic renewal with your current insurer.
5. Keep your car insured at all times, unless you have declared it off the road (SORN).

Common questions

Can my insurer charge me more for staying?

No. Since 1 January 2022, the FCA rules mean insurers must not quote a renewing customer a higher price than a new customer would pay.

Is it still worth shopping around?

Yes. The FCA says you can still shop around and negotiate a better deal, but you do not need to switch just to avoid a loyalty penalty.

Do I need insurance if my car is off the road?

Not if you have declared it off the road with a SORN. Otherwise the vehicle must be insured, even if you do not drive it.

Official source: fca.org.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.