Can I Cancel My Car Insurance Within 14 Days?
Table of Contents
Yes, you can cancel your car insurance within 14 days in the UK, this is known as the “cooling-off period.” By law, insurers must give you at least 14 days from the start of the policy (or the date you receive your documents) to cancel without penalty, though a small admin fee may apply.
You may still be charged for the days you were covered, but you won’t have to pay the full annual premium.
Key points
How the 14-Day Cooling-Off Period Works
The cooling-off period gives you the right to cancel your car insurance for any reason. It starts either:
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From the day your policy begins, or
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From the day you receive your full policy documents (whichever is later)
You’ll typically need to notify your insurer in writing, by phone, or via your online account to cancel.
Will I Get a Full Refund?
Not quite. While you won’t be charged for the rest of the year, insurers usually:
- Deduct the cost of any days you were insured
- Apply a cancellation fee, usually between £25 and £50
So, if you cancel after a few days, your refund will be slightly reduced.
Reasons You Might Want to Cancel Within 14 Days
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Found a cheaper deal elsewhere
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Realised the policy doesn’t include something important (e.g. business use)
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Bought the wrong level of cover by mistake
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Decided not to keep the car
Can I Cancel After 14 Days?
Yes, but the refund rules are different. After 14 days:
- You’ll still be refunded the unused portion of your premium
- Cancellation fees may be higher
- Some add-ons (like breakdown or legal cover) may not be refundable
Do I have to give a reason for cancelling?
No. During the cooling-off period, you can cancel for any reason, or none at all.
What happens if I’ve made a claim?
If you’ve already made a claim, you’ll usually have to pay the full premium and may not get a refund.
Will cancelling affect my no claims bonus?
If you cancel before completing a full year, you won’t earn a no claims bonus for that policy.
Can I cancel a policy that hasn’t started yet?
Yes, as long as it’s within 14 days of purchase or receiving your documents.
In Summary
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You can cancel car insurance within 14 days under the UK’s cooling-off period rules
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You may still pay for the days covered and a cancellation fee
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Refunds are pro-rata, and some add-ons may be excluded
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Cancelling after a claim usually means no refund at all
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