Can I switch insurance companies before my current policy expires?

In a word, yes. You can switch insurance companies any time you are not satisfied with your current company, or for any other reason. One example might be that you purchased a home, and found an insurance company that would offer you a great deal by combining your home and auto insurance policies under the single company. In that case, it would be a financial asset to you to switch car insurance companies.

Most insurance companies require you to cancel the policy in writing at least one billing cycle (4 to 6 weeks) before you want the policy to cancel. This allows them to terminate the policy and process the final bill on your account. If your policy is about to expire anyway, you may want to simply inform the insurance company that you do not wish to renew the policy, and allow it to end naturally.

One thing to keep in mind is that your auto insurance coverage should not lapse. If your policy will be canceled in 5 days, make sure that you have already applied for a new policy and that it will be effective on or before the expiration of your old one. Failure to do this can result in traffic citations, or even the suspension of your tag or drivers license. Do not try to be sly about it either, and let a couple of weeks slip. Most states require insurance companies report lapses and cancellations to the DMV, and your vehicle registration could be suspended within a very short period of time.