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When is my car insurance due?

Your renewal date is the day your current policy ends — and the weeks before it are the best time to compare quotes. Here's how to find the date, and how to check who you're insured with if you've forgotten.

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Driving along a country road in the UK

Where to find your renewal date

  • Your policy documents — the schedule or certificate of insurance shows the start and end dates.
  • Your insurer's app or online account — the renewal date is usually on the policy summary screen.
  • Your email — search for the insurer's name; the welcome and renewal reminder emails both state the dates.
  • Your bank statement — the monthly or annual payment tells you the insurer's name if nothing else does.

Forgotten who you're insured with?

  • Check your own car on askmid.com — it confirms whether the car is on the Motor Insurance Database.
  • Search your email and bank statements for insurer names or direct debits.
  • If you bought through a broker or comparison site, check those accounts too — the policy documents will name the actual insurer.

Why the renewal date matters

  • Insurers must send a renewal reminder showing last year's price alongside the new one, so you can see any increase at a glance.
  • Research consistently shows quotes are often cheapest around three to four weeks before renewal — leaving it to the last day usually costs more.
  • Since January 2022, FCA rules mean your renewal price can't be higher than the price a new customer would pay through the same channel — but other insurers may still be cheaper, so it's still worth comparing.
  • Most policies auto-renew. If you don't want that, tell your insurer before the renewal date.

Switching at renewal

  • Get quotes with exactly the same details — mileage, use, excess and named drivers — so you're comparing like for like.
  • Set the new policy to start the moment the old one ends. Even one day without cover is illegal if the car is on the road.
  • Cancel the old policy's auto-renewal in writing or through your account, and keep the confirmation.

Before you buy

Our listings are dated snapshots of providers' own pages, not live prices. Always check the price, contract length and terms on the provider's website. Nothing here is financial or insurance advice.

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