In brief:
- The Hamon law allows cancellation at any time after 1 year of contract, at no cost.
- Outside the Hamon law, the standard notice period is 2 months before annual renewal.
- Driving without insurance exposes you to a fine of up to 3,750 euros.
Two procedures depending on the contract’s age
Cancelling car insurance follows two distinct regimes depending on whether the contract is more or less than one year old.
The Hamon law: cancellation at any time
- Applicable as soon as the contract is more than one year old
- No cancellation fees or penalties
- The new insurer can handle the cancellation paperwork
Standard cancellation at renewal
| Procedure | Deadline | Formalities |
|---|---|---|
| Hamon law (after 1 year) | At any time | Letter or process via the new insurer |
| Cancellation at renewal | 2 months before the anniversary date | Registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt |
| Cancellation for legitimate reason (vehicle sold) | Immediate | Supporting document required |
The step you should never skip
Taking out the new contract before the old one ends avoids any coverage gap: driving without insurance is an offence punishable by a fine of up to 3,750 euros.
What happens to the no-claims bonus when switching insurers
The no-claims bonus coefficient follows the policyholder via the claims history statement provided by the previous insurer, regardless of the cancellation procedure used.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cancel your car insurance at any time of the year?
Yes, under the Hamon law, any contract older than one year can be cancelled at any time without fees or penalties.
What is the notice period to cancel car insurance before the annual renewal?
Outside the Hamon law, the standard notice period is 2 months before the contract’s anniversary date, by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt.
What happens if you cancel your car insurance without a new contract?
Driving without insurance is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to 3,750 euros.