Switching isn't a goal in itself, but a tool: it's justified when the content is better too – not just the premium. But if it is justified, it should be done properly and with no gap: switching casco has its own sequence, and for a financed car, an extra party as well. Here's the full timeline.
- The golden rule: the new cover should start first, then the old one ends – with no cover gap.
- Cancellation is typically for the renewal date, within the deadline set out in the policy terms – when your interest in the policy lapses (a sale), the formula is different.
- For a financed car, notifying the financer and arranging the new assignment clause is part of the process – without it, the switch isn't complete.
Before switching: laying the groundwork for the decision
The first step is comparing by content: your existing policy and the offers on the market, in one table – using the criteria-table method. If the balance tips towards staying, we say so – the article on reviewing an existing policy is exactly about this. If switching is justified, then comes the timing: counting back the cancellation deadline from the renewal date, and preparing the new policy so that cover starts precisely where the old one leaves off.
The seven steps of switching
1) Choosing the new offer, together with its structure. 2) Taking out the new policy, fixing the start of cover: the timing article. 3) Sorting out the inspection question, if there is one. 4) Properly cancelling the old policy – in writing, within the deadline. 5) For a financed car: notifying the financer, a new assignment clause. 6) Settling the first premium on the new policy. 7) A final check: the new policy's details plus confirmation that the old one has ended. For my clients, I run these seven steps myself.
A shared rhythm with your MTPL
If your casco and MTPL renewals coincide (or can be aligned), the whole annual motoring round can be handled in a single pass: one comparison, one decision, parallel admin – following the logic of the article on MTPL and casco together. The separate rules for switching MTPL are covered by the kotelezo.biz guide. And the closing principle is the same as always: it's worth switching for content – the premium is the seventh row in the table.
Thinking about switching? Let's first check whether it's genuinely worth it – then we'll see it through. book a free 20-minute consultation →
