Can You Get a Refund If You Were Double Insured?

Yes — and in many cases, you should. But it’s not like returning a shirt to Target. There’s a process, and whether you get money back depends on how the overlap happened and how long it lasted.

Let’s break it down.

🚦What Does “Double Insured” Actually Mean?

Being “double insured” usually means you’ve had two active auto insurance policies covering the same car at the same time. It’s surprisingly easy to do without realizing it:

• You switch to GEICO but forget to cancel your old Progressive policy.

• Your lender didn’t get proof of insurance and slapped on force-placed coverage — at 3x the price.

• You bought a new policy, thought it would replace the old one, and boom — now you’re paying for both.

😬 It’s like Netflix and Hulu both charging you to stream the same show… but way more expensive.

💸 Can You Get Your Money Back?

In many cases, yes. Most insurers will refund the overlapping premium if:

• You didn’t file a claim during the overlap

• You provide proof of coverage from the other insurer

• You make the request within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30–60 days)

But it’s not automatic. Insurers won’t call you up and say, “Hey, looks like we owe you $400.” You’ll need to ask for it— and back it up.

📞 How to Get a Refund (Step-by-Step)

1. Find the overlap period — the exact dates both policies were active.

2. Pull both declarations pages showing coverage during that time.

3. Call or email the insurer you don’t want to keep and explain:

   • You had overlapping coverage

   • You want to cancel retroactively

   • You’d like a pro-rated refund for the unused time

4. Be ready to submit documents like:

   • A proof-of-coverage letter from your other insurer

   • Billing statements showing double payments

💡 Some insurers will only refund if the lapse was under 30 days — others may give you up to 6 months if you have a solid explanation.

🛑 Caveats and “Gotchas” to Watch For

• You can’t make a claim on both policies. If something happened during the overlap, only one insurer will pay — and they’ll work together to avoid overpaying.

• If one policy was lender-placed insurance (aka forced coverage from your bank or leasing company), it’s often way more expensive and much harder to cancel retroactively.

• Some insurers charge cancellation fees or will only refund from the date you notify them — not the date the overlap started.

🧠 Real Talk: Why It Happens

Double coverage often happens during life’s chaotic moments:

• You’re buying a new car.

• You’re switching insurers to save money.

• You’re moving to a new state.

• You think the new policy automatically cancels the old one (it doesn’t).

The good news? You’re not alone — and most insurers are sympathetic if it was a genuine mistake.

💬 Example Script to Use With Your Insurer

“Hi, I just realized I had overlapping coverage with [Other Insurance Company] during [Overlap Dates]. I didn’t file any claims and would like to cancel my policy with you retroactively and request a pro-rated refund. I have documentation ready — would you like me to email it?”

✅ Bottom Line

Double insurance = double cost for no extra benefit.
If you’ve been paying for overlapping coverage, act fast — you can often get a refund, but you’ll need to call, prove it, and possibly wait a few weeks.