What Is an Insurance Policy Period? (2024)

ByEmily Delbridge

Updated on May 4, 2022

Reviewed bySamantha Silberstein

What Is an Insurance Policy Period? (1)

Definition

An insurance policy period is the time frame during which an insurance policy is effective. The start date and end date are the cutoff dates on your documentation, payments, and coverage unless you renew the policy.

Key Takeaways

  • An insurance policy period is the time frame during which an insurance policy is effective.
  • Most insurance companies offer six-month and year-long car insurance policies; some may also offer month-to-month policies.
  • Policy periods are also important in determining your payment due date.

Definition and Example of Insurance Policy Period

An insurance policy period is the time frame during which an insurance policy is effective. It most often applies to car insurance. All policies have defined periods; the start date and end date are the cutoff dates on your documentation, payments, and coverage unless you renew.

For example, suppose that you buy a new car insurance policy that begins on a specific date and ends exactly one year later. That one-year period is your insurance policy period. Your policy is in force during that time.

How Insurance Policy Periods Work

Your policy period is set by the day your policy starts, which can be any day of the month. It doesn't always start at the beginning of the month or year. You choose the start date at the time of purchase.

If you don’t have any insurance at the time of purchase, set the start date on or before you plan to start driving. Then, you can be sure you won't get caught driving without insurance.

Policy periods are also important when you are switching car insurance companies. For instance, suppose your current policy period ends on the 20th of this month. That means you'll want to be sure your new policy begins on or before the 20th so you won't be left without coverage.

Keep in mind that the length of a policy period can vary per insurance carrier. A large portion of carriers only offer six-month or year-long policy periods. Some carriers offer month-to-month policy periods, but they are rare and often only for high-risk drivers.

You can find your policy period dates listed in a few locations. Check your proof of insurance and the declatation page. You'll always be able to find the policy information there.

Tip

Your policy period will be listed on most of your papers, but you can also ask your agent what it is if you're not sure.

How Payment Dates Are Determined

One major function of a policy period is that it dictates your payment due date. If you pay in full, your policy will start when your payment is due. If you pay monthly, your payment will be due on the same day of the month as your original policy start date.

For instance, suppose you begin your policy on June 20th. In that case, your monthly payments will be due on the 20th of each month. If you pay your premium in full, your next payment will be due at the end of the policy period; that will also be on the 20th of the month. All payments will be based on the date the policy began.

What Happens When Your Policy Period Ends

When a policy period ends, your policy is up for renewal. You can either keep your policy and renew it, or you can switch to a new carrier.

Note

It's always a good idea to know your policy period dates so you'll know when your payment is due. They also let you know when to start shopping for a cheaper rate if you plan on switching at the end of the period.

In some rare cases, a policy may be non-renewed, which means your insurance company is canceling your coverage after your current policy ends. You'll need to look for a new insurance carrier before your current policy is over—whether you want to or not. Most drivers won’t have to worry about this outcome, though. Unless you are a poor driver with a bad track record, most companies will be eager to keep your business.

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Sources

The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Understanding Your Insurance Policy." Accessed Nov. 26, 2021.

  2. California Department of Insurance. "Auto Insurance Costs." Accessed Nov. 26, 2021.

What Is an Insurance Policy Period? (2024)

FAQs

What Is an Insurance Policy Period? ›

What is a Policy Period? The policy period is the defined timeframe during which an insurance policy is valid and provides coverage to the policyholder. It represents the start and end dates of the insurance contract, dictating the duration of coverage and the obligations and benefits associated with the policy.

What is the meaning of per policy period? ›

"Per period of coverage" or "per policy period" means that the benefit amount applies to any claims you make throughout the entirety of the policy period. This option is usually offered by comprehensive coverage plans.

What does period of coverage mean? ›

A coverage period refers to the span of time during which an insurance policy provides protection to the policyholder. It begins on the effective date of the policy and ends on the expiration date. For example, a typical home or auto insurance policy usually has a coverage period of one year.

What does policy duration mean? ›

Policy duration refers to the period for which your policy will be valid. You can check your policy document for more information.

What is the policy period start date? ›

Policy Start Date means the date from which the insurance contract commences. Policy Start Date means the date shown as “Warranty Start Date” on the certificate of insurance.

What does a policy period mean? ›

What is the definition of a policy period in insurance? In insurance, a policy period is a timeframe during which the insurance plan you purchased is active and valid.

What is an example of a policy period? ›

Here's an example: Suppose you take a plan of INR 5 lakhs health insurance with a policy premium of INR 8000 annually. If the policy period of your healthcare plan is 1 year, you will have to pay a premium of INR 8000 during the policy period.

What is a period for insurance? ›

An insurance policy period is the time frame during which an insurance policy is effective. It most often applies to car insurance. All policies have defined periods; the start date and end date are the cutoff dates on your documentation, payments, and coverage unless you renew.

What is the date of the insurance policy? ›

Most of the insurance policies have a specific tenure. The date at which your life insurance policy matures, i.e., comes to an end is known as the maturity date of the policy. On the maturity date, you are liable to receive all the maturity benefits.

What are periods of coverage? ›

Coverage Period means the time period specified on the Declarations Page beginning on the effective date and ending on the expiration date. All dates are as of 12:01 AM in the time zone of the Policyholder.

What is the duration period of insurance? ›

Usually, most insurance companies offer a policy term between 5 to 40 years. One should always opt for a policy term depending on their retirement age. It can vary of course.

How long is an insurance policy good for? ›

The most popular term lengths are 10, 20, and 30 years. Many people choose a term that'll cover them while they have the highest expenses, like while they're paying off a mortgage or raising children. But your term life insurance policy should only last as long as those expenses and outstanding debts.

Are all insurance policies 6 months? ›

Most companies offer policies that last for six months before renewal, though some insurers offer 12-month policies. If you have a six-month policy, your insurance company will re-evaluate your risk and calculate your car insurance premium accordingly every six months.

What is a period policy? ›

Introducing policies around periods (and the menopause) empowers staff and supports their wellbeing and productivity. Policies can cover menstrual leave which allows workers who experience painful menstrual symptoms options for remote work and a set number of paid-leave days every year.

Where can I find policy period? ›

The Declaration Page. This page is usually the first part of an insurance policy. It identifies who is the insured, what risks or property are covered, the policy limits, and the policy period (i.e. time the policy is in force).

What is the policy period and policy term? ›

Life insurance policies cover your life only for a specific period of time, except for whole life insurance plans. You can choose to remain covered for 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, and so on. This period is called the policy term.

What is the meaning of per period in insurance? ›

Per Period means total amount of the Insurer's liability in respect of all claims during the Period of Insurance. This is the maximum amount an insurer will indemnify the Insured for all covered losses during a set time period, usually one year.

What is the period of the policy? ›

The policy period is the defined timeframe during which an insurance policy is valid and provides coverage to the policyholder. It represents the start and end dates of the insurance contract, dictating the duration of coverage and the obligations and benefits associated with the policy.

What does per policy term mean? ›

The meaning of the policy term is the maximum period the life cover in the policy will remain active. You must decide the policy term for your life insurance cover at the time of buying the policy. Normally, you cannot change the policy term of a life insurance policy after purchasing.

What does as per policy mean? ›

You can use this expression to indicate that a certain action or procedure is in accordance with a particular policy. For example, "As per our policy, all employees must take a minimum of two weeks of vacation per year."

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