Is There a Fee to Cancel Travelers Insurance?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
Travelers is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S. If you’re thinking about canceling, the key thing to know is that your total “cost to cancel” can come from two different places: a cancellation fee (where allowed) and/or a short-rate penalty built into the way your refund is calculated.
Because cancellation rules vary by state and by policy form, the most accurate answer is always on your declarations page (or confirmed by Travelers/your agent). This guide explains what to expect, how refunds typically work, and how to cancel the right way.
- Fees Depend on Your State and Policy: Travelers may apply a flat cancellation fee in some states, while other policies reduce refunds using short-rate calculations.
- Refunds Usually Come From Unearned Premium: If you prepaid, you may receive a refund for unused coverage—minus any allowed fee or penalty.
- Timing Matters: Canceling at renewal can help you avoid mid-term penalties and make switching smoother.
- Avoid a Coverage Lapse: Start your new policy on the same day Travelers ends to prevent DMV issues and potential rate increases later.
- Is There a Fee to Cancel Travelers Insurance?
- How Refunds Work When You Cancel
- How To Cancel Travelers Insurance
- Canceling at Renewal vs. Mid-Term
- Avoid a Lapse When You Cancel
- Confirm Your New Price Before You Switch
- Can You Switch Travelers Mid-Policy?
- Information You May Need to Cancel
- Final Word on Canceling Travelers Insurance
- FAQs on Travelers Insurance Cancellation Fees
Is There a Fee to Cancel Travelers Insurance?
Sometimes. Travelers may charge a cancellation fee in some states, and in other states there may be no flat fee at all. Even if there’s no “fee,” your policy may still be canceled on a short-rate basis, which reduces your refund compared to a strictly pro-rated refund.
| Possible Cost | What It Means | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Cancellation Fee | A set dollar fee (only where allowed) | Deducted from any refund or billed if no refund is owed |
| Short-Rate Penalty | A refund method that lets the insurer keep a bit more of the premium when you cancel mid-term | You receive less than the unused portion you’d get under a pure pro-rated calculation |
| Minimum Earned Premium | A minimum amount the insurer keeps once coverage begins | May limit or eliminate refunds early in the policy term |
If you want a definitive answer for your policy, ask Travelers (or your agent) two questions: (1) “Is there a cancellation fee in my state?” and (2) “Is my refund pro-rated or short-rated if I cancel mid-term?”
How Refunds Work When You Cancel
When you cancel, Travelers typically returns any unused (unearned) premium you’ve already paid—minus any applicable fee or short-rate adjustment. The exact math depends on how you pay and where you are in the policy term.
- If you paid in full: you may be due a refund for the unused portion (subject to any allowed fee/short-rate).
- If you pay monthly: you might get a small refund, no refund, or even owe a final balance—especially if there are installment fees or billing in arrears.
- If your policy is financed: the premium finance company’s contract can add its own rules and fees, separate from Travelers.
Example (hypothetical): If you prepay a six-month policy and cancel halfway through, a pro-rated refund would generally return roughly half of the unused premium. If your state allows a cancellation fee or short-rate penalty, that amount would reduce the refund (or create a small bill if your refund is $0).
Quick tip: Ask for your cancellation confirmation in writing (email or letter) and keep it with your proof of insurance. If a DMV or lender questions your coverage dates later, documentation matters.
How To Cancel Travelers Insurance
Most Travelers auto policies are sold and serviced through independent agents, so you can usually cancel through your agent or by contacting Travelers directly. Start here: Travelers customer service contact options.
You can also use Travelers’ official contact page for current phone numbers and service options: Travelers Contact Us.
If Travelers requires a written request, you can send a signed car insurance cancellation letter that includes your policy number, cancellation date/time, name(s) on the policy, and a callback number. (Mailing addresses can vary by department/state, so confirm the correct address with Travelers or your agent before sending.)
Canceling at Renewal vs. Mid-Term
Many drivers try to time their cancellation at renewal to avoid surprises. Depending on your state and policy, canceling mid-term can trigger cancellation fees or penalties that reduce (or eliminate) any refund you expected.
Also remember the difference between you canceling and the insurer deciding not to renew. If you’re worried about eligibility issues, this guide on non-renewal and how to avoid it explains what typically triggers it and what to do next.
Avoid a Lapse When You Cancel
Canceling car insurance the right way usually comes down to one rule: if you’re still driving, your new policy should start the same day your old policy ends.
Before you cancel, confirm your policy expiration and renewal dates and set a cancellation date that prevents overlap gaps. Even a short lapse in coverage can lead to higher premiums later and potential DMV issues, depending on your state.
Confirm Your New Price Before You Switch
It’s smart to shop around, but make sure the new insurer’s quote holds after underwriting. This guide on switching auto insurance companies explains how to compare coverage apples-to-apples and avoid surprise price increases.
Quick tip: If you have a car loan or lease, confirm the new policy meets your lender’s required coverages (often comprehensive and collision) before canceling Travelers.
Can You Switch Travelers Mid-Policy?
Yes—most drivers can switch carriers mid-term. However, it’s worth reviewing the pros and cons first, especially if you might face a fee or short-rate penalty. Here’s a deeper look at switching car insurance mid-policy.
Information You May Need to Cancel
Whether you cancel by phone, through your agent, or in writing, be ready with:
- Policy number and named insured(s)
- Requested cancellation date (and time, if needed)
- Driver’s license number and contact info
- Reason for cancellation (sometimes optional, but may be asked)
- Proof of replacement insurance (common if you’re avoiding DMV/lender issues)
Final Word on Canceling Travelers Insurance
Travelers cancellation costs vary by state and policy terms. Some policyholders pay no fee, while others may see a fee or a short-rate penalty that reduces their refund. If you’re planning to cancel, the best approach is to confirm the exact cancellation terms for your policy, line up replacement coverage, and get written confirmation of your cancellation date.
