In autumn many insurers send the paperwork for the coming year. If your premium went up without better cover, you may be able to cancel outside the usual date. Here are the key points.
Regular cancellation
Car insurance contracts usually run for one year and renew automatically on 31 December. You can cancel up to one month before the contract ends, which is why 30 November is the usual deadline (1). The exact deadline is in your contract documents.
The special right to cancel
If the insurer raises the premium under an adjustment clause without a matching change in cover, you can cancel within one month of receiving its notice. The cancellation takes effect immediately, but no earlier than the date the increase starts (2). The insurer must tell you at least one month before the increase takes effect and must point out your right to cancel in that notice (2)(1).
Practical notes
- Write down when the letter reached you: the one-month period runs from receipt (2).
- The law sets no particular form for your cancellation (2). The ADAC advises sending it in writing with proof of delivery and stating the reason, such as the price increase (3).
- Make sure your vehicle stays insured without a gap before the old contract ends.
If you are unsure whether your increase falls under this right, ask your insurer or a consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale).
Our guide to comparing and switching car insurance
Note: we do not give advice and do not recommend any insurer or tariff. The decision is yours alone. This article is not legal advice.
Sources (checked on 20 October 2026)
- (1) dieversicherer.de (GDV) (source dated 21.08.2024)
- (2) gesetze-im-internet.de, § 40 VVG
- (3) ADAC (source dated 06.12.2021)