Top3) Notify Your Carrier

Even if you've had a negative experience with your current insurer, tell them you're canceling your policy. If you don't, they'll continue to bill you, and perhaps bother you with calls or e-mails. Eventually, they'll cancel your policy for non-payment, which could surface on your credit history report.

Top4) Follow Their Instructions

For some carriers, a phone call to your agent or a customer service representative is a sufficient way of communicating you're leaving as a customer. Others, though, might ask you to sign a document stating that you're canceling the policy. Just comply with your provider's wishes, and be finished with the process.

Top5) Ask for a Refund

Most consumers simply wait until their current coverage is set to expire before switching policies. However, if your existing policy has several weeks or months of protection remaining, ask for a return on your unused premiums.

Top6) Clean Up Any Remaining Issues

Depending on your situation, you might need to address some other matters.

You must alert your state's motor vehicle agency about the insurance change, unless your new carrier will do it for you. Don't overlook this important detail, or you'll hear from the agency.

And, if a lien exists on your vehicle, make sure to notify the lienholder about the change, too.