You can never be denied auto insurance based on your gender, race, or ethnicity. In most circumstances, a company cannot refuse to sell you insurance based on where you live as long as you meet the company's acceptance criteria. If you are denied auto insurance coverage, the agent or company must state a reason. Common reasons include:



?    You do not meet any of the company's acceptance criteria*.

?    The insurer is a ?membership company? that only covers certain categories of drivers.

?    The Department of Banking and Insurance has permitted the insurer to stop writing new policies.

You have the right to cancel or change insurance:

You can shop for cheaper auto insurance at any time ? not just when your policy is up for renewal. If you find a better price, you can cancel your old policy and seek a refund of your unused premium. However, never cancel your old policy until a new one is in effect. A lapse in coverage will result in higher rates in the future.

You have the right to change your coverages and policy limits at any time, even if you are not near your renewal date. If you select lower policy limits or cancel nonmandatory coverages to save money, you have a right to a refund of your unused premium within 60 days.

You have the right to choices:

Agents, brokers and companies must inform you of your coverage options when applying for a new policy, or at any time upon your request if you are already insured. You have the right to know how each choice may affect what you pay and what your benefits would be in the event of an accident. You always have the right to ask about additional options.

You have the right to a timely response:

You have the right to a timely response when seeking an appointment or application from an agent, broker or company. Appointments should be scheduled so that you can obtain coverage before your current policy expires. Please note that under current insurance regulations a voluntary insurance company has five (5) business days from the date it receives a completed application to either issue or deny coverage to the applicant. However, an application is not considered complete until the company has obtained all pertinent information, including a copy of the applicant's driving record from the Motor Vehicle Commission and verification of any previous coverage. Therefore, the overall application process can take up to two weeks. Make sure you give yourself enough time to shop for coverage.

You have the right to the prompt and fair handling of claims:

You have the right to ask about any payments made to others by your company and charged to your policy. If you file a claim, it should be handled promptly and fairly. If a claim is denied, you must receive a written explanation for the denial.

Your obligations as a New Jersey driver:

New Jersey state law requires that any registered vehicle be covered by an insurance policy. Failure to maintain coverage can lead to higher prices for new policies, placement in the ?assigned risk? pool, suspension or revocation of your driver's license or registration and additional fines and penalties. Maintaining your auto insurance coverage requires that you:

? Always make payments for your policy on time or a lapse in coverage may result. A driver who incurs a lapse will end up paying far more for coverage.

? Always provide any information your company seeks. have the right to seek information about all licensed drivers in the household.

? If you receive a non-renewal notice, do not wait to shop for alternate coverage. Policies can be prepared in advance to become effective on a date several days or weeks after the application.

A driver who mails a renewal payment before the due date cannot lose coverage. However, insurers can charge the driver a late fee if the payment is postmarked On time, but arrives after the payment due date.