What happens if you stop paying insurance on a vehicle that you have a loan on?

Answer 1

The loan could be called due in full; and, if not paid, the vehicle could be repossessed. But usually notice will be first provided, requesting proof of reinstatement of insurance coverage. The lender of the funds used to purchase a vehicle asks for a number of terms when offering a loan to a prospective borrower. The purchased vehicle is the collateral, or security, for the loan. Lenders reduce their risk, making the whole auto loan business possible, by reserving the right to take possession and ownership of the vehicle should the borrower default, or stop paying. One of the conditions the lender almost always places on the borrower is the requirement that the borrower insure the vehicle with "comprehensive" insurance at a level that protects the lender's investment in case of vehicle loss or damage. A lien in favor of the lender, recorded on the title, legally protects the lender. When the insurance is written on a vehicle purchased with an auto loan, the terms usually provide that payment upon a vehicle loss goes first to the lender. Thus the lender has and has record of a potential obligation to the lender. So when the policy holder stops paying, the insuror will usually notify the lender that coverage is no longer in effect. The lender will then likely notify the borrower that he/she must immediately reinstate insurance coverage and provide proof thereof. If proof of insurance is not quickly sent, the lender can consider the borrower to be in default of the loan terms, even though loan payments are continued. Depending on the specific terms of the loan agreement, the lender can call in the loan, requiring immediate and full payment--payment of the entire outstanding principal. Repossession could follow a refusal to pay.