My insurance policy expires next week, but I got into an accident today. Do I need to renew my insurance?

The earlier respondent is right - insurance companies can be BAD. All too often they LOOK for ways to avoid paying.

In simple, logical terms there should be NO problem here. You were insured at the time of the accident with the first company and you have reported the accident as required. In your shoes, I would proceed with the claim as appropriate. I would not bring into that conversation that you have cancelled the insurance - I'd be surprised if they didn't notice that while checking your details. But why draw attention to it? I wouldn't do anything that could give anyone reason to treat your claim with anything less than maximum efficiency and courtesy. And maybe you will get just that.

Ensure you are aware of the details of your insurance, and your rights under it. For example, the terms and conditions might refer to how long it should take to get your car repaired by them, or for you to be reimbursed for your costs. Insurance companies often try to delay things nd avoid paying. Never let more than a week go by without chasing things up. If you have any concerns about there progress or integrity in the matter then put things in writing and send your letters by recorded delivery. This shows you mean business and know what you're doing.

I would ensure that any direct debits (or similar) for the old insurance are cancelled at my end.

You may have one or more excesses to pay for the insurance claim.

You will be obliged to report the fact that you have had an accident and made a claim (with the first company) to the new company. This might increase your premium BUT if you don't do this then the failure could negate your insurance in the event of a new claim.

As long as you had coverage during the accident, you're fine. They have an obligation to finish the claim process whether you are currently a policyholder or not. However, your new carrier may not cover you until the repairs have been made. So if the car burns up in the shop of the guy who is fixing it, you may not have coverage unless you keep your old policy. Talk to each company, I know that takes a long time but each company has different policies on what they do in these situations.

Hope this helps.

You shouldnt. If the accident happened while you were insured, insurance *should* be covering it regardless if it expires next week.

I would call an agent at your insurance and hear that from them directly though. Insurance companies are sleezy.