Contact your insurance company right away. Restoring auto coverage depends on the premium due date, when you make payment and company guidelines. There are three possible outcomes. The insurer may accept your delayed payment with no break in coverage. The insurer may agree to take your money but reinstate the policy with a break in coverage. Or, the insurer may refuse your payment and let the cancellation stand.

Paying your auto insurance premium late can lead to complications. For example, the insurer may charge a late fee to reinstate the policy. You may have to get a totally different policy, possibly with another insurer. A new policy is likely to be more expensive. Your credit could be affected if outstanding money goes into collection There may be repercussions with lien holders as well.

Even more serious, you could be driving without insurance. Violating Illinois' mandatory insurance law can result in a fine, vehicle suspension, license suspension, or other penalty. In addition, not having insurance means you are on your own to pay crash-related damages. Financial assets are at risk if you are legally responsible for another person's crash-related injuries or property damage.

Consider automatic payment through your bank or credit card or pay in full every six months to avoid future issues.