How to use the key dates calculator
You do not need to fill in every box. Each date stands on its own, so enter only what applies:
- For any policy: add the start date and pick a 6- or 12-month term to get the renewal and review dates.
- For a new life policy: add the free-look days from the policy cover page.
- For flood insurance: add the purchase date to see when an NFIP policy usually takes effect.
- For an SR-22: add the start date and number of years from your state notice.
A second worked example
What the dates mean
| Date | Why it matters | Who sets the real date |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal date | Your price and terms can change | Your insurer, on your declarations page |
| Review by | Time to compare quotes before renewal | You; 30 days is a planning cushion |
| Free-look end | Last day to cancel a new policy for a refund, where offered | Your policy and state law |
| Flood effective | When new NFIP coverage usually starts | NFIP rules on FloodSmart |
| SR-22 end | When the filing requirement may end | Your state DMV or court |
Treat the review-by date as a starting point, not a deadline. If your renewal offer arrives early, or your price jumps, start sooner. Some insurers must send renewal or nonrenewal notices a set number of days before the renewal date under state law, so read any notice you receive as soon as it arrives.
State and program rules that change the answer
- Flood: An NFIP policy usually starts 30 days after purchase. FloodSmart lists exceptions with no wait, such as buying while making, increasing, extending or renewing a mortgage (FloodSmart, accessed October 2026). Learn more in our guide to flood and earthquake insurance.
- Free look: New York requires a free-look period of at least 10 and up to 30 days on life insurance, and 30 days for policies offered by mail (NY DFS, accessed October 2026). Other states set their own rules.
- SR-22: Virginia’s DMV says an SR-22 must be on file for three years (Virginia DMV, accessed October 2026). Periods vary by state and offense, and Florida uses a separate FR-44 form after some offenses. See SR-22 insurance explained.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for the renewal notice. Start comparing early; our guide on how to compare insurance quotes walks you through it.
- Buying flood insurance when a storm is coming. The 30-day wait usually means it is too late.
- Assuming every policy has a free look. Check your policy before you count on a refund.
- Letting an SR-22 policy lapse. A gap can lead to a new suspension.
- Cancelling an old policy too soon. Make sure the new one has started first.
Why tracking these dates matters
Most insurance problems with dates come from small gaps. A policy that lapses for even a day can leave you uninsured, and for car insurance that can lead to fines, a suspended registration, or a reset SR-22 period in some states. A flood policy bought too late may not be in force when water arrives. And a free-look refund is only available until the window closes.
Writing the dates down is the simplest fix. Put each one in your calendar with a reminder about a week before, and a second reminder on the day. If you share bills with a partner or family member, share the calendar entries too.
What to do on each date
- Review by: request quotes for the same coverage and read your renewal offer.
- Renewal date: make sure the new term is paid or that a new policy starts that day.
- Free-look end: decide whether to keep a new life policy before this date.
- Flood effective: confirm the policy is active and keep the declarations page.
- SR-22 end: check with your DMV that the requirement has ended before you change or cancel the policy.
Confirm each date in writing with your insurer or the state agency involved.
Related tools
When you get renewal quotes, line them up with the quote comparison worksheet. If you are paying in installments, check the cost with the insurance payment plan calculator.
