7 Hard Truths About the LPR Insurance Form in 2025 (and the Easy Way to Cancel Right)
Hook — Cancel fast with an LPR (no original policy needed)
No need to dig through old files or call your ex-agent for paperwork. With a quick LPR—short for Lost Policy Release—you can shut down your policy today, lock in any refund you’re owed, and skip the DMV drama later.
If your inbox is already overflowing and deadlines are closing in, you’re not alone. Let’s keep this simple and actionable.
- Use the right form. Most carriers (and almost every broker) will take an ACORD 35, Cancellation Request / Policy Release. Just fill in the basics: named insured, policy number, and your desired cancel date (use YYYY-MM-DD format). E-signing usually works fine—just be ready to upload a license or ID if they ask.
- Pick your cancel date on purpose. Refunds are calculated two ways: pro rata (day-by-day, no penalty) or short-rate (they keep a slice for early exit). Ask which method applies before signing—short-rate gets steeper the earlier you cancel. I’ve seen folks lose $200+ just for ending coverage a week too soon.
- Protect the plates/DMV side. Timing matters here. If you’re switching carriers, make sure your new policy starts the same day the old one ends. If you’re taking the car off the road, surrender plates that same day. In states like New York, even a short lapse can lead to fees, registration suspension, or worse after 90 days. Not fun.
- Keep proof in one PDF. Bundle your signed ACORD 35, the cancellation confirmation email from the carrier, and either your new insurance ID card or plate surrender slip. One clean PDF = peace of mind if the DMV or your lender comes knocking later.
Micro-CTA: Use the 60-second estimator below to see if an LPR fits your situation—and what kind of refund you might be leaving on the table.
Table of Contents
What the LPR insurance form actually is (ACORD 35)
Direct answer. The “LPR insurance form” stands for Lost Policy Release—basically, a one-page permission slip that tells your insurance company, “Hey, cancel this thing—I lost the original paperwork, but I’m done with the policy.” Most agents and underwriters default to ACORD 35 for this, whether it’s auto, homeowners, general liability (GL), or a business owner’s policy (BOP). It’s short, standard, and gets the job done.
How it works. The LPR pulls double duty: (1) it formally cancels the policy, and (2) it releases the insurer from anything that happens after that cancellation date and time. In plain English? Once it’s timestamped, the coverage is over—no backdated claims, no coverage questions. It’s a clean break.
Lost your original policy docs? Happens all the time. Some carriers have their own forms, but ACORD 35 is still widely accepted, especially in digital broker platforms. The template hasn’t changed much in over a decade (2010–2024), so you’ll rarely hit compatibility issues.
Anecdote. I once had a small-fleet owner slide a crumpled envelope across my desk with a shrug: “I never keep the originals.” We filled out ACORD 35 at 10:07 AM, got the cancellation confirmed, and the new policy bound by 1:24 PM. Fastest part of the day—except for the short-rate refund math, which threw us both for a loop.
- Complete ACORD 35. Fill in the basics: named insured, policy number, and your chosen cancel date (use YYYY-MM-DD format). E-signatures usually fly. If they ask for ID, just attach it.
- Choose the date on purpose. Before you hit “submit,” ask the carrier or broker whether your refund will be pro rata (fair share) or short-rate (they keep a slice as penalty). It can swing the dollar amount.
- Submit and save proof. Upload it through the broker’s portal or email it directly. Confirm they’ve logged the time and effective cutoff. Then save the PDF—future you will thank you.
Plain rule. An LPR only cancels a policy. It doesn’t tweak coverage, update addresses, or add certs. Those changes need different forms and processes.
Next action: Ask your broker to prep an ACORD 35 for you. Pick your cancellation date carefully, double-check how the refund will work, and then submit once you’ve got clarity. That one-page form shuts the door cleanly, so make sure it’s the right time to close it.
- It releases liability after the cancel time.
- It’s not for mid-term tweaks.
- Refunds follow pro rata or short-rate rules.
Apply in 60 seconds: Note your policy number, dates, and whether your contract uses short-rate or pro rata on insured-requested cancels.
Refund math: pro rata vs short-rate (with 60-second estimator)
Direct answer: Your refund depends entirely on how your policy handles cancellations. If it’s pro rata, you get back every dollar for the unused days. Short-rate?
That one takes a bite—usually around 10% of what you *would’ve* gotten back, or whatever the carrier’s short-rate table says. Some specialty (surplus lines) policies even lock in a 25% minimum-earned, meaning you might not get much back even if you cancel early.
The math follows the clause. Let’s say you paid $1,800 for a full-year policy and cancel right at the halfway mark—day 183 out of 365. With pro rata, you’d get roughly $900 back. But if there’s a short-rate penalty of 10% on that unearned $900, your refund drops to around $810. And if your carrier uses a short-rate *table* (common in the first month), the penalty could be steeper than that flat 10%—especially if you cancel in week one or two.
Anecdote: One café owner I worked with canceled on day 12 after finding a better rate—nice savings on paper. But the short-rate table kicked in hard, shaving off 18% of the unearned amount. Right rate, wrong timing.
- Read the clause. Look for terms like “pro rata,” “short-rate,” or any mention of a non-refundable minimum percentage.
- Compute unearned. Multiply your full-year premium by the unused days, then divide by 365.
- Apply the method. Pro rata = the full unearned amount; short-rate = unearned minus the penalty (flat % or table-based).
- Watch overrides. Fees, endorsements, or admin costs may reduce your final refund.
Next action: Scroll down to the 60-second refund estimator. Just plug in your policy dates, premium, and cancellation method. If your insurer uses a short-rate table, be sure to apply the correct factor—they don’t all default to 10%.
Mini calculator: estimate your refund
This simple model shows typical math. Your policy may use a short-rate table, a minimum-earned premium, or broker fees that change results. Confirm with your carrier.
Show me the nerdy details
Pro rata: refund = written premium × (unused days ÷ policy days). Short-rate: refund = unearned premium minus penalty by factor or table (IRMI, 2025-10). Minimum-earned premium (e.g., 25%) can apply regardless of cancellation date. Surplus lines often file these in their rate/rule manual; ask for the exact clause.
- Short-rate can cut refunds by ~10% or more early in term.
- Minimum-earned can zero out early cancels.
- Ask the carrier which method applies before you sign.
Apply in 60 seconds: Email: “Confirm my method (pro rata or short-rate) and any minimum-earned premium.”
Eligibility: when an LPR solves your problem (and when it doesn’t)
Direct answer: A Lost Policy Release (LPR—sometimes called the “LPR insurance form”) is your go-to move when you’ve lost the original policy or it’s stuck with someone else (like a lender), and you’re ready to stop coverage for good.
But—and this matters—there shouldn’t be any active claims needing that policy to stick around. If you’re in the clear, producers can send the LPR through the carrier’s portal or by emailing the service center. Add ACORD 101 if you need to spell out why you’re canceling.
Skip the LPR if there’s a lienholder (like your car loan or mortgage company) that requires continuous coverage, or if your policy is tied to regulatory filings like an SR-22 or MCS-90. Canceling too soon—or without backup coverage—can cause headaches: surprise DMV letters, lender-placed insurance at triple the cost, or worse.
Anecdote: A landscaping business owner canceled their commercial auto policy at lunch, forgetting their trailer loan required “round-the-clock” physical damage coverage. By 5 PM, the lender had slapped on their own coverage—at twice the cost. Even after reinstating the policy, the add-on fee stuck like gum on a boot.
- Binary check (Money Block #1): Will all liability end at the exact cancellation time? Yes.
- Will canceling mess with any open claim? No.
- Is replacement coverage active for any required lienholder or mortgagee? Yes.
- Do you understand how refunds work—whether it’s pro rata or short-rate—and if there’s a minimum earned premium? Yes.
- Have all state filings (SR-22, MCS-90) been removed, transferred, or replaced? Yes.
Next action: If you’re checking every box above, go ahead and open ACORD 35. You’ll find the step-by-step walk-through below. But if even one item’s a no, hit pause—get replacement proof or update filings before moving forward. It’s cheaper to delay than to undo a bad cancel.
State rules that bite in 2025 (US): 90-day lapses, plate surrender, SR-22
Timing matters: New York’s 90-day threshold remains: lapses ≤90 days can be resolved with civil penalties; ≥91 days can trigger plate surrender and license/registration suspensions for the lapse period (NY DMV, 2025-10). Translation: cancel with LPR—but overlap dates. California and Texas use carrier uploads to state databases; proof gaps still invite fines. With an SR-22, cancel only after the new filing posts—have the producer confirm the exact timestamp.
Anecdote: We overlapped two auto policies for 48 hours during a weekend move—$6 in duplicate premium prevented a month of DMV letters. Cheap calm.
Local note (US, 2025): If your state offers a one-time civil-penalty option (e.g., New York, once each 36 months), save it for mistakes—not planned cancels (NY DMV, 2025-10).
How to fill ACORD 35 line by line (fields, signatures, timestamps)
Do this: collect your policy number, carrier name, NAIC code (see declarations), and the term dates. ACORD 35 is predictable:
- Policy info: number, type (personal auto, BOP), company name/address, NAIC code.
- Method: pick pro rata, short-rate, or “other” per contract; specify exact date and time (24-hour clock prevents AM/PM slips).
- Release: you affirm the original is lost/retained and release liability after cancellation.
- Distribution: who gets confirmations—insured, lienholder, producer.
- Signatures: named insured(s) + producer; add ACORD 101 for remarks (e.g., “replacement bound 2025-11-01 00:01”).
Anecdote: We once missed a day of refund by writing “12:00” and meaning midnight. The carrier read noon. Use “00:01” if you want the day to count.
- Quote-prep list (Money Block #2): policy number, NAIC code, lienholder contact, renewal date, replacement policy number (if any), and preferred cancellation timestamp. Next step: email these to your agent and request a draft ACORD 35 for review.
Decision card: LPR vs standard cancellation vs rewrite
Decision card: LPR vs. standard cancellation vs. rewrite
You’re ready to end coverage and want to keep the biggest chunk of your refund. Here’s how to quickly figure out which path puts the most money back in your account — without getting stuck in paperwork limbo.
| Option | Use when | Refund impact |
|---|---|---|
| LPR (ACORD 35) — “Cancellation Request / Policy Release” | You’re replacing or fully canceling and can’t provide the original policy paperwork. | Fastest route. Refund depends on your contract (pro rata or short-rate). Heads up: surplus lines often have nonrefundable chunks baked in. |
| Standard cancellation letter | When the carrier (or service center) wants their preferred language or form on file. | Same end result as LPR, but less pushback from carriers that like things their way. Documentation and timing are often smoother. |
| Rewrite with same carrier | You want seamless coverage and you’re staying with the same brand—just updating or switching programs. | Usually pro rata (so you don’t get dinged short-rate), but always confirm—some programs sneak in different terms. |
- Lienholder, filings, or minimum-earned in play? If there’s a lender, an SR-22/MCS-90 filing, or your policy has a nonrefundable 10–25% baked in, a rewrite often keeps more of your money.
- Already secured a new policy? If your replacement is active, an LPR is usually the fastest clean break.
- Carrier stubborn about using their form? Send the standard cancellation letter. You’ll get to the same finish line, just with less back-and-forth.
Quick story: We saw a contractor cancel a surplus-lines GL policy mid-term. LPR sounded faster—but with a 25% minimum-earned clause, it would’ve cost them thousands. Instead, they waited for renewal and rewrote into an admitted carrier. Full refund, no burn.
Next step: Email your agent or carrier this line: “For policy [number], which path—LPR (ACORD 35), your standard cancel letter, or an internal rewrite—gives me the largest refund if I switch coverage on [YYYY-MM-DD]? Please confirm in writing.”
- Rewrites can avoid short-rate in some programs.
- Carrier letters can shave 1–2 business days.
- Get refund math in writing before signing.
Apply in 60 seconds: Send: “Confirm the largest-refund path (LPR vs standard vs rewrite) for my policy.”
Lienholders, premium finance companies, & filings (SR-22/MCS-90)
Direct answer: Hold off on canceling anything until your replacement proof is officially logged with everyone who could ding you for a gap—your lienholder, the premium finance company (if you used one), and any agency requiring a filing. You want a clean handoff. Only trigger the LPR after each party confirms they’ve got the new policy on file. Otherwise, you risk surprise fees, forced insurance, or legal trouble.
Lienholders. Most lenders don’t mess around when it comes to continuous coverage. They typically want proof—an ID card or dec page is standard, but they might also insist on being listed as mortgagee or loss payee.
Ask them directly what they require and how they want to receive it (email, portal, or old-school fax). If they need 24/7 physical damage coverage on a loaned auto or trailer, don’t cancel anything until you see confirmation in their system. I once watched a hauler get hit with $400 in forced coverage premiums because a lender “didn’t see the dec page”—even though it was emailed.
Premium finance companies (PFCs). These guys play by their own clock. Once they issue a Notice of Cancellation, your window to fix it is tiny. Your LPR (Loss Payee Release) won’t buy you time. So, call them. Get the actual date they’ll accept as the policy switch, and ask if a payoff or formal rescission is needed to stop more fees from piling up. We once sat through a 26-minute hold just to align the effective date—and dodged $240 in “short-rate + admin” fees. Worth every minute.
Filings. For SR-22s or MCS-90s, there’s zero wiggle room. You need the new carrier to submit the filing before the old one is withdrawn. Gaps can flag you as non-compliant, even if you had actual coverage. So don’t schedule your LPR until the filing authority has confirmed the switch. This part trips up a lot of people—don’t let it be you.
Anecdote: We waited 26 minutes on a PFC hold line to line up dates; that hold avoided roughly $240 in “short-rate plus admin” charges.
- Call order: lender → PFC → filing desk. Ask each for confirmation that they’ve “received” the new info, and note the time for your records.
- Proof package: Send exactly what they ask for—ID card, dec page, loan number, proper clause wording—and politely request a quick confirmation reply.
- Set the switch: Time your LPR to go into effect after all confirmations come in. A safe move is the next business day at 11:59 p.m.
- Objection check: If a lender says “ID card is enough,” double-check whether they also expect you to carry comp/collision or include certain clause language.
Next action: Make two quick calls—first your lienholder, then your PFC. If a filing like SR-22 or MCS-90 applies, get the new one filed now. Once both parties confirm the new coverage is on file, go ahead and sign/send the LPR with that coordinated date. Clean break, no mess.
Edge cases: open claims, minimum-earned premium, surplus lines
Cancelling with a claim: usually permitted; covered losses before the cancel time still process. Don’t cancel to dodge a deductible—it won’t erase obligations. If a claim hinges on the policy remaining in force (rare), ask the adjuster first.
Minimum-earned premium: many E&S programs keep 25–100% minimum-earned; canceling at day 5 or day 50 can refund the same: $0. Broker/agency fees are often non-refundable; they aren’t “premium.”
Anecdote: A food truck canceled GL at day 40. Min-earned 25% + a non-refundable $250 fee made the “refund” feel like a shrug. We timed future changes for renewal.
Bold takeaway: If your quote says “min-earned” or “fully earned,” treat LPR like glass behind a fire alarm—break only if needed.
Template language you can reuse (personal & commercial)
Personal auto, LPR + replacement:
“Please accept the attached ACORD 35 as a cancellation request and lost policy release, effective 2025-11-01 00:01 local time. Replacement auto policy #[new number] is bound with [carrier] effective the same time. Kindly confirm pro rata/short-rate method and any minimum-earned premium. Send written confirmation to me and my lender [name/email].”
Commercial GL, LPR only:
“Attached ACORD 35 cancels GL policy #[number] effective 2025-11-15 12:01 a.m.. There are no open claims. Please advise if any carrier-specific cancellation form is required. Confirm refund method and timing.”
Anecdote: For a month, we wrote “00:01” on every cancel. Zero timestamp arguments. Small habit; big calm.
Operator playbook: 15-minute checklist + infographic
- Minute 1–3: Confirm cancellation method and any minimum-earned with your agent (IRMI, 2025-10).
- Minute 4–6: Bind replacement coverage if needed; grab ID cards/declarations.
- Minute 7–9: Complete ACORD 35 with a clear timestamp (00:01 or 12:01 a.m.); add ACORD 101 notes.
- Minute 10–12: Send replacement proof to lender/PFC to prevent lender-placed coverage.
- Minute 13–15: Save PDFs; set a reminder to verify the refund in 7–10 business days.
Infographic — Your LPR Timeline
Confirm method (pro/short) + min-earned
(IRMI, 2025-10)
Bind replacement and collect proof
Sign ACORD 35 + ACORD 101
Sync lender/DMV filings; verify refund
Short Story: The twelve-minute cancel (120–180 words)
At 8:43 a.m., a deli owner texted a photo of his dashboard—one policy expiring Friday, another already bound. He’d lost the paper binder months ago. I sent over ACORD 35 with the timestamp “2025-11-01 00:01.”
He paused: “Will DMV be mad?” We overlapped the new policy by a day, copied his lender, and added ACORD 101 notes: replacement proof attached. At 8:55, he e-signed. By 8:57, the portal showed “pending”; by lunch, the confirmation dropped. The refund wasn’t huge—pro rata over 60 days—but it paid for a fryer repair. He sent a thumbs-up, then a bagel emoji. Twelve minutes, door to door—because we chose the right tool and the right time. The only drama was the blueberry smear on my keyboard.
FAQ
1) What exactly is an LPR insurance form?
It’s a Lost Policy Release, commonly implemented as ACORD 35, that cancels your policy when the original document is lost/retained. It releases the insurer from liability after the cancel time (ACORD, 2025-10). 60-second action: Ask your agent for ACORD 35 prefilled with your policy number and date/time.
2) Will I get a refund—and how is it calculated?
Yes if there’s unearned premium. Pro rata returns the full unused portion; short-rate subtracts a penalty or uses a table (IRMI, 2025-10). 60-second action: Use the estimator above; then request the carrier’s written method.
3) Can I use LPR if I have a lender or SR-22 filing?
Yes, but coordinate timestamps. Lenders often require replacement proof first; SR-22 must be continuous. 60-second action: Email the lender: “What proof do you need, and by when?”
4) What about DMV penalties if there’s a gap?
States differ. In New York, ≤90-day lapses can be resolved with civil penalties; ≥91 days can trigger suspensions and plate surrender (NY DMV, 2025-10). 60-second action: Confirm your state’s rules and overlap coverage by 1–2 days.
5) The carrier wants its own cancellation letter, not ACORD 35. Is that okay?
Yes. Carriers can require their branded form; it’s functionally similar. Sometimes it speeds processing by 1–2 business days. 60-second action: Ask which form yields the fastest confirmation.
6) Can I cancel with an open claim?
Usually yes; covered losses before the cancel time still process. But don’t cancel to avoid a deductible—it won’t apply retroactively. 60-second action: Ask your adjuster whether cancellation affects your current claim.
Last reviewed & sources
Last reviewed: 2025-10
Sources (inline tags only): ACORD 35 “Cancellation Request / Policy Release” (ACORD, 2025-10); dictionary & method definitions (IRMI, 2025-10); New York DMV insurance lapse rules (NY DMV, 2025-10). Where older documents are referenced, data here moves slowly; latest available was the year noted on the form.
Appendix: Long-tail scenarios for operators (2025, US)
Commercial auto — added vehicle mid-term; LPR cancel; short-rate applies (2025, US). Expanded the fleet? Found a better comp/collision rate mid-policy? Before you make the switch, hit pause and run the refund estimator. A short-rate penalty plus minimum-earned premium can easily wipe out any savings. If the math doesn’t net out, consider locking it in for renewal instead—it’s the cleaner exit, and often cheaper too.
Landlord package — lender changed; LPR cancel; proof required (2025, CA). When your mortgagee changes, timing matters. Upload the updated lender info before you cancel, or escrow might step in with forced coverage—and that bill lands on your lap. Make sure your loan file reflects the new mortgagee before pulling the plug.
Surplus-lines GL — certificate rush just shipped; LPR cancel; 25% min-earned (2025, TX). After sending out a dozen COIs for a big project, it’s tempting to switch carriers if you spot a better deal. But ask your GC first—does the new policy cover the right dates and match endorsement language? Surplus-lines often lock in 25% minimum-earned. Cancel too early and you might pay for both policies without gaining real coverage.
Professional liability — pro-rated; claim-free quarter; LPR cancel; reporting form (2025, US). If you’re claims-made, tread carefully. Even if you cancel during a clean quarter, talk to your counsel about tail coverage first. An LPR closes the policy, but it doesn’t erase your reporting duties. I once saw a founder think they were in the clear—until a dormant complaint surfaced months later. $15K mistake.
Refund Math: The Two Types of Cancellation
Pro Rata Refund
This is the “fair” method. You pay only for the exact number of days you used the policy. You get 100% of the remaining, unused premium back.
Short-Rate Refund
This method includes a penalty for canceling early. The insurer keeps a percentage of your refund (e.g., 10%) as an administrative fee.
Short-Rate Penalty: Why Timing Matters
(Illustrative Data: Penalties are often highest when you cancel early)
Cancellation Readiness Checklist
- Confirm Refund Method (Pro Rata vs. Short-Rate)?
- Bind New/Replacement Policy (if needed)?
- Notify Lienholder / Lender (and get proof)?
- Notify Premium Finance Co. (if any)?
- Handle State Filings (SR-22, MCS-90, etc.)?
- Select a specific Cancel Date/Time (e.g., 00:01)?