Question

Is it possible for certificates to be renewed automatically before their expiration date?

Answer

Yes.

RCP lets you set an auto-renew option.
To enable, in the SSL overview of your control panel you can find the option "Autorenew" (AR).

If you enable the option, we will automatically create a new SSL order for you, 15 days prior to the expiration date using the same details as the old certificate.

Important! We will place the SSL order, but the validation which is performed by the Certification Authority is still a necessary step before the certificate will be delivered. 

Be aware you will receive a new certificate, which still needs to be installed with the "old" private key.

AR = Auto-Renew
RN = Renew
RI = Reissue
CN = Cancel

If you request a certificate renewal within the last 30 days of SSL expiration, then a remaining period of the SSL certificate will be added to the new certificate.
The remaining period won't be added if you start a new order instead of renewing an existing one.

The button to renew your certificate is therefore only shown in the control panel in the last 30 days of the ssl expiration date.

The renewal request will be initiated based on the same details as the previous request. No changes can be made.

Do not want to use the auto-renew settings?
Start a new order in your RCP and let the old SSL expire (disable autorenew)