Can I drop insurance on a car I don't drive?
Asked by: Dr. Ismael Buckridge | Last update: July 16, 2025Score: 5/5 (58 votes)
Should I cancel car insurance if not driving?
Absolutely do not cancel your insurance. Check to see if you can lower it to the bare minimum that your state requires. Also, be aware that even not being driven accidents can happen.
Can I take my car off insurance if I don't drive it?
Yes, you can cancel your insurance if you choose not to drive for six months, although in most states, auto insurance is required for all registered cars. Your insurance company will report the cancellation to the state, and the state will treat you as if you were driving without insurance.
How long can you pause car insurance if not driving?
Typically, a motorist pauses their coverage because they won't be driving their car for a certain period, such as 30 days or more. Being able to pause your car insurance depends on your insurer, your state and your lender (if you're financing your car). Your insurer may not allow you to pause your auto insurance.
Is there a penalty for dropping car insurance?
Car insurance cancellation fees
Cancellation fees can be a flat fee or a short-rate fee. With short-rate cancellations, the insurer will charge the policyholder a percentage of the unearned premium — usually 10 percent.
Does My Car Need Insurance If I’m Not Driving It?
Can I drop car insurance anytime?
Yes, you can kick your car insurance to the curb whenever your heart pleases. However, if you're switching companies, the best time to cancel is after you've found new insurance coverage.
Is there a charge to cancel car insurance?
Yes, you can cancel your car insurance within the first 14 days, known as the cooling-off period. But, there are some costs to consider. Insurers usually charge an admin fee and may deduct an amount for the days you were covered.
Should I keep insurance on car that doesn't run?
The answer is technically yes, although it's important to cancel your vehicle registration or file an affidavit that you're not operating the vehicle with your DMV first. Additionally, there are reasons to maintain coverage, even while you're not driving your broken-down car.
Can I pause my car insurance if my car is totaled?
As long as the policy was active at the time of the accident (which it sounds like it was), you should be fine. Second, if your car is totaled, you can cancel your insurance if you are not getting another car in the near future.
How long can you be behind on car insurance?
What is a car insurance lapse grace period? Your car insurance policy won't be cancelled immediately because you miss a payment. Auto insurance companies are required by state law to provide notice before cancelling your policy. Depending on the state, you'll usually have between 10 and 20 days.
Can I take insurance off my car if I'm not driving it in Florida?
have continuous coverage even if the vehicle is not being driven or is inoperable. Surrender the license plate/tag BEFORE cancelling your insurance. purchase the policy from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Florida.
Can I take insurance off my car if I'm not driving it in South Carolina?
If You are Looking to Save Money
So if you are looking for ways to save on your auto insurance, dropping coverage on a vehicle you no longer drive but is still tagged is not the way to go. You can get slapped with a hefty fine if the SC DMV catches you.
Can I take insurance off my car if I'm not driving it in Arizona?
If you will not be driving your vehicle in Arizona for an extended period (while it is in storage or not driveable), you may temporarily discontinue your Arizona insurance policy. If you discontinue your insurance, you must notify us that you are de-insuring.
Can I stop paying insurance on a car I don't drive?
Depending on your state's rules and insurer, you may be able to pause your car insurance if you won't be driving for an extended period. If putting a pause on your car insurance isn't possible, you can reduce your coverages or cancel your policy for the time you don't need it.
Do I get penalized for Cancelling car insurance?
Remember that most states require you to have at least the minimum coverage for your vehicle even if you're not driving it. When you cancel your car insurance too soon, you can be subject to fines and even have your license suspended.
Is it better to not go through car insurance?
Always file a claim if there are injuries.
“While there are occasional situations where a claim isn't needed, sometimes going through your insurance is unavoidable, such as when someone is injured or when fault is unclear. If the damage is only to your vehicle, however, it's up to you.”
Can I put a hold on my car insurance?
They may require that you sign an affidavit that states that you won't drive the vehicle. Keep in mind that if you have a car loan, this likely won't be an option for you. Most insurance companies will usually not let you put your insurance coverage on hold, but they may have other options available.
What counts as cancelled car insurance?
Cancelled car insurance means an insurer has cancelled your cover before the end of your policy. This can happen if you break the terms of your policy, like by submitting a fraudulent claim.
How long can I freeze my car insurance?
You can't legally freeze your car insurance policy if you're still driving your car, but you may be able to cancel your coverage indefinitely if you're not driving your vehicle for a long period of time.
Can I cancel insurance on a car that doesn't run?
Before you can cancel your insurance, check what your state's department of motor vehicles requires for cars in storage. To cancel your insurance, cancel your vehicle registration first to avoid creating a gap in car insurance coverage. You may need to fill out an affidavit of non-use with your state.
Is it bad to run your car and not drive it?
Leaving a car idling for an extended period can cause premature engine wear. When a car is running, all the components create conditions where there's more heat and less oil and coolant flow, engaging the cooling fans and electric water pumps, and wearing down the vehicle's catalytic converter.
At what point is car insurance not worth it?
If your vehicle is paid off, there are only a few instances that justify dropping collision coverage: Your vehicle's value is less than a few thousand dollars: If your car holds minimal value, collision coverage may not be worth carrying. This is especially true when a large car insurance deductible is involved.
What is the average cancellation fee?
Average cancellation rates are between 10-20%, which directly affects a business's profits. Although cancellation fees deter clients from canceling appointments or no-showing, they can also anger clients and deter them from using your services in the future.
Can I change my car insurance anytime?
You have the flexibility to change car insurance at any time, even mid-policy. Timing the start of your new policy and end of the old one is important for avoiding a gap or overlap in coverage.