Can I get car insurance if I don't drive?

Asked by: Abigale Bashirian  |  Last update: March 19, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes)

Get Parked Car Coverage You can purchase car insurance coverage without a driver's license by opting for parked car coverage. This type of insurance, which is essentially a storage policy, assumes that drivers don't use their vehicle regularly, so the car is protected from damage that occurs when parked.

Can I take insurance off my car if I'm not driving it?

You'll need to keep the legally required auto insurance coverages. But you can remove optional add-ons like roadside assistance and custom parts and equipment coverage to save money while you're not driving.

Is car insurance cheaper if you don't drive much?

While several factors influence your car insurance cost, you may pay a lower premium if you drive less. That's because insurers may consider you a lower risk of filing a car insurance claim if you spend less time on the road. Many insurers incentivize low-mileage drivers by offering discounts on their premiums.

Do you need insurance if you have a license but don't drive?

There's no reason to have insurance coverage if you never drive. If you don't own a car, you aren't legally required to have an auto insurance policy. If you don't own but drive a borrowed car occasionally, purchasing insurance may not be necessary if the car's owner has adequate coverage.

What happens if you don't add a driver to your insurance?

A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.

Can I Insure a Vehicle Not in My Name?

16 related questions found

How do I add a non driver to my insurance?

Providers usually don't allow you to add a non-related driver to your policy who doesn't live with you. Typically, car insurance covers the vehicle's owner and family members in the same household.

Is it okay to let someone borrow your car?

If they have a current license, a clean record, and a valid insurance policy, you may feel more comfortable lending them your car. Consider the circumstances. Is your friend impaired in any way or unfit to drive? If the answer is “yes,” then your answer to them should be a resounding “no.”

Do I need insurance if I don't drive my car?

Even if your car isn't on the road, it may be a good idea to maintain certain coverages on it because mishaps can happen even if your car never leaves the driveway. For instance, if you don't have comprehensive coverage, you'll need to pay out of pocket for repairs if your car is damaged by hail or a fallen tree.

What insurance companies will insure an unlicensed driver?

Some insurance companies will cover you if you have a state-issued ID card. Popular car insurance companies like Commonwealth, Advantage Auto and Direct Auto will take a state-issued ID card and issue unlicensed drivers a policy.

How long can you go without car insurance?

It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.

How do so many people drive without insurance?

By far the most cited reason for not having auto insurance is the cost, a trend that rose dramatically in recent years with the Great Recession. While people still needed their car to go to work or haul groceries, many decided that they could save money by cutting out their car insurance premiums.

Should I say my car is for pleasure or commute?

The general rule is that if you use your car every day to get to work, you are commuting, but if you only use it occasionally, you are only using your vehicle for pleasure. Insurance companies usually classify your driving "for pleasure" if you drive less than 7500 miles a year.

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.

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.

Can you insure a car that doesn't run?

Drop to comprehensive-only or liability-only coverage: For cars that are nonoperational or in storage, some companies offer policies with only comprehensive coverage. Ask your insurer whether this is possible (note: some companies only offer this option to active-duty military).

Can I take insurance off my car if I'm not driving it in Virginia?

Unless they are notified otherwise, by surrendering or deactivating your tags, VA DMV will continue to require liability insurance be in force.

Can I add a non driver to my insurance?

You typically will not be able to add a non-related driver who does not live in your home to your insurance policy. If you and a friend own a vehicle together but do not live at the same address, you may have trouble obtaining an auto insurance policy.

What insurance does not require driver's license?

Insurance companies that will insure you without a license include The Hartford, Geico, and AAA. You may still need to insure your vehicle as an unlicensed driver if you can't drive due to age or health issues, in which case you will need to list a primary driver on the policy.

Will Geico insure me with no license?

Geico is available to all drivers in every state and typically underwrites cheaper base quotes. Even though Geico is technically a car insurance company that does ask for a license, Geico also sells policies to unlicensed drivers, typically if the car is in storage.

Can I cancel car insurance if I don't drive?

If you don't plan on driving for an extended period, you might be able to cancel your insurance, but your state may also require you to cancel your registration and turn in your license plates. Or, if you are just storing your vehicle for a while, you may be able to opt for a comprehensive-only policy instead.

Does insurance cover if you let someone borrow your car?

California requires all motorists to carry at least liability insurance on their vehicles. If you have insurance coverage on your car, the licensed driver you let borrow it will also be covered under your policy.

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.

Does Geico allow permissive use?

Most of the big auto insurance companies — Allstate, AAA, GEICO, and USAA — allow for permissive use, but you should always confirm your policy details. If you have a named driver policy with any of those companies, you will not have permissive use.

What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?

Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.

Can I let my friend borrow my car for a week?

Although you should check your individual policy, usually, you can let your friend drive your car without violating your coverage. As long as you give the person permission and they only drive the car occasionally, there shouldn't be an issue. Accidents, however, can happen anytime.