Can I pause my car insurance if I'm not driving my car?
Asked by: Georgette Witting | Last update: August 29, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (23 votes)
Can you pause car insurance if not driving?
Yes you can, with many, if not most insurance companies. If the car will be parked and unused for a period of time you can cancel the liability coverage and collision coverage while keeping your comprehensive fire and theft coverage in force which will maintain your auto policy...
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.
Should I cancel my car insurance if I don't have a car?
Non-owner car insurance can provide liability coverage in the event of an accident. You should still have insurance coverage if you're a licensed driver who regularly borrows or rents vehicles. Not all companies offer non-owner insurance policies, so you'll have to shop around.
Can I freeze my insurance for a month?
Some insurers offer the option to suspend your liability coverage if you don't anticipate using your vehicle for a month or longer — but you would still retain comprehensive coverageComprehensive coverageCoverage for damage that can happen to your car when it's not being driven, like damage from extreme weather, fire, ...
Is It Better To Cancel or Suspend Car Insurance?
How many months can you be behind on car insurance?
If you missed a payment, your insurance company may have a grace period to give you time to pay your bill and reinstate your policy before it lapses. This grace period can be between 10 and 20 days. If your insurer won't renew your policy, you'll get notified and you'll have time to shop around for quotes.
How long can you keep insurance after quitting?
You may be able to keep your job-based health plan through COBRA continuation coverage. COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months).
Is it better to cancel car insurance or let it lapse?
Because gaps in coverage may negatively impact your future premium, foregoing auto insurance — even for an extended vacation — likely is not worth it. If you plan to be away for a month or longer and your vehicle will not be in use, there may be other ways to save on your premiums without canceling your 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.
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 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 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 you take insurance off a car you 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.
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.
Can I remove my son from my car insurance when he goes to college Progressive?
You can remove a listed driver from your car insurance policy if they no longer live with you and no longer drive your vehicle. If you have a child away at college or who moves out temporarily, it's a good idea to keep them on your policy. Doing so ensures that they can drive your vehicle during breaks.
Do I need car insurance if I don't use my car?
Legally, you don't need insurance coverage for a car that's not being driven and is in storage. However, if the vehicle gets stolen, vandalized, or damaged in an accident or weather-related event, you'll be responsible for any resulting expenses if you don't carry insurance.
What happens if you let your car insurance cancel?
Suspension of Car License And/Or Registration
As most states also require insurance companies to inform them of policy cancelations, you may lose your car's registration when you allow your policy to lapse. Your license may also be suspended.
What happens if I can't pay my car insurance this month?
If you haven't made your payment by the end of the grace period, your policy could lapse, leaving you uninsured. Having a lapse in coverage can result in fees, penalties and other costly consequences that can haunt you for years.
Can I put my car insurance on hold?
You can only reduce coverage for a month at a time. Any less than this and you cannot suspend your coverage. Before reducing your car insurance, your state may require you to file an affidavit of non-use for your vehicle with the DMV.
How long can you have a gap in 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.
Should you cancel car insurance if you don't own a car?
Not having a car doesn't mean you don't need car insurance. If you still plan on getting behind the wheel, a non-owner policy will protect you on the road. And by avoiding a lapse in coverage, your rate will improve if you own a car again in the future.
What is the COBRA loophole?
If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.
How does insurance work when you quit?
How long does health insurance last after quitting a job? If you have job-based insurance, your coverage usually ends on your last day of work or at the end of that month. The exact date depends on your employee health plan. Sometimes, you will have extended coverage if you leave as a retiree.
Am I eligible for a COBRA if I quit?
Whether you quit, get fired or are laid off, you may be able to choose your former employer's health plan under a federal law called COBRA. That stands for Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act. It's available if: You were enrolled in an employer-sponsored medical, dental or vision plan.