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

Asked by: Junius Boyle  |  Last update: January 18, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (11 votes)

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.

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 you take insurance off a car you don't drive?

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...

Do I need insurance if I 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.

Can I cancel my car insurance if I can't afford it?

Auto Insurance Cancellation

Before insurance is cancelled, there is sometimes a grace period in which you can still make a payment without coverage lapsing. That isn't always the case with auto insurance, and even if your insurer does have a grace period, it is often much shorter than other types of insurance.

Does My Car Need Insurance If I’m Not Driving It?

22 related questions found

Is there a penalty for canceling car insurance?

At the same time, you might also be subject to a cancellation fee. Many companies don't charge such penalties, but with those that do, you can expect to pay a flat fee of under $100 or around 10% to 15% of the remaining policy premium.

Can you remove insurance on a financed car?

While technically you can remove insurance on a financed car, you definitely shouldn't. Having no insurance on financed cars is dangerous, illegal in most states, and can open you up to all kinds of financial trouble. It may even result in you having your license suspended and your vehicle taken away.

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.

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.

Do I need insurance to drive my parents' car?

Most insurers cover someone else driving the policyholder's car with their permission once in a while. But, if you're going to start driving one of your parent's cars regularly, you'll need to be added or named on their auto insurance. You can't legally drive your parents' car without any insurance at all, either.

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

Temporary Or Permanent Non Use Vehicles

In Pennsylvania, you can file an affidavit to the Department of Transportation to avoid having to carry insurance during this time if you are not operating your car on public roads. It's crucial to keep in mind that during this period, the car cannot be driven at all.

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.

How to remove insurance from car?

Contact your insurer or agent to find the best way to cancel your policy. Some insurance companies permit you to cancel right over the phone or online. Other insurers may require written notification or a signed document.

Do I need to insure a car if I don't drive it?

Do you need insurance for a car in storage? 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.

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 reduce my car insurance if I drive less?

Driving a lower-than-average number of miles each year impacts car insurance rates by creating a potentially lower risk profile. The fewer miles you drive, the less likely you are to be involved in an accident.

Do I need to put my 15 year old on my car insurance?

In others, insurance coverage is required even for teen drivers who have a learner's permit. In California, teen drivers are automatically covered under their parent/guardian's insurance once they obtain a learner's permit, so no action is required until a teen gets a driver's license.

Should I add my adult child to my car insurance?

Insurance companies generally require that any person in the household be listed on your policy regardless of driving status. The reason is that the company wants to know who they will and will not cover as a driver if there is a claim involving your vehicle.

How much will my car insurance go up when I add my 16 year old?

Insure.com found that adding a teen driver increases car insurance rates by 70% to 150%.

Can you stop paying car insurance if 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.

What is the shortest time you can insure a car?

The periods of cover for Temporary Car Insurance can vary a lot - between 1 hour to 3 months. The most commonly purchased length of cover for Temporary Car Insurance is 1 Day, and it is a lot less common for customers to purchase longer temporary insurance terms such as 3 months.

What happens if I let my 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.

Can I cancel insurance on a car that doesn't run?

Vehicle repairs are expensive and, if your car is broken down, you may be wondering whether you can save money by canceling your insurance policy. 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.

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

If you are not operating your currently registered vehicle, and it is not parked on a California roadway, you may submit an Affidavit of Non-Use (ANU) (REG 5090) to DMV. After filing the ANU, the vehicle's insurance may be cancelled.

Will my car insurance go down if I remove a car?

Your actions, as a policyholder, can affect what you pay, too. For instance, if you add another car, or a teenaged driver to your policy, your costs will increase. Alternatively, your costs will decrease if you drop either a car or a driver from your policy.