Can you have no insurance on a car you don't drive?

Asked by: Gwen O'Keefe  |  Last update: April 4, 2025
Score: 5/5 (62 votes)

Do I have to insure my car if I'm not driving it? No, you don't have to insure your car if it won't be driven at all, whether that's due to the car breaking down, your license being suspended, or a change in your driving needs.

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 it okay to let someone borrow your car?

Yes, lending the car to someone is legal, just make sure they have a valid license and is sober at the time when you give them possession of the car. There is no rule that says you have to be close when someone is using your car.

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.

Does an unused car need insurance?

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 if the Person Who Hit Me Has No Auto Insurance?

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What is self storage insurance?

Insurance for storage units can provide a safety net and peace of mind against unexpected loss or damage to your items. Even though natural disasters, theft and vandalism are rare, the cost of insurance is often a small price to pay for the protection and security it offers.

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

Keep the car insured.

The number one rule for cars you don't drive very often is to keep the car insured! It might seem like an easy way to save money, but it's illegal to drive at all in a vehicle without coverage.

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.

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.

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 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.

Can I give permission for someone to drive my car?

Most of the time, as long as you gave a driver permission to borrow your car, it's likely not a problem for them to drive your car, even if they're not on your car insurance policy.

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.

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 cancel my car insurance?

Generally, insurers will refund you the money for the unused portion of your policy, assuming you paid in advance. However, depending on your state, and when you cancel, your insurer may charge a cancellation fee.

Can you pause car insurance if not driving?

If you own a car, you need to be insured in some capacity. Unfortunately, there's no way around that. However, insurance companies are able to temporarily suspend your liability coverage if you won't be driving your vehicle. This saves you money because you won't be paying for coverage that you don't use.

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.

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

The other thing to keep in mind, is that liability insurance is required on all registered vehicles, even if the vehicle is not being driven. So, by canceling your coverage, you run of the risk of having the registration for that vehicle being suspended and you being fined.

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 my husband drive my car if he is not on my insurance?

Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.

How does self-storage work?

Self-storage is essentially an extension of your garage or shed; a clean, dry and secure space located in a storage facility used to store your belongings for as long as necessary. Most storage companies including U-Haul rent self-storage units on a month-to-month basis so you only pay for the time you need.

What is portable possessions insurance?

The items that you carry with you when you leave your home can be insured individually to cover you against accidental damage, loss and theft. Take out an Absa Insurance Company policy for your vehicle or household contents and you will automatically qualify.

Does Geico offer storage insurance?

GEICO is one of the best-known carriers offering this coverage as part of its Storage Protection Plan, which is geared towards military members set to serve overseas. However, to get this coverage, drivers must call to request it. Need car storage insurance? Get started now.