Can you pause car insurance if not driving?

Asked by: Evan Block  |  Last update: March 22, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (32 votes)

You can't typically pause your entire policy — just liability and collision coverages if you won't drive your vehicle. And depending on state law, you may need to file an affidavit of non-use with your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) if you put your auto insurance on hold.

Can you pause a car insurance policy?

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 you remove a car from insurance if you don't drive it?

If you have the vehicle registered it needs insurance. If you want to turn in the registration/plates, then you can cancel it, but you won't be able to drive it.

Do I have to keep insurance on a car I don't drive?

Generally as long as it isn't being driven it doesn't need to be insured, but the specifics will depend on the state.

Can an insurance policy be put on hold?

Most insurance companies will usually not let you put your insurance coverage on hold, but they may have other options available. If you don't plan on driving for at least 30 days, you may be able to find other ways to reduce your costs.

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

17 related questions found

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.

How to insure a car that won't be driven?

Technically, there's no dedicated insurance for a car in storage. The closest thing to vehicle storage insurance is comprehensive car insurance coverage, as it protects your vehicle against the types of damage it could suffer while parked on your property.

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.

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.

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.

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

If the driver has a history of insurance claims and accidents removing them from your policy may reduce your rate. On the other hand, your rate could go up if the driver has no history of claims, accidents, or traffic violations.

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.

What does it mean to suspend insurance?

First, the good news: Some insurance companies offer the option to pause or suspend your coverage temporarily. Suspending your car insurance means you won't pay premiums during that time while maintaining your relationship with your insurer.

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 I remove my son from my car insurance when he goes to college Progressive?

It depends on the reason you are moving out and if you will be back. If you're headed to college, most insurers will allow you to stay on your parents' policy as a listed driver. If you also have one of your parents' vehicles at school, both you and the vehicle may be allowed to remain on their policy.

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.

Does GEICO let you pause car insurance?

Answer: When you need to put your car in storage and it won't be driven for an extended period, you may think about suspending your car insurance to save money. However, with companies like GEICO, suspending your insurance isn't an option, unless you're deployed on military service.

Does Progressive charge a cancellation fee?

Is there a fee for cancelling Progressive? This varies by state and when you purchased the policy. In some states, Progressive will charge a $50 cancelation fee if you cancel within your first term; meaning your policy has not yet renewed. Once the policy has renewed there will no longer be a cancellation fee.

Is it bad to pause car insurance?

Pros of Pausing Your Car Insurance

Canceling your coverage could make you a riskier driver in the eyes of an insurer and might lead to higher insurance premiums. Cutting costs: Pausing your policy may save money if you aren't planning to drive for a while.

Can you just stop paying for car insurance?

What happens if you stop paying your premiums without canceling your car insurance policy? If you want to discontinue your coverage, it is best to contact your insurer or your agent. If you stop paying your premiums but do not cancel your policy, your carrier will eventually cancel your policy for nonpayment.

Do you need insurance if you have a license but no car?

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 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.

What is car storage insurance called?

Car storage insurance is sometimes referred to as parked-car insurance. However, most insurance companies call it “comprehensive-only coverage,” according to Insurify. If you won't be driving your vehicle for a while, you may think of reducing your auto insurance costs.

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.