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

Asked by: Mallory Jenkins  |  Last update: July 13, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (36 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.

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.

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 do I remove insurance from a 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.

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...

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19 related questions found

Should I cancel insurance on a car I don't drive?

Cancelling or reducing your insurance if you're putting your car in storage for a long period might save you money now. However, before you decide to suspend car insurance temporarily, remember that some coverages — like comprehensive coverage — can protect your vehicle even when it's off the road.

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

Some insurers, including Progressive, allow you to keep comprehensive coverage while dropping collision car insurance coverage. However, if you have a car loan or lease, your lienholder will likely require you to keep your comprehensive and collision coverages at all times, even when the vehicle isn't being driven.

Does it cost to take a car off 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.

Does canceling car insurance hurt credit?

Does Canceling Car Insurance Affect Your Credit? As long as you don't have any unpaid premiums that could be sent to collections, canceling your auto insurance policy won't have any impact on your credit score.

Am I responsible for a car after I sell it?

The important thing to know that in California, as is the case in most states, sales between individuals (that is, non-dealers) are presumed to be “as is.” This means that both parties understand that the car is being sold despite its faults and the seller is not liable for any further repairs and they are relieved ...

Is there a penalty for canceling car insurance?

Depending on the auto insurance company, canceling your policy before the end of its term may result in a cancellation fee. State laws can determine if a fee is allowable. If so, it is up to the insurer to set that fee, which is often taken out of the prorated refund.

Can I remove insurance from a financed car?

Lenders want the vehicles they finance to be protected in the event of an accident or theft. Failure to keep that protection—whether because you don't pay your premiums or because you cancel the policy—is a breach of contract with the lender.

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 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.

Will insurance cover an unregistered car?

Typically, yes, but coverage depends on various factors, including state regulations and the specifics of your policy. Knowing your state's registration and insurance laws is crucial, as they impact whether you can insure unregistered vehicles.

Do you get charged to cancel car insurance?

Car insurance policies tend to last 12 months as standard. So, if you're looking to cancel before your policy ends, it may require you to pay a cancellation fee. Your policy terms and conditions should state if you'll be charged for leaving your policy early, and what these costs will be.

Does car insurance go up with bad credit?

On average, drivers with poor credit pay 113 percent more for full coverage car insurance than those with excellent credit. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit or limit the use of credit as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates.

What increases credit score?

Ways to improve your credit score

Paying your loans on time. Not getting too close to your credit limit. Having a long credit history. Making sure your credit report doesn't have errors.

Is it better to cancel car insurance or let it lapse?

A lapse in coverage may cause insurance companies to see you as a high-risk driver, even if you have a good driving record. It can also potentially impact your future car insurance premiums. It's best to keep continuous coverage to get the best insurance rate and make sure that you're protected in a car accident.

What happens if you take off full coverage on a financed car?

Lender Requirements: Many lenders mandate full coverage to protect their financial interest in the vehicle. If you fail to maintain the required coverage, the lender may impose force-placed insurance, which is often more expensive and offers minimal coverage.

Is it better to pay out of pocket or use car insurance?

If you can afford to pay out of pocket for the damages, it can be cheaper in the long run than having your insurance rates impacted for the next five years. However, the person you hit might not want you to pay out of pocket and would prefer to handle it through the insurance company.

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.

Can I drive my wife's car if I'm not on her insurance?

If you're not on the owner's policy, applicable coverage will again depend on consent. Assuming the driver gave you consent to operate the vehicle or, at the very least, there is reasonable belief that you had permission to drive it, then you're probably covered.

Can I borrow my car to a friend?

So the answer to whether your friend can drive your car, is yes, but there may be some insurance implications to watch out for. While your friend can drive your car and be covered by your insurance, this only applies when you give permission and lend your car.