Do I need to insure a car if I don't drive it?
Asked by: Dr. Kattie Welch | Last update: July 11, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (14 votes)
Do I need insurance on my car if I don't drive it?
If you are not driving your vehicle — because it's broken down, in storage or for another reason — you do not need insurance. However, you should inform your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before canceling your policy.
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 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...
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.
Does My Car Need Insurance If I’m Not Driving It?
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.
What happens if someone borrows my car and gets in an accident?
Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law
This law holds a vehicle's owner responsible for collisions caused by the driver of the vehicle – even if the driver is not the owner. Liability is determined by identifying the actual owner of the vehicle.
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 drop car insurance anytime?
Yes, you can kick your car insurance to the curb whenever your heart pleases. However, if you're switching companies, the best time to cancel is after you've found new insurance coverage.
How long can I freeze 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
What happens if you don t have insurance on your car and don t drive it Florida?
In Florida, you can't go without insurance if you own a car with a valid license plate and registration, even if you don't plan to drive it. Your license could be suspended if you fail to maintain the required insurance on your vehicle, so it's crucial to have coverage at all times.
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.
Is there a penalty for cancelling 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.
Is it hard to get car insurance after being dropped?
Many of the major insurance companies will accept customers whose previous insurer didn't renew their policy. Just be prepared for a higher rate than you were paying before. If your car insurance company dropped you, it's still possible to get some form of insurance even after a severe infraction like a DUI.
Do I need to cancel my car insurance when I switch?
Car owners may switch providers if they're moving, buying a new car, or want to pay less for their policy. When switching car insurance, cancel your old policy on the day your new policy starts to avoid a coverage gap.
Do I need car insurance for a car that doesn't run?
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 get car insurance if I don't drive?
It's possible to get car insurance with no license, and if someone other than you will be driving your vehicle, it's necessary. But some companies may be wary of insuring customers without a license, while some states require you to list at least one licensed driver on the policy.
What happens if I haven't had car insurance?
License suspension or fine: In some situations, the department of motor vehicles in your state will be notified that you are without insurance. They can then suspend your license or fine you. You may also be required to carry an SR-22 for several years, which is an added expense on your next auto policy.
Can my son drive my car if he doesn't live with me?
If your son doesn't live with you but needs to borrow your car, he can do so with your permission. It is known as permissive use, which means that when someone who doesn't live with you gets permission to borrow your car, they are also “borrowing” your auto insurance coverage.
Can my wife drive my car if she's 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.
Should I let my son borrow my car?
One of the primary concerns when lending your car to family members, especially those not listed on your insurance policy, is the potential risk it poses. Insurance companies may refuse to cover the damages if the person driving the car is not a named insured.