Do I need to insure a car that isn't being driven?

Asked by: Prof. Gregoria Lesch Sr.  |  Last update: August 16, 2025
Score: 5/5 (50 votes)

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.

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

If the car is titled to you, technically if something happens with it they may go after you and sue. Legally though, if it is not registered /driven on a public road insurance is not needed. If you have a large property, and buy a small SUV to drive around on it, technically insurance is not needed.

Do I have to keep insurance on a 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.

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.

What is parked car insurance?

Parked car insurance is comprehensive-only insurance coverage designed to protect your car against damage while parked or in storage. Written byAly J. Yale. Aly J.

Gephardt: Do You Still Need To Insure A Car If You’re Not Driving It?

18 related questions found

Can you pause car insurance if not driving?

You may be able to pause your auto insurance if you're not going to drive your car for a certain period of time. However, you may be unable to temporarily give up all of your coverage, depending on your state's laws, your insurer's rules and your auto lender's requirements.

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.

Does my insurance cover if I borrow a car?

Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it's covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner's permission.

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.

What happens if you don't run your car?

If you leave your batteries without starting your car for even two weeks, it can lose charge and even stop working altogether. The same goes for your car's oil. Old, unused oil can be harmful to your car, so if it hasn't been used for some time, you should make sure to have the oil replaced.

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.

Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?

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 cancel insurance on a car that doesn't run?

Before you can cancel your insurance, check what your state's department of motor vehicles requires for cars in storage. To cancel your insurance, cancel your vehicle registration first to avoid creating a gap in car insurance coverage. You may need to fill out an affidavit of non-use with your state.

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.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Progressive?

If you give someone outside your household permission to drive and borrow your car (also referred to as "permissive use") and they aren't rated on your policy, any accident they're involved in may be covered by your insurer, depending on your state and insurer.

Do I need insurance on a financed car?

If the car is damaged or totaled, the financial institution needs to know that its investment is protected. Therefore, banks typically require comprehensive and collision coverage on financed vehicles. Drivers of leased vehicles are also normally required to carry higher levels of liability coverage.

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.

What happens if your kid isn't on your car insurance?

If your child gets into an accident and isn't listed on your policy, your insurance company may not cover the damages, and there could be other consequences, like policy cancellation. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate.

When should you add someone to your car insurance?

When to Add a Driver to Your Auto Insurance Policy
  1. A new spouse.
  2. A partner who moves in.
  3. Teenage children who obtain their driver's licenses.
  4. College-aged children who drive your vehicle when they return home for the holidays.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Geico?

Some states require the car owner's insurance to cover any accidental damage, so if they're not insured or don't have the right coverage, as the driver you may end up being liable.

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.

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 Texas?

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.