Do you have to keep car insurance if you don't have a car?
Asked by: Zora Heidenreich | Last update: March 11, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (7 votes)
Do I need car insurance if I don't have a car?
You're not legally required to have auto insurance if you don't have a car. But you may want nonowner insurance coverage if you: Regularly rent vehicles. Regularly borrow cars from others.
Should I cancel my car insurance if I don't have a car?
Not having a car doesn't mean you don't need car insurance. If you still plan on getting behind the wheel, a non-owner policy will protect you on the road. And by avoiding a lapse in coverage, your rate will improve if you own a car again in the future.
Do I need car insurance to drive my parents' car?
You will be required to have your own auto insurance if you are not covered under your parent's policy, while living under the same roof to legally drive with coverage. Paying a fortune for my two college age kids to be on my auto policy.
Is it legal to not have car insurance in the US?
Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state. State minimums and coverage types vary, but nearly all states that mandate insurance require liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury. The sole exception is Florida, which only requires liability coverage for property damage, in addition to PIP coverage.
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance - Questions To Answer
What state requires no car insurance?
New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you choose not to purchase car insurance in these states, you would still be held liable for any property damage or bodily injury caused by their 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.
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.
When should you take your child off your car insurance?
Many parents generally opt to retain teens on the family's automobile insurance policy until they graduate from college, assuming they find employment and live away from home. At this point they should be paying for their own housing, food and credit card bills, building up a positive credit rating.
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 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.
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.
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 someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Progressive?
While there are exceptions, car insurance generally follows the car and not the driver. Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle.
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.
What happens if I don't add my child to my auto insurance?
One of the biggest risks of not adding your teenager to your car insurance is what happens if they get into an accident. Even if it's a minor fender bender with no injuries or property damage, it can open up a can of worms with your insurer.
Should I put my adult child on my car insurance?
Do my parents have to put me on their car insurance? Only if you live with them. Insurers typically require all licensed drivers who live at the same address to be listed on a policy, especially if they frequently borrow each other's cars.
When can you no longer be on your parents' car insurance?
But how long can you stay on your parent's policy? Unlike health insurance, which can have an age limit of 26, you can stay on your parent's car insurance policy indefinitely if you live in the same house. Now, if you move out, you'll probably need your own.
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.
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.
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.
When should you cancel car insurance?
However, if you're switching companies, the best time to cancel is after you've found new insurance coverage. Ideally, you'd schedule your old policy to stop coverage on the same day your coverage at the new company starts. That way, you avoid any lapses in coverage.
Can you get your car back if you don't have insurance?
No, if your car gets impounded, you must present the necessary documentation, including your driver's license, the vehicle's vehicle identification number, and proof of auto insurance, to get it released. If you don't have proof of insurance, you'll need to buy a policy before you can get your car back.
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.