If you’re planning to store your vehicle for a few months or even a year, you might wonder whether you still need car insurance for a car in storage. After all, if your car isn’t being driven, why pay for full coverage? The truth is, while it might seem like a good idea to cancel your insurance, that move can actually backfire. Understanding how car insurance for stored cars works can save you money, protect your vehicle, and help you avoid coverage gaps that could raise your future premiums.
What Is Car Insurance for Car in Storage?
Car insurance for car in storage refers to special coverage designed for vehicles that aren’t being driven for an extended period. This type of insurance protects your car against non-driving risks such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters — all of which can happen even when your car is parked safely in a garage.
Most insurance companies offer a “storage” or “comprehensive-only” option, which means you can temporarily remove liability and collision coverage while keeping comprehensive protection. This approach lowers your monthly premium while still guarding your car against damage or loss.
So, instead of canceling your entire policy, switching to storage insurance keeps you protected and helps maintain your insurance history.
Why You Shouldn’t Cancel Your Car Insurance While in Storage
It’s tempting to think about canceling your car insurance completely when you’re not driving. But doing so can lead to more harm than good. Here’s why:
- Coverage Gaps Hurt Your Record: Insurance companies look at continuous coverage as a sign of reliability. Canceling your policy can create a coverage gap that makes you appear high-risk, leading to higher rates later.
- Unforeseen Damages Still Happen: Even in storage, your car faces potential risks — like theft, falling objects, floods, or rodents chewing on wires. Comprehensive coverage can help pay for those damages.
- Registration or Lease Requirements: In many states, maintaining at least minimal insurance is required to keep your registration active. If your car is financed or leased, your lender will also likely require continuous coverage.
Keeping car insurance for car in storage is a smarter long-term move than canceling it altogether.
How to Switch to Storage Car Insurance Coverage
If you’re storing your car for a while, transitioning to storage coverage is simple. You can contact your insurance company and ask to adjust your current policy to comprehensive-only coverage. This option removes the parts of your policy that cover driving-related risks — such as liability, medical payments, and collision — while leaving protection against non-driving damage intact.
For example, if your car gets stolen, vandalized, or damaged by a storm, comprehensive insurance will help pay for repairs or replacement. However, if you decide to drive the car again before restoring full coverage, you’ll need to call your insurer to reinstate your full policy first — driving without liability insurance is illegal in most states.
How Much Does Car Insurance for Car in Storage Cost?
The cost of car insurance for a car in storage depends on several factors, including your location, vehicle type, and overall coverage limits. Since storage insurance typically includes only comprehensive coverage, it’s usually much cheaper than a full policy.
On average, you can expect to pay between $8 and $25 per month for comprehensive-only coverage. That’s a big drop compared to the $100 or more you might pay for full insurance on a regularly driven car.
If your car is stored in a secure garage or private property, you may also qualify for additional discounts. Some insurers even offer “lay-up” or “storage” policies specifically for seasonal vehicles such as classic cars, RVs, or motorcycles.
Best Types of Coverage for Cars in Storage
When your car is in storage, not every coverage type is necessary. Here’s what you should consider keeping:
- Comprehensive Coverage: This is essential. It covers theft, vandalism, falling objects, hail, floods, and fire — all common risks for stored cars.
- Optional Coverage for High-Value Vehicles: If you’re storing a luxury or classic car, adding agreed-value coverage can protect your investment based on its appraised worth.
- Roadside Assistance (Optional): If your car sits for a long time, the battery may die or tires could deflate. Roadside assistance can help if you need a tow when you take it out of storage.
You can safely pause or remove liability and collision coverage, as those apply only when the vehicle is being driven.
Where to Store Your Car to Protect It and Lower Insurance Costs
The location where you store your car plays a huge role in determining your risk and insurance rate. Ideally, you should keep your car in a locked, climate-controlled garage to protect it from extreme weather, theft, or animals.
If you don’t have access to a garage, consider a covered storage facility with security cameras. Insurance companies often offer lower rates for cars stored in secure locations because the chance of damage or theft is much lower.
Make sure to disconnect the battery, fill the gas tank, and inflate the tires properly before storage. These small maintenance steps can prevent long-term damage and ensure your car is ready to go when you take it out again.
Reactivating Your Car Insurance After Storage
When you’re ready to start driving your car again, contact your insurance provider to restore your full coverage before hitting the road. Never assume your old coverage automatically comes back when you move the car — driving with only comprehensive coverage is illegal because it doesn’t include liability protection.
Once reinstated, you’ll be back to standard coverage that protects you on the road. Your rates shouldn’t change much if you’ve maintained continuous coverage during storage.
Can You Put Car Insurance on Hold Instead?
Some insurers let you put your policy on “hold” or suspend certain parts of your coverage while your vehicle is in storage. This option is similar to switching to comprehensive-only insurance, but it depends on your state laws and the insurance company’s policy.
If available, this can help save money without technically canceling your coverage. Always confirm with your insurance company whether suspension or lay-up options apply to your situation.
Final Thoughts: Protecting a Car in Storage with the Right Insurance
Car insurance for car in storage is a smart move if you’re planning to park your vehicle for an extended period. Rather than canceling your policy completely, switching to comprehensive-only coverage protects your car from theft, fire, and other unexpected damage — all while saving you money.
Even though your car isn’t on the road, life can still happen. A stored vehicle can face risks just like a driven one. Keeping at least basic protection ensures peace of mind and prevents costly surprises later. Before you park your car for the season, talk to your insurer about your storage options and get a policy that fits your needs and budget.