Do you need insurance on the car if you don’t drive it?

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Asked April 27, 2011

1 Answer


If you own a car but you don't drive it, whether you need insurance for it depends on your state's laws and your particular situation. In some states, you may be required to carry insurance on any vehicle that is registered in your name, regardless of whether you drive it. In other states, insurance requirements may be based on whether the vehicle is being operated on public roads. So, if you live in a state that requires insurance for all registered vehicles, you will need insurance for your car even if you don't drive it. However, if you live in a state that doesn't require insurance for unoperated vehicles, you may not need to carry insurance on a car that you don't drive. In this case, you can choose to keep the car in storage, which means that you can cancel your insurance policy but keep the car registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states also offer a non-operational vehicle registration option that allows you to keep your car registered without insurance if it is not being used on public roads. However, even if you don't drive your car, there are still risks that it could be damaged or stolen. If you are storing your car, you may want to consider getting comprehensive coverage, which covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism, and weather damage. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your car is protected even when it's not being driven. Additionally, if you have a loan or lease on your car, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry insurance on the vehicle even if you're not driving it. This is because they have a financial interest in the car and want to ensure that it's protected from damage or loss. In summary, whether you need insurance on a car that you don't drive depends on your state's laws, your personal situation, and any requirements from your lender or leasing company. It's always a good idea to check with your state's DMV and your insurance provider to understand the requirements and options for insuring a car that is not being driven.

Answered April 27, 2011 by Anonymous

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