How to Temporarily Pause Car Insurance

Temporarily pausing car insurance means adjusting your coverage when your vehicle is not actively being driven, often described as placing it in “storage” status. People consider this option to lower premiums when a car is in storage, during extended travel, or for military deployment.

Understanding Car Insurance Pausing Options

When considering a temporary reduction in car insurance, the primary method involves adjusting your policy to what is often termed “storage insurance” or “comprehensive-only” coverage. This means removing liability and collision coverages, which are typically required for driving, while retaining comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-driving related incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, falling objects, and damage from animals. A vehicle with only comprehensive coverage is not legal to drive on public roads.

This option is suitable for vehicles that will be off the road for an extended period, typically 30 days or more. Insurers may not offer this option for all policies or in all states, and eligibility can vary. Before contacting your insurer, gather key information such as the exact dates the vehicle will be undriven, its secure storage location, and your policy details. It is not possible to reduce coverage this way if the vehicle has an outstanding loan or lease, as lenders typically require full coverage to protect their investment.

Steps to Temporarily Suspend Coverage

To initiate a temporary suspension or reduction of your car insurance, contact your insurance provider directly. You can do this via phone, online portal, or mobile application. Be prepared to provide the reason for the adjustment and the precise start and end dates the vehicle will not be driven. You will also need to confirm the vehicle’s storage location during this time.

During this conversation, inquire about any specific requirements or forms, such as an affidavit of non-use, which some states may require you to file with their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when a vehicle is taken off the road. Confirm with your insurer that your policy will maintain continuous coverage, even at a reduced level, to avoid a lapse in insurance history. A lapse could lead to higher premiums when you reinstate full coverage. Always request and retain written confirmation of the coverage change, detailing the new coverage levels and the effective dates of the adjustment.

Reactivating Your Policy

When you are ready to resume driving your vehicle, you must reactivate your full car insurance coverage before the car is used. Contact your insurance provider well in advance of the planned driving date to ensure there is no gap in essential coverage. You will need to provide the date you intend to start driving the vehicle again and an updated odometer reading. The insurer will then guide you through the process of reinstating your liability and collision coverages.

Confirm with your insurer that full coverage has been reinstated and is active before driving the vehicle. Driving without the legally required liability coverage can result in fines, penalties, and license suspension. If your policy was fully canceled or lapsed during the “pause” period, you may need to pay any missed premiums or reinstatement fees to restore coverage. Ensure you receive and review updated policy documents, such as a declarations page, confirming your reinstated coverage levels.