Putting your car in storage might feel like hitting “pause” on everything, including your insurance. After all, if your vehicle isn’t moving, why keep paying to protect it, right? Not quite.

As someone who’s been in the auto insurance industry for over 25 years, I’ve seen too many drivers assume a stored car is safe enough without coverage—only to face problems down the line. In this article, I’ll break down why keeping some level of protection on a stored vehicle is often a smart, practical move, and what your options really are.

Even Parked Cars Face Real Risks

The first thing to understand is that your car doesn’t have to be on the road to get damaged or cause problems. Just because you’ve parked it doesn’t mean the risks disappear.

Here’s what could still go wrong:

• Fire in a garage or nearby property

• Flooding or water damage during storms

• Falling objects (trees, hail, roof collapse)

• Theft or break-ins

• Rodent damage to wiring and interiors

• Vandalism

If your vehicle is uninsured during storage, any of these situations would leave you footing the entire repair or replacement bill.

What Happens If You Cancel Your Coverage?

Some folks choose to cancel their auto policy while the car’s off the road, thinking they’ll just restart it later. But that approach has consequences.

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

• A lapse in coverage can raise your future rates—even if the car wasn’t being used.

• State laws may require continuous coverage if your car is registered, even if it’s not being driven.

• Your registration or tags may be suspended or invalidated if you drop coverage but don’t also return plates or notify the DMV properly.

Plus, some leasing or finance contracts require continuous insurance until the car is paid off—even during storage.

What’s the Alternative? Storage-Only Coverage

The good news: There’s a middle ground between full coverage and nothing at all. Most providers offer something called comprehensive-only or storage coverage.

This option keeps your car protected against non-driving risks like:

• Theft

• Fire

• Natural disasters

• Vandalism

• Animal damage

And because it drops liability (since you’re not driving), the monthly rate is often much lower than full coverage.

To qualify, you usually need to:

• Store your vehicle in a secure location (garage, storage facility, etc.)

• Suspend your registration with the DMV (depending on your state)

• Avoid driving the car during the period it’s covered this way

When You Shouldn’t Cancel

There are a few situations where dropping coverage completely is especially risky:

If Your Car Is Parked on a Public Street

Even if it isn’t being used, most states still require an active policy for any registered vehicle parked on public property.

If You Lease or Finance Your Car

Lenders often require continuous coverage until the loan is paid off. Cancelling might violate your agreement and lead to forced insurance that’s far more expensive.

If You Want to Avoid a Coverage Gap

Even a short break in your insurance history can affect your status as a “continuous customer,” which many insurers use to determine your rates. Keeping even minimal coverage helps protect your long-term rating.

How to Store a Vehicle Properly with Coverage

If you plan to put your car away for a few months (or longer), here’s how to do it the right way:

1. Talk to Your Agent First

Let them know you’re planning long-term storage. They can walk you through switching to a comprehensive-only policy or help tailor coverage based on your location and vehicle value.

2. Secure the Vehicle

Keep it in a clean, dry place. A garage with controlled temperature is ideal. For outdoor storage, invest in a weatherproof cover.

3. File State Paperwork (If Required)

In some states, you’ll need to notify the DMV that your vehicle is in non-use status. This helps avoid penalties for dropping liability.

4. Remove the Plates (Optional)

In certain cases, turning in your license plates helps avoid future registration issues—especially if your state ties registration to insurance status.

5. Keep a Paper Trail

If your vehicle is damaged while stored, you’ll want photos, storage receipts, and a copy of your policy handy to make things smoother with your insurer.

Common Questions I Hear

“But my car is old and not worth much. Do I still need coverage?”

Even an older vehicle can suffer thousands in damage from something like fire or flood. If you still rely on it—or would miss the money—it’s worth protecting.

“I thought home insurance covers cars in the garage?”

It doesn’t. Home policies typically exclude vehicles, even when they’re stored on your property. You’ll need a separate auto policy.

“Can I just use the car occasionally if I leave storage coverage on?”

No. If you drive the vehicle—even once—without full liability, you’re putting yourself at major legal and financial risk. You’ll need to reactivate regular coverage before you hit the road again.

Final Thoughts

Long-term storage doesn’t mean zero risk—it just changes the kind of risks you’re facing. Fire, theft, flood, and vandalism don’t take a vacation just because your car is parked.

So before you cancel your coverage, take a moment to run the numbers and talk to your provider. In many cases, comprehensive-only or storage-specific protection gives you peace of mind without overpaying for coverage you don’t need.

In the long run, protecting your car—no matter where it’s sitting—can save you from real headaches down the line.