Some cars stay parked for long stretches. Maybe it’s a second car, a seasonal one, or a vehicle you’re not using for now. In these cases, you can update your insurance to reflect that.
So, what is car storage insurance? It’s a change to your current policy. You remove driving-related coverage like liability and collision, and you keep comprehensive coverage. That covers fire, theft, weather, animals, and vandalism. Driving the car while it’s on this type of policy isn’t allowed. Some insurers also require it to remain off the road for at least 30 days.
Keeping your vehicle in a car storage facility works well with a comprehensive-only policy, especially when the unit offers strong security. Just make sure your insurer knows where the vehicle is kept, as location can affect coverage and cost.
Storage insurance for your car: When it makes sense
This option works well when the car stays unused for a while. That includes:
- Long trips
- Military deployments
- Classic car restoration
- Seasonal vehicles
- Inherited cars not yet in use
If you don’t plan to drive the car for at least a month, reduced coverage might help you save.
If you think you’ll need to drive it occasionally, full coverage makes more sense. In most states, even one trip without proper insurance can bring legal issues.
What the law says about vehicle storage insurance
Laws vary by state, but every state (save for New Hampshire) require every registered car to carry at least minimum liability insurance, even if it’s not driven. In places like Pennsylvania, you may need to turn in your license plates to drop coverage legally.
For leased or financed vehicles, the rules are clear. Lenders usually require full coverage. Dropping any part of it could break your contract. They may then buy their own coverage for the vehicle and pass that cost to you.
Always check with your state’s DMV and your lender before changing your policy.
How to save money on storage insurance for your car
Storage insurance lowers your costs by removing coverage you don’t need. Most drivers who switch report savings between $300 and $500 per year. Of course, savings can vary substantially by state, insurer, and prior premium.
Your rate depends on several things:
- Vehicle value
- Location and storage setup
- Your claims history
- Any added security, such as cameras or alarms
Cars stored in private, locked garages tend to qualify for lower rates. So do drivers with clean records and continuous coverage.
Alternatives to car storage insurance
Not every insurer offers car storage insurance. If yours doesn’t, you still have a few other options:
Suspending your car insurance policy
Very rare, but some insurers do let you pause coverage. You stop paying, and the vehicle has no protection. It works only in low-risk storage and for short periods.
Most insurers won’t let you pause a policy entirely, except for specific circumstances (deployment, etc.), and in some states it’s illegal unless you surrender plates.
In some states, you’ll need proof that the vehicle is de-registered and not on public roads.
Getting minimum legal coverage
This option keeps your policy active and avoids a lapse. It usually won’t cover damage while the car sits, but it can satisfy legal requirements. Still, that leaves your car unprotected from most non-driving risks.
Canceling your car’s storage insurance
Only consider this if the vehicle holds little value, has no loan, and stays off public roads. You’ll likely end up having to pay more when you buy insurance again.
Also, without insurance, you cover all damage costs yourself. That includes things like break-ins, fire, or falling trees. Parked cars face real risks, especially if they’re stored in shared or unsecured places.
A coverage gap also raises red flags with insurers. Many charge more when you return later. For financed cars, cancellation rarely works at all. Lenders expect full protection at all times.
How to get insurance for a car in self storage
Putting your car in a self storage unit can be a smart move, especially if space at home is limited or you’re keeping the vehicle off the road for a while. But your insurance still plays an important role. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Ask your insurance company about their car storage policy
Before you move the car into storage, contact your insurer. Let them know:
- The car won’t be driven
- Where it will be stored
- How long you expect it to stay off the road
Ask if you can switch to comprehensive-only coverage. You won’t need liability or collision if the car won’t be used. But remember: you can’t drive it while this coverage is active.
What the storage facility might ask for
Self storage companies usually require a few things:
- Proof of ownership (title or registration)
- Proof of insurance (often comprehensive coverage)
- A signed lease or rental agreement for the unit
Some facilities only allow vehicles that are registered and insured. Always check their rules before signing.
What the storage facility covers (and doesn’t)
Before you buy storage unit insurance, know that most facilities:
- Do not insure your vehicle
- Only cover damage to the building itself
- May offer insurance for stored belongings, not vehicles
Even if the facility has cameras or security gates, that doesn’t replace your own auto insurance. Your insurer is the one who covers your car.
Insurance tips for self storage
- Indoor units with locked access often help lower insurance risk
- Gated properties or 24/7 surveillance may reduce your premium
- Let your insurer know if the unit has added protection like alarms or sprinklers
The safer the setup, the better your odds of saving money while keeping the car protected.
How much is storage insurance for a car?
The cost of car storage insurance (comprehensive-only coverage) varies significantly and does not have a fixed national average; instead, it depends on the vehicle, storage location, driver’s profile, and state regulations, with some insurers requiring additional liability coverage that increases the premium.
According to Bankrate, U.S. average minimum liability coverage (often necessary for stored vehicles) is $664 per year as of late 2024. Still, the true cost for just comprehensive-only coverage can be lower and should be confirmed directly with an insurance agent or company.
Car storage insurance: FAQ
Do I need insurance if I’m not using the car?
State laws vary. But if the car has value, keeping comprehensive coverage protects you from loss.
What if the car can’t run?
It can still be stolen or damaged. If you’d want help replacing it, insurance makes sense.
Can I drive with only comprehensive coverage?
No. You’d need to restore liability and collision before taking the car on the road.
What if I’m still paying off the car?
Lenders require full coverage. You’ll need both collision and comprehensive until the loan is paid.
Will canceling hurt my rates later?
Yes. Many insurers increase premiums after any gap in coverage.
Is this the same as classic car insurance?
Not quite. Classic car insurance is built for antique or collectible cars and usually comes with special rules. These policies often include agreed value coverage and may require secure storage, like a locked garage.
Do I have to store the car in a facility?
No. You can usually keep the car at home. Now, where you store it can affect your rate and eligibility (think private garage versus a unit in a self storage facility). Security features like alarms or cameras may also help lower the rate.
Conclusion
If your car isn’t on the road, full coverage might not make sense. You can still protect it while saving money. Talk to your insurer to make sure the setup fits your needs, your location, and any loan or lease terms.
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