Are you one of those people who own a car but rarely use it? Perhaps you’re living in an urban area where public transportation is readily available or prefer to walk or bike instead. It’s understandable that you might be questioning whether or not you need car insurance for a vehicle that sits idle most of the time.
However, before canceling your policy, there are some important factors to consider. In this blog post, we’ll explore the question “Do I Need Car Insurance If My Car Is Not Used?” and provide valuable insights into why having coverage may still be essential even if your car isn’t hitting the road frequently.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?
There are a few things to consider when determining if you need car insurance. The first is whether or not your car is actually used. Cars that are not regularly driven, like collector’s items or for storage, are generally not covered by insurance. If your car isn’t being used, you may be able to get by without car insurance. However, if you plan on using your car for transportation, adding coverage is a good idea.
The second thing to consider is how much you drive. If you only drive occasionally and don’t use your car for transportation, it might not be worth it to add insurance. However, if you routinely drive and use your car for transportation, it might be worth spending a little more money on coverage.
Finally, make sure to compare rates before choosing an insurance company. There are many different companies out there and each one offers different rates based on factors like location and driving record. By comparing rates online or with a broker before buying coverage, you can find the best deal for you.
Do I Need Collision or Comprehensive Coverage?
If you do not use your car for transportation, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your car insurance policy. However, it is important to understand the implications of having no car insurance and whether or not comprehensive coverage is still necessary.
Typically, if a vehicle is unoccupied and not in use, the owner is assumed to have abandoned the vehicle. This means that unless there is some sort of agreement between the owner and insurer (which might not be common), the owner is considered at-fault in a crash involving their unoccupied vehicle and may face financial penalties.
Comprehensive coverage addresses this risk by providing financial protection in the event of a crash regardless of who was at fault. If you decide to go without car insurance, make sure you understand your liability rights and comprehensive coverage needs before making a decision.
What If I Drive a Rare or antique Vehicle?
If you own a rare or antique vehicle, you may be exempt from car insurance requirements. However, unless your car is specifically exempted, you should still carry liability insurance in case it is involved in an accident. In addition, make sure to have your vehicle inspected and registered with the state DMV if it is not currently registered.
Conclusion
Although it’s always a good idea to have car insurance if your car is used, there may be situations in which you don’t need to purchase the policy. For example, if your vehicle is parked in your garage or driveway and you aren’t using it, you likely don’t need car insurance. You can check with your insurer to see if this situation qualifies as “privately owned and operated property.” If so, you may not need full coverage since the damage would likely occur while you’re not utilizing the vehicle.
