Legally, you don't need insurance coverage for a car that isn't driven and stored. However, if the vehicle is stolen, vandalized, or damaged in an accident or weather-related event, you'll be responsible for the resulting expenses if you don't have insurance. The short answer is yes, you'll most likely need car insurance for a car that doesn't work. That said, there are a few shades of gray.
In short, you'll need car insurance for any vehicle you intend to drive and insure in the future, even if it doesn't work now. You may need to file an affidavit of non-use because your car would no longer have enough insurance for anyone to drive it legally. Generally, you must take out comprehensive coverage along with collision coverage, but your insurer can make an exception and allow you to maintain a policy that only covers all the risk, also known as “car storage insurance”, if you are going to keep your car for the long term. Paying insurance for a broken car can still be expensive and may not be the best decision for your current budget.
If your car no longer works and you don't care if you ever get back on the road, you won't need to keep it insured. Pay-per-mile car insurance is probably one of the most affordable options if you have a car that doesn't work and you need insurance. In many cases, you'll be required to maintain an auto insurance policy for a car, even if it's in storage. As with a suspension, your state may require you to file an affidavit of non-use to officially remove the car from the road and cancel the insurance required by the state.
Insurance companies are often willing to offer liability coverage, insurance that covers any damage you cause with your car. This information may be different from what you see when you visit the website of an insurance provider, insurance agency, or insurance company. Keep looking for information on whether you need insurance for a car that doesn't work, or enter your zip code above to get free quotes from the major auto insurance companies in your area. If your insurance ends, you must turn in your license plates even if your car or truck will be parked off public roads or stored in a warehouse.
Canceling insurance coverage for a damaged car can cause your license plate to be invalidated, making it difficult to obtain auto insurance for any car in the future. The easiest way to avoid a gap in your insurance coverage is to maintain an auto insurance policy. Your last resort to avoid a gap in car insurance coverage is to cancel your vehicle's license plate. If you no longer have a car, but are in the process of buying or are looking for your first car, you may need to know how to get car insurance without a car.
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