Auto Insurance Companies That Will Let You Store a Car

You shouldn’t pause auto insurance just because your vehicle is in storage. The top auto insurance companies that will let you store a car include USAA and Geico.

Below, learn how to properly insure your stored vehicle and discover tips for what to do if you buy auto insurance from companies that don’t let you store a car at a reduced rate.

After reading about auto insurance rates from companies that will let you store a car, remember to enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool above to receive quotes from the best providers near you.

What are the top auto insurance companies that will let you store a car?

Drivers may choose to store vehicles if they’re traveling for a prolonged period, are in the military, or are in college.

Also, car hobbyists often own cars that are not always driveable and remain in a personal garage.

So you’re probably wondering, “Do I have to insure my car if I am not driving it?” Ultimately, you should not cancel your auto insurance policy while your vehicle is in storage.

Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable auto insurance companies that will let you store a car.

How much is storage insurance on a car? Prices vary by ZIP code and provider, but you can earn up to an 80% rate reduction through some companies.

The top auto insurance company that will let you store a car is USAA auto insurance company. However, it is only available to military personnel and their families.

But for those who do qualify, USAA offers a garaging and storing discount that reduces rates by up to 80%.

Geico auto insurance company is another strong option, even though the company doesn’t offer a garaging discount.

Instead, Geico offers a rate reduction for emergency deployment. Plus, there are stackable claim-free and low-mileage discounts that are easy to earn from Geico when your vehicle is stored. (For more information, read our “How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance for Low-Mileage Drivers“).

Another auto insurance company that will let you store a car is Allstate auto insurance company.

The provider helps you secure parked car coverage in states where it’s legal to waive liability insurance on vehicles parked longer than 30 days.

Similarly, State Farm auto insurance company also assists customers with securing appropriate levels of parked car coverage.

Your auto insurance rates depend on various factors, including your age, driving record, ZIP code, and coverage requirements.

So if you end up using affordable auto insurance companies that don’t let you store a car and you need new coverage, don’t hesitate to shop around.

Do I need auto insurance for a car that’s in storage?

If you have a car you do not drive, don’t cancel your auto policy. Instead, buy auto insurance from companies that will let you store a car at a reduced price.

Why shouldn’t you cancel coverage for a stored vehicle? Insurance companies evaluate your insurance history when calculating your rates.

If there’s a coverage gap in your past, you’re considered high risk and end up with higher insurance costs.

This is also known as a coverage lapse. Even a coverage lapse of just one day can cause your rates to increase. But the most significant rate hike happens after 30 days without auto insurance.

Plus, if your car is damaged while parked, you must pay for all damages out of pocket without coverage. So if a tree falls on your garage or if the vehicle is stolen, you’re left unprotected.

If you finance or lease your car, your dealership may not allow you to cancel your coverage as a condition of your auto loan, as it makes you a liability risk.

Ultimately, auto insurance is legally required in almost every state.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the penalties for driving without insurance include fines of up to $5,000 and possible jail time.

So if your car is ever driven on a public road in any capacity, it must be covered by your state’s minimum insurance limits.

If you keep getting auto insurance rates from companies that don’t let you store a car, consider working with local agencies or specialty companies familiar with your unique situation.

How does car storage auto insurance work?

Speak with your insurance representative to set up car storage auto insurance if your provider offers it.

Usually, you must have another daily-use car insured through the same provider.

You may be able to purchase just comprehensive or parked-car auto insurance if you don’t drive for over 30 days.

Comprehensive coverage protects your car from weather damage, flooding, auto theft, and vandalism.

You also need to secure an approved storage location for your car. But how do you choose a facility for car storage?

First, pick the type of facility you’re interested in:

• Outdoor – This is the most common and affordable type of storage. Usually the facilities are gated, but your car is exposed to the elements.
• Covered – Covered facilities work like outdoor storage spaces, but usually a canopy covers the lot, providing some protection from the elements.
• Indoor – This is the most expensive but the safest option for your car, and some indoor facilities are climate-controlled.

Before choosing a facility, read reviews online and ask your friends and family for recommendations.

Finally, consider the level of protection you want along with your overall budget.

Be aware of car registration laws where you live to avoid fines for removing liability coverage on your stored vehicle.

What happens to insurance when someone hits your parked car? Technically, you’d file a claim through the at-fault driver’s property damage liability insurance.

However, a stored car may not be protected in hit-and-run scenarios.

If you keep getting auto insurance quotes from companies that don’t let you store a car at a cheaper rate, consider looking for local agencies specializing in parked-car auto insurance.

How do you prep your vehicle for car storage?

You should take steps to protect the interior and exterior of your vehicle before storing it.

For example, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank and ensure your fluids are topped off or replaced.

Pull any spark plugs and oil your cylinders to prevent rusting. You should also clean your car inside and out.

If the vehicle is outdoors, cover it with a weatherproof tarp. For indoor storage, use a lighter cloth cover.

Some experts recommend using a battery tender, but at the very least, disconnect the negative cable.

Also, ensure your parking brake is disabled to prevent it from fusing with the rotors.

Finally, add extra pressure to your tires to avoid deflation or remove the tires altogether and put your car on blocks.

Cover any openings, like your tail pipe, to prevent animals from moving in.

Auto Insurance Companies That Will Let You Store a Car: The Bottom Line

If you own a vehicle that’s in storage but use an auto insurance company that doesn’t let you store a car at a reduced rate, consider requesting quotes from places like Geico or USAA to save money.

In many cases, you can remove liability and collision coverage on cars stored longer than 30 days and just maintain parked-car or comprehensive coverage.

You’ve learned about auto insurance quotes from companies that will let you store a car, now enter your ZIP code into our free tool below to compare rates from the best providers in your area.