Kerbelo

Storage · Card 03

Storing a vehicle for the winter or longer

A car that is parked for months still needs a conversation with your insurer.

The short version

  1. Some policies can reduce coverage for stored vehicles, and some states require continuous coverage.
  2. Do not cancel entirely without asking, since gaps can be a problem.
  3. Keep the car safe from weather and theft.

Why ask

A car that is not driven has different risks than one that is on the road. Insurers sometimes offer a lower level of coverage for storage.

Registration rules

Some states require liability insurance whenever a vehicle is registered, even in storage. Your state motor vehicle agency can tell you the rule.

A checklist

  • Ask your insurer what coverage is available for storage.
  • Tell them where the vehicle will be kept.
  • Plan when to return the full policy before you drive again.

At the other end

Before driving a stored car again, restore the policy to full coverage and check registration, tires, battery and brakes.

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