What is parked car insurance?| Insurance.com

Q: Can I file a claim with insurance for a parked car?

You can file an insurance claim for a parked car, provided you have an active policy that covers the cause of the damage. For instance, if there is a storm and the car is damaged by hail while parked on private property, you can file a claim.

What is parked car insurance?

Parked car insurance, also known as storage coverage, is a way to insure a vehicle that will be parked for an extended period of time. Rather than provide full coverage, these plans are comprehensive-only coverage policies. They cover things like:

Theft
Fire
Flooding and hail damage
Glass breakage
Damage caused by an animal

In other words, your car will only be covered for things that could conceivably happen while your car is parked. You won't have liability coverage or collision coverageCollision coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of your car if it's damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault and is subject to a deductible., which protect against damage that occurs while driving.

The biggest benefit of switching to storage coverage is that your premiums could be much lower, especially if you currently have full coverage. With parked-car insurance, you drop liability and collision coverage.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you have parked car insurance, your car should be parked in a location away from traffic – preferably in your own private garage. If you plan to park on a public road, you generally must have liability insurance, which parked car insurance usually does not include.

How much does parked car insurance cost?

The average cost of comprehensive insurance is $262 a year, which is about $22 a month. How much you pay will depend on:

The make and model
Where you live (weather and crime)
The storage location (indoors or out)

This coverage has a deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim. associated with it; the amount of the deductible will affect the amount you pay for coverage. The average rate listed is for a $500 deductible; a higher deductible will result in a lower cost.

Is insurance required when your car is parked?

Yes, you need insurance on a parked vehicle in most cases. State laws vary, but most states require insurance on all registered vehicles.

While some states allow you to drop liability coverage, others may not, or may require you to turn in your plates.

There are risks associated with being uninsured:

Your car could be stolen or damaged in a weather or other event
A lapse in insurance can result in higher rates later
You could face fines or penalties if your state law doesn't allow comprehensive-only insurance
You could be ticketed if you even pull an uninsured car into the street

Tip: It's best to keep your car insured at all times, and to clearly understand the insurance laws in your state before making changes.

What type of coverage do you need for a parked car

Parked car insurance usually means carrying only comprehensive coverageComprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. It is subject to a deductible.. Here's what you'll be covered for and what you won't be if you choose this type of policy.

Coverage	What it covers	Included in a parked car policy?
Liability	Injuries and damage to others when you are at fault	No
Collision	Damage to your own vehicle resulting from a collision	No
Comprehensive	Damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like weather or theft	Yes
Uninsured/underinsured motorist	Injuries or damage to you/your car in a collision with an uninsured/underinsured driver	No

Note: This type of policy does not meet state minimum insurance requirements, nor does it meet lease or finance agreement requirements.

How to get parked car insurance

Parked car insurance isn't something you can typically find easily by visiting your insurance provider's website. Instead, you will probably have to call the insurer and ask about storage coverage. You may need to have your car parked for 30 days before you can switch to parked car insurance, although this isn't always the case.

Here are some general parked-car insurance guidelines:

Ensure you don't have a loan or lease. If you are currently leasing, or your car is not paid off, you probably won't be able to switch to parked car insurance.
Check your state's laws. Find out what your state's laws are regarding comprehensive-only coverage and parked car insurance.
You may need to cancel your registration. In most states, you must have liability coverage if your car is registered. You may need to turn in your plates.
Contact your insurance company. When you are ready to make the switch, contact your insurer. You may not be able to switch your coverage online.

What happens if someone hits your parked car?

If someone hits your parked car, you may be covered by their insurance. Here are a few scenarios and their insurance implacations

Another driver goes off the road and hits your legally parked car on private property. The other driver's liability insurance should cover the damage.
Your car is hit while parked on the road. The other driver's insurance is responsible, but you may still face fines if your insurance doesn't meet the state's minimum requirements to be on public roads.
Your car is hit by a driver who leaves the scene. If your car is damaged in a hit-and-run, you will have no coverage for the damage unless the driver is found.

What should I do if someone hit my parked car and left a note?

If someone hit your parked car and left a note, follow these steps:

Read the note. Get the contact information and any details about the accident from the note.
Document the damage. Take photos of the damage to your car and the note.
Contact the person. Reach out to the person who left the note to discuss the incident and get their insurance information.
Notify your insurance. Inform your insurance company about the accident and provide them with the details from the note and photos.
File a police report. Depending on the damage, you might need to file a police report, especially if your insurance company requires it.

These steps will help you handle the situation properly and get your car repaired. Note that if you do not carry collision coverage and the driver is not found, you will have to pay to repair your car.

FAQ: Insurance for a car in storage

Can I file a claim with insurance for a parked car?

You can file an insurance claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. for a parked car, provided you have an active policy that covers the cause of the damage. For instance, if there is a storm and the car is damaged by hail while parked on private property, you can file a claim.

Do you have to insure a car that is not being driven?

In general, yes. Every state except New Hampshire requires at least liability insurance. One way around this is to cancel your vehicle's registration while it is not in use. However, this leaves you vulnerable to any damages that occur while you are away.

Can I cancel storage coverage for my parked vehicle?

Yes, you can cancel the insurance, but you may face penalties, including fines or revocation of your registration. If you have a loan or lease, your lender may force-place an insurance policy to protect its interests, which will be charged to you. Additionally, if you cancel your insurance, you will experience a lapse that could result in higher costs in the future.

Can you park your car on the road without insurance?

No, you cannot park your car on the road without insurance. In most states, it's illegal to have a vehicle on a public road without at least the minimum required liability insurance. If your car is uninsured, you should keep it off the road and in a private driveway or garage.

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