Car insurance is a must when you're on the road, but what if your vehicle isn't? Whether you’re storing a classic car, have a vehicle you no longer drive, or your child is away at college without their car, maintaining full coverage on a dormant vehicle could be a costly mistake.

That’s where garage insurance (also known as storage coverage or parked car insurance) can save you a significant amount of money while still protecting your investment.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What garage insurance is (and what it’s not)
• When it makes sense to switch
• How much you can save
• How to set it up the right way
• Real-life scenarios where switching makes financial sense

Let’s dive in.

What Is Garage Insurance?

Garage insurance (also referred to as comprehensive-only coverage) is a type of policy designed for vehicles that are not being driven but still need protection against:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Natural disasters (flood, hail, fire)
• Animal damage
• Falling objects
• Garage fires or break-ins

What it doesn’t cover:

• Collision damage
• Liability (since the vehicle isn’t being operated)
• Injuries or damage resulting from the car being driven

This coverage is typically a fraction of the cost of full coverage or liability policies, because it removes risk factors tied to driving.

When to Consider Switching to Garage Insurance

You should consider switching to garage or comprehensive-only coverage if the vehicle will not be operated for 30 days or more and falls into one of these categories:

1. Stored Classic or Collector Cars

If you only drive your classic or collectible car on special occasions, there’s no need to pay full coverage year-round. Garage insurance protects your investment while it’s safely stored.

2. Child Away at School Without the Car

Many parents continue paying full premiums on vehicles their children aren’t using. If the car is parked at home and the child won’t drive it for an extended period, switching to storage coverage can save hundreds per year.

3. Military Deployment or Extended Travel

Deployed service members or anyone traveling abroad may leave a vehicle behind. If it won’t be used, garage insurance ensures it's still protected.

4. Seasonal Vehicles

Convertibles, sports cars, or recreational vehicles often stay garaged during the off-season. There’s no sense in insuring them as if they’re on the road.

5. Second Car That’s Rarely Driven

If you own a secondary vehicle used sparingly or not at all for now, it may make financial sense to reduce the coverage to garage-only status until it’s needed again.

How Much Can You Save?

Garage insurance is typically 60–80% cheaper than a standard liability or full coverage policy.

Let’s say you pay $1,500 annually for full coverage:

• If you switch to garage insurance for a non-driving car, your premium might drop to just $300–$600 per year.

That’s a savings of $75–$100+ per month per vehicle.

And the best part? You’re still covered for the most likely risks while the car is parked.

Key Requirements for Garage Insurance

To be eligible for garage or parked car insurance, most insurers require:

• The vehicle must not be driven at all (even short trips)
• It must be stored in a private garage, driveway, or secure location
• You may be asked to remove the vehicle’s license plate or suspend registration (depending on your state)

Some insurers won’t offer this option unless you already have another insured, drivable vehicle on the same policy.

How to Set It Up the Right Way

Step 1: Call your insurance provider
Ask about switching a vehicle to parked car insurance or comprehensive-only coverage. Not all carriers advertise it, but many offer it.

Step 2: Adjust coverage levels
Remove liability and collision. Keep comprehensive. Add any relevant extras like glass coverage if needed.

Step 3: Confirm documentation requirements
Some insurers will need a signed affidavit that the car will not be driven. Others may require you to suspend your registration temporarily.

Step 4: Check your state’s DMV rules
Some states impose fines for having an uninsured car even if it’s not being driven. Make sure your comprehensive-only policy meets their minimum standards.

Real-Life Scenarios That Save You Money

Scenario 1: Child Leaves for College

Emma’s daughter leaves for school out of state and doesn't take her car. Rather than paying $1,200/year for full coverage, Emma calls her insurer and switches to parked car coverage. Her rate drops to $400/year, saving $800.

Scenario 2: Military Deployment

James is deployed overseas for 9 months. He stores his truck in his parents’ garage and switches it to comprehensive-only insurance. He saves nearly $100/month while still being covered against theft and fire.

Scenario 3: Classic Convertible in Winter Storage

Susan stores her summer convertible from October to April. During those 6 months, she pays just $25/month instead of $130/month, saving $630/year.

What to Watch Out For

• Accident risk during test drives: If you drive the vehicle during the garage-only period and get into an accident, your insurer won’t cover it.
• Fines in some states: Some states require at least liability insurance for registered vehicles, even if not in use.
• Restrictions from lenders: If your car is financed, your lender may not allow you to remove collision or liability coverage.
• Need to update again before driving: Always call your insurer before taking the car out of storage so you’re covered on the road.

Final Thoughts

Garage insurance is one of the most underutilized tools in car insurance. For vehicles not in use, it’s an easy, legal way to significantly reduce your premiums without losing important protection against theft, fire, and more.

Whether you’re a parent with a child away at school, someone who owns a weekend car, or preparing for a long trip or deployment, switching to garage insurance can help you:

• Save money
• Stay legally protected
• Preserve your car’s value

When you’re ready to reactivate full coverage, a quick call to your insurance provider is all it takes.

Bonus Tip: Use a Comparison Tool Like autoinsuranceplans.com

If your current insurer doesn’t offer garage insurance or you want to find the best rate, use autoinsuranceplans.com. This platform allows you to compare rates from multiple carriers, including those that offer parked car and seasonal coverage.

You can:

• Compare premiums for full coverage vs. garage insurance
• Filter providers that specialize in non-operational vehicles
• Set reminders to reactivate your policy before driving again

Smart car ownership means only paying for what you use and garage insurance is how you keep protecting your investment without overspending.