Can I Pause the Insurance on My Vehicle During the Winter?
As the colder months approach, many vehicle owners—whether they own an RV, motorcycle, or classic car—start considering how to store their vehicles for the winter. But beyond just prepping your vehicle for hibernation, one question that might come to mind is: “Can I pause my auto insurance while my vehicle is in storage?”
The short answer is *yes*, but there are specific ways to adjust your coverage that still protect your vehicle without paying for unnecessary insurance. Let’s dive into how you can safely store your vehicle and make the best adjustments to your auto insurance policy for the winter months.
1. Prepping Your Vehicle for Long-Term Storage
Before you even think about adjusting your insurance, it’s essential to properly prepare your vehicle for months of inactivity. Winter can take a toll on vehicles, especially if they aren’t adequately protected.
Start by giving your vehicle a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Any dirt, grime, or moisture left on the surface can lead to rust or corrosion over time. Don’t forget to change the oil, top off all fluids, and fill up the gas tank to prevent condensation. Using a fuel stabilizer can also help keep your fuel fresh and your engine in good shape.
Example: Owners of classic cars often store their vehicles in garages for months. Without these preventive measures, they risk costly repairs from long-term neglect.
2. How to Adjust Your Auto Insurance for a Stored Vehicle
Many people wonder if they can pause their auto insurance while their vehicle sits unused during the winter. While fully pausing your insurance may not be an option, there are adjustments you can make to save money. If you’re not driving the vehicle, you can suspend liability and collision coverages but keep comprehensive coverage in place.
Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-driving-related risks. Risks like theft, fire, or weather damage—things that can still happen while it’s in storage. By suspending liability and collision coverage, you can significantly reduce your premiums while still protecting your vehicle from unexpected events.
Example: Motorcycle owners who store their bikes in sheds or garages for the winter often opt to keep only comprehensive coverage active. This way, they’re covered in case of a winter storm or even theft, but they aren’t paying for liability or collision coverage when they aren’t riding.
3. When It’s Smart to Keep Your Normal Coverage
While adjusting your policy may seem like the most cost-effective solution, there are situations where keeping your policy’s regular coverage in place might be the smarter move. For example, if you’re financing your vehicle, your lender might require full coverage year-round, even if you aren’t driving it. Additionally, if your storage area is prone to risks like flooding or heavy snowfall, maintaining full coverage can provide peace of mind, knowing that any damage will be taken care of.
Example: RV owners who park their vehicles in driveways or storage facilities in high-risk areas often keep full coverage to ensure they’re fully protected from both collision and environmental risks.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Auto Policy This Winter
Winter storage is the perfect time to review your auto insurance and ensure you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need. By adjusting your policy to suspend liability and collision coverages while keeping comprehensive coverage, you can save money and still protect your investment.
Ready to make those adjustments? Contact Hertvik Insurance Group today to learn more about how you can fine-tune your policy for the winter months. Our team is here to help you find the right coverage to protect your vehicle while saving you money.