Can I park my car on the road with no insurance?
While you can’t park an uninsured car on a public road, you only need minimum insurance to avoid penalties.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 11, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 11, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Can I park my car on the road with no insurance? Most drivers know they need insurance before they can drive, but what if you plan on leaving a vehicle parked on the street? Can you park an uninsured car on a public road?
Insurance requirements vary by state, but you probably need coverage. If you keep a car parked on the road without insurance, you’ll face fines, tickets, and a car tow.
A parked car with no insurance is also exposed to other risks. Read on to learn — can you park an uninsured car on the street? Then, compare insurance quotes to find cheap coverage that works for your storage needs.
- State laws require insurance before you drive, register a car, or park on a public road
- You could be cited or towed if your car is parked without insurance
- You can park a car on your driveway without insurance in most states
What Happens if You Park a Car on the Road With No Insurance
Do I need insurance to leave my car parked on the street? Unless you live in Virginia or New Hampshire, you’ll need car insurance before you can legally drive or register your car. You must meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements if you want to park a car on a public road.
This is what happens if you keep a car with no insurance parked on the road:
- Can your car get towed for no insurance? Yes, an uninsured vehicle can be towed depending on where it is parked and the laws in your state.
- Can your car be impounded for no insurance? Yes, if you’re pulled over and driving without insurance, the officer can have your vehicle impounded.
- Can a car be clamped for no insurance? Yes, some states may put a boot on your vehicle and require you to show proof of insurance in court before removing it.
Driving an uninsured vehicle can result in expensive fines alongside license and registration suspension. You’ll also probably need SR-22 insurance if you’re caught driving without proper coverage.
Your car will also likely get towed in most states, especially if you leave your vehicle for an extended time. For instance, can your car get towed for no insurance in Florida? Florida law leaves it up to the officer’s discretion. If they decide to tow it, you’ll have to pay a fee and show proof of insurance before getting it back. Read more about Florida auto insurance.
Keeping your uninsured vehicle parked on the road can get you into serious trouble. The penalties for parking a car with no insurance on a public road can be steep, including expensive parking citations, towing fees, and increased auto insurance rates.
A vehicle with no insurance parked on the road also faces other risks, including vandalism and hit-and-runs. If your car was hit while parked on the street, and you have no insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket for any repairs.
How to Report an Uninsured Car
Can you park a car on the street without insurance? Review local laws and regulations regarding uninsured and abandoned vehicles. This information can typically be found on your city or municipality’s website or by contacting local law enforcement.
Follow these steps if there is an uninsured car parked outside your house that doesn’t belong to you:
- Document the situation. Take photos of the vehicle, including its license plate and any visible damage, and note the exact location and time when you noticed the uninsured vehicle parked and how long it has been there.
- Call local non-emergency. Contact law enforcement and provide the dispatcher with detailed information about the vehicle’s make, model, color, and location. Inform them that you suspect the vehicle is uninsured and request assistance.
- Follow instructions from law enforcement. Law enforcement may instruct you to fill out a formal complaint online or provide additional information.
- Follow up with authorities. Request a number to call back and monitor the progress of the situation.
The local police may also redirect you to other outlets, such as your city’s code enforcement department or local government office. You may need to contact the fire department or other authorities if the vehicle poses a safety hazard.
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State Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
Can I drive a car without insurance? No, minimum car insurance is the least amount of coverage you can buy to drive legally. Most states require at least a small amount of insurance, while others have much heavier requirements.
Check below to see the minimum car insurance requirements by state.
Although the law only requires minimum insurance, purchasing more coverage is usually a good idea. If it fits your budget, full coverage insurance can save you a lot of money if anything happens to your car.
Can I park my car without insurance? No, and drivers who want to keep a driver’s license or motor vehicle registration must continuously have a minimum amount of financial security.
Minimum Auto Insurance Rates by State
Can you keep a car parked without insurance? Minimum insurance is the cheapest option if you want to keep your car covered, even if you plan on leaving it parked. However, you should still compare prices to find the cheapest rates.
Insurance companies look at various factors to determine your rates. These factors include age, location, and driving history. Companies use different formulas to form rates, meaning some companies will be cheaper for you than others.
To get an idea of how much minimum insurance will cost you, check the average rates by company below.
As you can see, Geico auto insurance is the cheapest option, with State Farm auto insurance and Progressive auto insurance trailing behind. However, you might find other companies have cheaper rates for your specific situation.
Owning a Car Without Auto Insurance
Do you need insurance for a parked car? Every registered vehicle needs auto insurance, but there are instances when you can own a car without insurance.
Can I leave my car uninsured if I don’t drive it? Yes, you can own a car without insurance if you don’t drive it or park on public roads. Times when you might own a car without insurance include:
- Car Enthusiasts: Individuals who own project vehicles keep them uninsured if they aren’t driven.
- Inherited Vehicles: Inheriting a vehicle without immediately transferring insurance coverage is common.
Owning a vehicle without insurance is risky and could lead to legal consequences and financial liabilities. Whether you’ve inherited an old car, are between insurance policies, or simply haven’t prioritized getting coverage, it’s crucial to assess the situation promptly.
Can an uninsured car be parked on private property? If you own the property, storing it in a garage or enclosed space can minimize visibility and reduce the likelihood of damage. However, while some states may allow uninsured vehicles on private property under certain conditions, others have stricter regulations.
You might be able to keep an uninsured car parked on your driveway, but operating or even just possessing an uninsured vehicle may result in fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, or legal action in case of accidents. Regularly check state regulations and insurance requirements to find out if it is illegal to have an uninsured car on your driveway.
Who Needs Auto Insurance
Can I keep my car parked without insurance? Drivers in most states must buy enough coverage to meet the minimum insurance requirements. States with minimum coverage laws require liability insurance, while some include personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage.
For more information, read our articles to find out what liability insurance is, if you need personal injury protection, and how to find the best uninsured motorist protection companies.
Your lender will probably require full coverage if you have a car loan or lease. Full coverage refers to a suite of insurance products, including liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and either personal injury protection or medical payments insurance.
While you must meet your state’s minimum requirements before driving, you should consider full coverage even if you don’t have a loan or lease. For example, full coverage helps out if you own a relatively new car or can’t afford to replace it.
Can you park your car outside your house without insurance? Yes, as long as you aren’t parking it on public property. Drivers who plan to leave their car parked on their property — like their garage or driveway — don’t need insurance. However, most companies offer special discounts or policies for cars that sit in storage for lengthy periods.
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Where to Park an Uninsured Car
If your car has no insurance, can you park it on the road? Or can you have an uninsured car in your driveway? Parking an uninsured car to avoid parking tickets, vandalism, and insurance issues requires careful consideration of various factors.
Where can you park your car without insurance? Here are some suggestions:
- Private Property: If possible, park the uninsured car on private property such as your driveway, garage, or backyard. This minimizes the risk of parking tickets and reduces visibility to potential vandals.
- Enclosed Storage: Consider renting a storage unit or covered parking space where the uninsured car can be safely stored away from public view. This provides added protection against vandalism and weather damage.
- Off-Street Parking: Look for designated off-street parking areas such as private lots or garages where you can park the uninsured car without violating parking regulations. Be sure to obtain permission from the property owner if necessary.
- Remote Locations: When parking on public streets, choose less frequented or remote locations away from busy areas. This reduces the likelihood of attracting unwanted attention from vandals and minimizes the risk of parking tickets.
Can you leave a car uninsured if you don’t drive it? Be mindful of local parking regulations and laws regarding when an uninsured vehicle can be parked on the road. While parking on private property may offer some degree of protection, ensure that you are not violating any zoning ordinances or homeowners’ association rules.
By parking an uninsured car in secure and legal locations, you can mitigate the risk of parking tickets, vandalism, and insurance issues while keeping the vehicle safe and protected.
Find Affordable Auto Insurance to Park Anywhere
If you’re wondering how to get away with no insurance, don’t. It may be tempting, but there’s no real way to get away with keeping a car without insurance parked on the road. Most states require car insurance before driving or parking on a public street.
Can I leave my car without insurance? You risk towing, fines, and a ticket if you leave your car on a public street without insurance.
Can I keep an uninsured car in my garage? Yes. However, you don’t need much insurance to park your car on the street — your state’s minimum requirements will suffice.
Finding affordable insurance so you can park anywhere you’d like doesn’t have to be a challenge. Enter your ZIP code to compare rates with as many companies as possible to find the best price. Ask about a storage discount if you plan on leaving your car parked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a car without insurance?
You can keep a car uninsured if you don’t plan on driving it or parking on a public street. However, you should consider buying a cheap policy if you plan to drive the car. Insurance companies look at gaps in your insurance history and charge more if you haven’t had continuous coverage.
Can you have a car parked without insurance?
No, you will need to at least meet state minimum insurance requirements. You’ll face fines and could be towed if you have an uninsured car parked on a road.
Is it illegal to park an uninsured car on the street?
It’s generally not legal to park your car on the road without insurance. Most jurisdictions require vehicles to have a minimum level of insurance coverage in order to be operated or parked on public roads.
Can you keep an uninsured car on private property?
In most states you can keep an uninsured, unregistered vehicle on private property as long as no one drives it. However, if you register the vehicle in your state, you’ll likely need some insurance coverage.
Why is it important to have insurance even when my car is parked?
A parked car without insurance is dangerous because accidents and unforeseen events can still occur while the vehicle is stationary. Insurance can provide financial protection in case your car is damaged, vandalized, or stolen while parked on the road.
What are the potential consequences of parking an uninsured car on the road?
The consequences of parking your car on the road without insurance can vary depending on local laws and regulations. In many jurisdictions, you may face penalties, fines, or even have your car impounded. Additionally, if your uninsured car causes damage to other vehicles, property, or people, you could be personally liable for the costs and face legal consequences.
Can I rely on my homeowner’s insurance or another type of insurance to cover my parked car?
Homeowner’s insurance typically provides coverage for personal belongings and property within your home, but it may not extend to your car while it’s parked on the road. It’s essential to have proper auto insurance coverage specifically designed for vehicles to ensure you are adequately protected.
Are there any exceptions or situations where a car parked without insurance is allowed?
While you can keep an uninsured car in your driveway or garage, there are typically no exceptions that allow you to park your car on the road without insurance. Even if your car is not being driven, it is still subject to state insurance requirements.
How long can a car be uninsured?
Any vehicle driven on public roads must be insured at all times. Drivers who move or are buying a new car have some time to update their policies, usually 7-30 days depending on the state.
What steps should I take to ensure my parked car is adequately insured?
To ensure your parked car is adequately insured, you should contact an insurance provider and discuss your specific needs. They will be able to guide you through the process of obtaining the appropriate insurance coverage for your parked vehicle.
Can I leave my car uninsured for a week or more if I won’t be driving my car for an extended period?
Some insurance providers offer options to suspend coverage temporarily if you won’t be driving your car for an extended period. However, it’s essential to consult with your insurance company to understand the terms and conditions, as well as any potential consequences or limitations of suspending coverage.
What are the benefits of having insurance coverage for my parked car?
Parking insurance provides various benefits, including protection against theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events. It can also help cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it gets damaged while parked on the road.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.