Can you pause auto insurance while traveling
Can you pause car insurance while traveling? Most car insurance companies do not allow you to pause your car insurance. Instead, you can simply cancel your auto insurance policy while you’re away.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 9, 2024
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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 9, 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 insurance industry 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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If you’re traveling for a month or longer, then you may be wondering: can you pause car insurance while traveling to save money? After all, you won’t be driving your vehicle while you’re away – so why would you keep paying for car insurance?
Today, we’re explaining everything you need to know about pausing car insurance while traveling.
Can you pause car insurance while traveling?
Most car insurance companies do not allow you to pause your car insurance. You cannot simply pause it the day you leave and un-pause it the day you return.
If you don’t want to pay for your car insurance while you’re away on a long vacation, then you do have another option: you can simply cancel auto insurance policy by all means.
However, canceling your car insurance can be a hassle. It can mean a mess of paperwork. It can mean paying higher prices when you buy car insurance again (due to your lapse in coverage).
Canceling your car insurance also leaves your car unprotected while you’re away. If you have full coverage or comprehensive coverage car insurance, then your car insurance policy protects against theft, vandalism, storm damage, and other issues.
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Downsides to Temporarily Canceling your Car Insurance Policy
You cannot pause your car insurance while traveling. However, you can cancel your policy and renew your policy when you return from vacation. This may be in your best interest if you’re taking a long trip abroad – say, a 6-month or 12-month: trip. However, there are some downsides to temporarily canceling your car insurance policy, including:
Your vehicle will be left without coverage while you’re away. It will not be protected against storm damage, vandalism, theft, and other incidents.
If your car is financed or leased, then you are not typically allowed to remove insurance coverage from the vehicle. Insurance coverage is required as part of the financing or leasing agreement.
Most states require you to have at least basic liability insurance on your vehicle if that vehicle is registered. If you cancel your insurance, then your vehicle registration may become invalid.
Read more: can i use out-of-state auto insurance
If you take your car insurance off your vehicle and your registration becomes invalid, then you will need to return your registration and plates to your state’s DMV. Failure to do so could lead to fines or suspension of your license.
If you cancel your car insurance and renew it six months from now, then you might be forced to pay higher car insurance prices when you renew your policy. Car insurance companies do not like to see lapses in coverage, and you may face higher rates than you did before you canceled your policy.
Some States Allow You to Cancel your Car Insurance Without Losing Registration
One of the downsides of canceling your car insurance is that you will lose registration with your local state DMV.
In some states, however, you can temporarily cancel your car insurance policy and suspend your registration without penalty. Typically, this is only done over a long period of planned non-operation of that vehicle, like a six-month period during which you plan to repair your vehicle.
Read more: If my car registration expires is my auto insurance still valid?
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Most Car Insurance Companies Will Raise Rates After a Lapse in Coverage
Car insurance companies don’t want to encourage customers to cancel or “pause” car insurance coverage. That’s why they often punish customers who cancel their coverage.
If you temporarily cancel your coverage and try to renew your car insurance when you return from vacation, then you will likely face higher insurance premiums.
If you’re paying $100 per month for car insurance before you leave on vacation, for example, and you cancel your car insurance for 6 to 12 months, then your car insurance company might increase premiums to $125 per month when you return.
There are even stories of some car insurance companies treating you like a new driver after a long lapse in coverage. If you let your car insurance coverage lapse for 1 or 2 years, for example, then you might pay significantly higher premiums when you renew your policy – at least for the first few months until the car insurance company establishes some insurance history.
Read more: What happens if I let my auto insurance policy lapse?
Contact your Car Insurance Company and Ask for a Low Mileage Discount
There’s one final thing to note about car insurance and long vacations: some car insurance companies may drop rates slightly if you are not driving your car for a period of several months.
Contact your car insurance company and explain that nobody will be driving your car for several months. This could significantly reduce your annual mileage, helping you get a discount on car insurance.
Conclusion: Can you pause car insurance while traveling?
Whether you’re going on vacation for four days or four months, you cannot typically “pause” your car insurance while you’re away.
You are always free to cancel your car insurance. However, this is generally not recommended. It leaves your vehicle without coverage while you’re away. And, when you return from vacation, you may face higher car insurance prices due to your lapse in coverage.
Ultimately, most people will want to maintain car insurance throughout the length of their vacation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause my car insurance while traveling?
Most car insurance companies do not allow you to pause your car insurance. Instead, you can consider canceling your auto insurance policy while you’re away.
What are the downsides of temporarily canceling my car insurance policy?
Temporary cancelation of your car insurance policy can leave your vehicle without coverage, making it vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and other incidents. If your vehicle is financed or leased, removing insurance coverage may not be allowed. Additionally, canceling your insurance may invalidate your vehicle registration, leading to potential fines or license suspension. Moreover, when you renew your policy after cancelation, you may face higher premiums due to the lapse in coverage.
Are there any states that allow the temporary cancellation of car insurance without losing registration?
Some states may allow you to temporarily cancel your car insurance policy and suspend your registration without penalty, but this is typically only permitted for long periods of planned non-operation or vehicle repair. It’s important to check the specific regulations in your state.
Will my car insurance rates increase after a lapse in coverage?
Most car insurance companies tend to increase rates for customers who have experienced a lapse in coverage. If you temporarily cancel your car insurance and later renew it, you may face higher premiums compared to what you were paying before cancelation. In some cases, car insurance companies may even treat you as a new driver and charge significantly higher premiums.
Is it possible to get a discount on car insurance for low mileage during extended vacations?
Some car insurance companies may offer a slight reduction in rates if you inform them that your car won’t be driven for several months due to an extended vacation. Contact your car insurance company to discuss this possibility and see if they can provide a low mileage discount.
Can I pause my car insurance while on vacation?
No, most car insurance companies do not allow you to pause your car insurance. You may consider reducing coverage or canceling the policy, but this can lead to higher premiums and potential coverage lapses.
Can you pause ICBC insurance?
Yes, ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) allows you to temporarily suspend your insurance for a specified period, but conditions apply. Contact ICBC for specific details.
Can I cancel my car insurance at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your car insurance at any time. However, be aware of potential fees, coverage lapses, and higher premiums when reinstating the policy.
Can I cancel car insurance if not driving?
Yes, you can cancel your car insurance if you are not driving. However, if your car is financed or leased, or if it is registered, you may still need to maintain minimum coverage.
Can I pause Geico’s car insurance?
No, Geico does not typically allow you to pause car insurance. You may reduce coverage or cancel the policy, but this could lead to higher premiums upon reinstatement.
Can I pause my car insurance with Allstate?
No, Allstate does not typically allow you to pause car insurance. You can reduce coverage or cancel the policy, but this could affect your premiums.
Can I pause my car insurance with Progressive?
No, Progressive does not typically allow you to pause car insurance. Consider reducing coverage or canceling the policy with the understanding of potential premium increases later.
Can I pause my car insurance with State Farm?
No, State Farm does not generally allow you to pause car insurance. You can reduce coverage or cancel the policy, but this may lead to higher rates when reinstating.
Can I pause my car registration?
Some states allow you to temporarily suspend your car registration if you are not using the vehicle. Check with your local DMV for specific regulations.
Can I stop paying car insurance?
You cannot stop paying car insurance without canceling the policy. Stopping payments without cancellation can result in policy lapse and potential penalties.
Can you cancel Geico insurance before 6 months?
Yes, you can cancel Geico at any time, including before the 6-month policy term ends. Be aware of potential fees and coverage gaps.
Can you pause a driving suspension?
No, a driving suspension cannot typically be paused. The suspension period is continuous and must be served as specified by the relevant authority.
Do you need to insure a car you don’t drive?
If your car is registered and you live in a state that requires insurance, you need to maintain at least the minimum liability coverage, even if you don’t drive the car.
Does auto insurance cover transmission failure?
No, standard auto insurance does not cover mechanical failures like transmission issues. These are typically covered under a car warranty or separate mechanical breakdown insurance.
Does car insurance cover you out of the country?
Standard car insurance policies may not cover you outside your country. You may need to purchase separate international car insurance for coverage abroad.
Does car insurance go down after 6 months?
Car insurance premiums can decrease after 6 months if you maintain a good driving record, but this is not guaranteed. Factors like age, driving history, and insurance provider policies play a role.
Does Progressive cover rental cars?
Yes, Progressive offers rental car coverage as an optional add-on to your policy. Check with Progressive for specific terms and conditions.
How do I cancel my Geico car insurance online?
You can cancel your Geico car insurance online by logging into your account on the Geico website or mobile app, or by contacting customer service.
How do I cancel my State Farm car insurance?
You can cancel your State Farm car insurance by contacting your agent directly or calling State Farm customer service.
How long can I freeze my car insurance?
Most insurance companies do not allow you to freeze car insurance. Some may offer reduced coverage options or allow temporary cancellation. Check with your insurer for specific policies.
How to cancel Progressive auto insurance?
You can cancel Progressive auto insurance by calling their customer service or contacting your agent. Be prepared to provide policy details and reason for cancellation.
What happens if I cancel my car insurance?
If you cancel your car insurance, your vehicle will be uninsured, which can lead to legal issues, fines, and higher premiums in the future. Make sure to arrange alternate coverage if necessary.
What happens if I stop paying car insurance?
If you stop paying your car insurance, your policy will lapse, leading to no coverage, potential fines, license suspension, and higher premiums when you seek new coverage.
What happens if your car insurance lapses with Geico?
If your Geico car insurance lapses, you will be uninsured, risking legal penalties and higher premiums when reinstating coverage. Contact Geico to discuss reinstatement options.
What is covered by State Farm’s comprehensive coverage?
Comprehensive coverage with State Farm covers non-collision-related incidents such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and falling objects. It is an optional add-on to your policy.
When should I drop full coverage?
Consider dropping full coverage if your car is old, has low market value, or you can afford to repair or replace it out of pocket. Always evaluate your risk tolerance and financial situation.
Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
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.