Should You Pause Your Car Insurance When You Head Back North?

Snowbird season is winding down, so you may be packing up, saying goodbye to warm breezes, and pointing one of your cars back home. But before you go, there is one question worth asking: What should you do about the car you are leaving behind?

Many snowbirds choose to keep a second vehicle at their vacation home year-round. It makes life easier, with no hauling everything back and forth. But if that car is just sitting in a garage or driveway for six or more months, paying for full coverage the whole time can feel like a waste of money. Here is the good news: you have options.

What You Can Drop

When a vehicle is not being driven, you generally do not need liability or collision coverage. Liability protects others when you cause an accident, and collision covers damage from, well, collisions. No driving means no accidents, so removing those coverages while the car sits idle is a smart way to lower your premium.

What You Should Keep

This is the part that really matters. Comprehensive coverage is the one you absolutely want to hold onto. Comprehensive protects your parked vehicle from things that have nothing to do with driving, including theft, vandalism, hail damage, flooding, falling tree branches, and even curious wildlife. According to the Insurance Information Institute, comprehensive claims are among the most common filed, and a parked car is not immune to any of them. Dropping this coverage to save a few dollars could cost you far more if something unexpected happens while you are a thousand miles away.

A Few Things to Know First

Before making any changes, call your insurance agent rather than just canceling outright. Some lenders require continuous comprehensive coverage if you have a loan or lease on the vehicle. Your agent can walk you through the right approach and make sure you are not accidentally creating a gap that causes problems down the road.

Heading home should feel like a victory lap, not a financial headache. If you would like help reviewing your auto coverage before you make the drive, contact our office today.