If you only drive your car occasionally, you might be wondering whether you actually need to maintain auto insurance. Maybe you work from home, live in a city with great public transportation, or keep your vehicle parked most of the time. In that case, you’re not alone—many people are rethinking traditional car ownership habits and costs. But the big question remains: Do you need car insurance if you rarely drive?

In short, yes. Even if you rarely get behind the wheel, maintaining some level of car insurance is not only a legal requirement in most states but also a smart financial move. This article explores why occasional drivers still need coverage, the risks of going uninsured, and affordable options tailored for low-mileage drivers.

Why Car Insurance Is Still Required, Even for Infrequent Drivers

Most states in the U.S. require all registered vehicles to be insured, regardless of how often they’re driven. If your car is registered and street legal, it needs to meet the minimum state liability coverage. Failing to do so can result in:

• Fines or penalties

• Registration suspension

• Vehicle impoundment

• License suspension

Even if you’re not using your vehicle regularly, it’s technically still “in use” if it’s parked on a public road or is legally drivable. Simply owning and registering a car typically comes with the legal obligation to insure it.

The Risks of Driving Without Insurance (Even Occasionally)

Let’s say you only drive once or twice a month—to run errands or visit family. What’s the harm in letting your insurance lapse for a while?

The problem is, accidents don’t wait for frequency. Even a short trip can result in a collision, theft, or unexpected damage. If you’re uninsured at the time of an incident, you could face:

• Out-of-pocket costs for property damage and medical bills

• Legal liability for injuries or damages to others

• Difficulty obtaining affordable insurance later

• Criminal charges in some states

Driving without insurance, no matter how rarely, is a gamble that can cost thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars.

What If You Don’t Drive at All?

If your vehicle is in long-term storage or completely off the road, you may qualify to suspend coverage temporarily, but it still depends on state laws and your insurer’s policies.

Some insurance companies offer storage-only or comprehensive-only policies, which provide protection against:

• Theft

• Fire

• Vandalism

• Weather damage

• Falling objects (like tree limbs)

This type of coverage is ideal if you won’t be driving at all for an extended period but still want to protect your car from non-driving-related risks.

Important: Never cancel your policy without understanding the legal and financial consequences in your state.

Low-Mileage Insurance: A Smart Alternative

If you rarely drive, you don’t have to overpay for a traditional insurance policy. Instead, look into low-mileage or pay-per-mile insurance plans. These are designed specifically for people who drive fewer than 8,000–10,000 miles per year.

How Low-Mileage Insurance Works:

• You pay a base monthly rate

• You’re charged a small fee per mile driven

• Some insurers track mileage via a plug-in device or mobile app

This option is ideal for:

• Remote workers

• City dwellers

• Retirees

• Second-car owners

Companies like Metromile, Mile Auto, and Allstate Milewise offer pay-per-mile plans that can significantly lower premiums for infrequent drivers.

Benefits of Keeping Insurance—Even If You Don’t Drive Much

Maintaining car insurance, even minimally, can offer several benefits:

1. Avoiding Lapses in Coverage

Letting your insurance lapse can raise red flags with future insurers, potentially increasing your rates—even if you weren’t driving. A continuous coverage history is viewed more favorably.

2. Protecting Your Vehicle

Even parked cars are vulnerable to damage, theft, or natural disasters. Comprehensive coverage helps safeguard your investment.

3. Liability Protection

You might occasionally lend your car to a friend or family member. If they get into an accident, you could still be liable without active insurance.

4. Peace of Mind

Knowing you’re covered, even if something unexpected happens during a rare drive, provides financial and legal peace of mind.

What Coverage Do You Actually Need If You Rarely Drive?

Just because you need insurance doesn’t mean you need a full-coverage policy. Here’s how to tailor your policy as a low-mileage driver:

• Liability-only insurance: Meets legal requirements and is more affordable.

• Comprehensive-only insurance: Protects against non-driving risks if the vehicle is parked long-term.

• Adjust your mileage estimate: Let your insurer know your actual usage; many offer discounts for low annual mileage.

• Raise your deductible: If you’re confident you won’t need to file a claim, a higher deductible can reduce your premium.

The key is to work with an insurer that understands your driving habits and can customize your policy accordingly.

Can You Cancel Insurance Temporarily?

In certain cases, yes—but there are caveats:

• Your car must be unregistered or placed into “non-operational” status with the DMV.

• Your state must allow uninsured parked vehicles, which not all do.

• You should store your car in a private garage, not on a public street.

Only consider this if you’re absolutely certain the vehicle won’t be driven or exposed to potential risks. Be sure to get everything in writing from your insurer and confirm with your state’s DMV.

What If Someone Else Occasionally Drives Your Car?

Even if you rarely drive, but others sometimes use your car, you must have insurance. Most auto policies follow the vehicle, not the driver. If your uninsured car is involved in an accident—regardless of who’s driving—you can still be held responsible for damages and injuries.

If you’re lending your vehicle to another licensed driver, be sure your policy includes permissive use coverage or lists them as a secondary driver.

Final Thoughts

So, do you need car insurance if you rarely drive? Absolutely. Even minimal use of a vehicle requires coverage for legal, financial, and personal protection. While you may not need a full-featured policy, skipping insurance altogether is a risky move that could cost far more than it saves.

Instead of canceling your policy, explore smarter options like low-mileage discounts, pay-per-mile insurance, or comprehensive-only coverage. These solutions help you stay protected without overpaying, giving you peace of mind every time you do get behind the wheel—even if it’s just once in a while.