You can sometimes pause car insurance, but not all insurers or states allow it. In most cases, you can only pause your policy under special circumstances such as military deployment, temporary non-use of your vehicle, or long-term storage. However, pausing coverage is not the same as canceling it. Some states require continuous car insurance coverage for any registered vehicle, even if it’s parked or unused.
If you stop paying for insurance without properly pausing or suspending it through your provider, your policy could lapse. A lapse can lead to higher premiums when you reactivate coverage and even penalties from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Still, there are legal ways to reduce or suspend parts of your coverage to save money. For example, you may switch to comprehensive-only coverage while your car is in storage or pause your policy temporarily with your insurer’s approval.
In this guide, we’ll explain how pausing car insurance works, when it’s allowed, how it affects your rates, and the safest alternatives to avoid a coverage gap. Whether you’re traveling abroad, storing your vehicle for winter, or taking a long break from driving, Alias Insurance can help you compare policies that offer flexible protection when you need it.
What Does It Mean to Pause Car Insurance?
Pausing car insurance means temporarily suspending your coverage instead of canceling it entirely. This option may be available if your vehicle will not be driven for an extended period. During the pause, your insurer stops charging you for certain parts of your policy, such as liability or collision coverage.
However, not all companies or states allow this. Some require at least comprehensive coverage to protect your car while it’s parked.
When You Might Want to Pause Insurance
- Military deployment
- Long overseas trips
- Extended medical leave
- Vehicle in long-term storage
- Seasonal car use (like a convertible or RV)
If you plan not to drive for a few months, pausing insurance could save you money but it must be done correctly to avoid fines or penalties.
Can You Legally Pause Car Insurance in the USA?
Whether you can pause car insurance depends on state laws and your insurer’s rules. Most states require continuous insurance coverage for any registered vehicle.
Here’s a quick look at some examples:
| State | Can You Pause Insurance? | Minimum Required Coverage |
| California | Yes, with proof of non-operation | None (if car is not registered) |
| Texas | Limited (only storage policies) | Liability |
| Florida | Not allowed | Continuous coverage required |
| New York | Not allowed | Liability |
| Illinois | Possible for military or storage | Liability |
| Arizona | Yes, if registration is suspended | None |
Before pausing coverage, check with your state DMV and your insurance provider to confirm what’s legally allowed.
When You Can Pause Car Insurance
Most insurers allow temporary suspension only in specific cases.
1. Military Deployment
If you’re deployed overseas, many insurers let you pause coverage or switch to comprehensive-only insurance. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) also provides financial protection for active-duty members.
2. Long-Term Vehicle Storage
When storing a car for winter or long periods, pausing liability and collision coverage makes sense. You can keep only comprehensive coverage to protect against theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
3. Medical or Travel Leave
If you’re unable to drive due to medical reasons or are leaving the country, some insurers may let you suspend parts of your coverage.
4. Temporary Non-Operation Registration
In some states, such as California, you can file a Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status with the DMV. Once approved, you can pause your insurance legally.
When You Cannot Pause Car Insurance
Pausing insurance is not allowed if:
- Your vehicle is still registered and can be driven.
- You have an active loan or lease (lenders require continuous coverage).
- Your insurer doesn’t offer suspension options.
If you stop paying without notifying your insurer, it counts as a coverage lapse, which can cause:
- Higher future premiums
- Registration suspension
- License plate surrender requirements
- Difficulty reinstating coverage
Alternatives to Pausing Car Insurance
If you cannot legally pause your policy, consider these safer and legal alternatives to save money while your car is unused.
1. Switch to Comprehensive-Only Coverage
Comprehensive insurance protects your car from theft, fire, floods, and vandalism while parked. It’s cheaper since you remove liability and collision coverage.
2. Storage or Seasonal Insurance
Some insurers offer storage coverage for cars parked for months at a time. It keeps protection against weather and theft but suspends driving-related coverage.
3. Reduce Coverage Limits
Lowering coverage limits or removing extras like roadside assistance can cut your premium cost temporarily.
4. Remove a Driver from Policy
If one driver in your household won’t be using the vehicle, removing them from the policy may lower costs.
5. Cancel Policy and Return Plates
In states where you can cancel insurance legally, you must surrender your license plates and registration first.
Pros and Cons of Pausing Car Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Save money on unused coverage | Not available in every state |
| Keep comprehensive protection | May lose continuous coverage discount |
| Avoid paying full premiums | Possible DMV penalties if done incorrectly |
| Ideal for long-term storage | Lenders may not allow it |
How to Pause Car Insurance Safely
If your insurer allows pausing coverage, follow these steps to ensure compliance:
- Contact Your Insurer
Explain why you need to pause your policy and for how long. - Check State Laws
Confirm with your DMV if suspension is legal in your state. - File for Non-Operation (If Applicable)
States like California require PNO filing before pausing insurance. - Maintain Comprehensive Coverage
Even if you pause other coverages, keep comprehensive to protect against theft or damage. - Get Written Confirmation
Request documentation showing your insurance suspension dates.
What Happens If You Pause Coverage Without Notifying Your Insurer
Stopping payments without approval results in a coverage lapse. This can create several problems:
- Higher future premiums (average increase of 25% after a lapse)
- License or registration suspension in some states
- No protection if your car is stolen or damaged
- Possible lender penalties for financed vehicles
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), a lapse in car insurance can stay on your record for up to three years, affecting your ability to get affordable coverage.
How Long Can You Pause Car Insurance
The duration depends on your insurer and reason for suspension. Most allow pauses from 30 days to 12 months. For military members, pauses may last through deployment periods.
After the approved period, you must contact your insurer to reinstate coverage before driving again.
Will Pausing Insurance Affect Your Rates?
Pausing coverage responsibly usually won’t raise your rates. However, a coverage lapse from non-payment or policy cancellation can increase your premium significantly when reinstating.
According to data from ValuePenguin, drivers with a lapse of 30–60 days pay up to 15% more when buying new insurance. Maintaining at least minimal coverage is the best way to avoid this penalty.
Should You Pause or Cancel Car Insurance?
| Scenario | Best Option |
| Car in long-term storage | Pause or switch to comprehensive-only |
| Moving abroad temporarily | Pause insurance if allowed |
| Selling vehicle | Cancel policy after sale |
| Medical condition prevents driving | Suspend coverage temporarily |
| Vehicle still financed or leased | Keep full coverage (lenders require it) |
Canceling coverage is a last resort since it often leads to penalties and lost discounts.
Can You Pause Insurance for One Month?
Most companies require a minimum suspension period of 30 days, but short-term options vary. If you only need temporary coverage, consider short-term car insurance or 24-hour car insurance, which can fill small gaps instead of pausing your main policy.
You can explore flexible short-term plans on Alias Insurance through guides such as:
What to Do Before Pausing Insurance
Before requesting a pause:
- Check your loan or lease agreement.
- Notify your DMV if required.
- Confirm your car will not be driven or parked in public areas.
- Remove your registration or license plates if mandated by law.
- Maintain comprehensive coverage to protect against theft or damage.
What to Do After Reinstating Coverage
When you’re ready to drive again:
- Contact your insurer to restart coverage.
- Provide proof of insurance to your DMV if required.
- Confirm all discounts and coverage options are active.
- Check that your registration and license are valid.
FAQs About Pausing Car Insurance
Yes, but it depends on your state and insurer. Most require at least comprehensive coverage during the pause.
Not if done properly. Only unpaid policies or lapses hurt your record.
No. Lenders require continuous coverage on financed or leased cars.
Pausing is temporary suspension, while canceling ends the policy completely.
Check your DMV’s website or contact your insurer. States like California and Arizona allow it under specific rules.
Conclusion
Pausing car insurance can save money when you’re not driving, but it’s only legal under certain conditions. Always check with your insurer and state DMV before suspending coverage. For flexible and affordable plans that match your driving needs, compare quotes today on Alias Insurance is your trusted platform for car insurance in the USA.
