Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Can I pause my insurance while I'm away for work?

I currently live in San Jose but this summer I will be traveling to Seattle for a job for two months. I plan to buy a car between now and August. But if I were to buy one in May and get it fully insured, would I be able to pause the insurance or do something so that I wouldn’t be paying the full amount while I am not driving the vehicle for two months and living in Seattle and the car is still in California?

Mar 5, 2018 San Jose, California

Answer
Author profile picture

Ava Lynch

Insurance Analyst

Ava joined The Zebra as a writer and licensed insurance agent in 2016. She now works as a senior insurance contributor, providing insights and data a…

Credentials
  • 9+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

If your vehicle registration isn't up for renewal soon, you might be able to put the vehicle into "storage protection." What this means is the vehicle is not legally allowed on the road, but will still maintain comprehensive coverage in order to protect the vehicle from theft and weather damage. This will also help reduce your premium without having to cancel your insurance or registration. Be aware: because the vehicle does not have the state-required liability coverage, you or anyone else isn't allowed to drive the vehicle. Moreover, it's probably best to keep the vehicle securely placed in a garage or off the streets. Your best bet for this coverage is to speak with your current provider as most providers have something like this. Best of luck.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

What are the laws in Nevada about storing a car?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra. There are a few things to think about with your situation.Liability laws: In Nevada, just like most states, if the vehicle is registered, you need to have insurance on the vehicle. You can have the state minimum liability coverage. If you were to cancel the ins…
Aug 16, 2018 Las Vegas, NV

Can I insure a car that is being financed by someone else?

Insuring a car you don't own can be tricky. If you're lucky, you should be able to insure the vehicle under your own policy without any issue from your insurance company. However, not every carrier offers this type of policy (called a non-owners policy) so you may need to do some research on what y…
Dec 29, 2016 Riverside, CA

Should I get my own insurance or stay on my parents' AAA policy?

If your mom has an umbrella policy through AAA, and you live in her home, she likely has to list you as a driver on her full coverage policy. That’s a common requirement for umbrella coverage. Insurers want to make sure all household drivers are accounted for.Your presence on the policy might also …
Jul 21, 2022 Danville, CA

I started a claim but canceled it with no payout. Why is it on my CLUE report?

Unfortunately, if you start the claims process, the insurance company can list it on your CLUE report through LexisNexis which contains your claims history — even if there was no payout or resolution. You can dispute with State Farm to see if they will remove it, but at this point, that is really t…
Jul 7, 2019 La Mirada, CA