Do I need storage coverage for my vehicle if it isn't running?

My car isn't drivable, but I was told that during the period of time it takes to fix it, I need storage insurance. I just bought it as a fixer-upper, but I can't transfer the title without insurance, even though it's inoperable at this point.

In Minnesota, insurance requirements are tied to vehicle registration, not the title itself. Under Minnesota Statute 65B.48, the requirement to carry insurance applies to vehicles that are registered "during the period of time in which operation or use is contemplated," so if your vehicle is inoperable and you don't plan to register or drive it yet, you generally aren't required to carry insurance on it. That said, many deputy registrar offices ask for proof of insurance during the title transfer appointment because they assume you're registering the vehicle in the same visit; it's worth asking your local registrar whether you can complete the title transfer alone, without registering the car, until it's drivable again. If a lienholder is involved, they may have their own insurance requirement regardless of state law, so double-check your loan terms if you're financing the purchase.

If you do want coverage while it's being fixed, storage insurance provides physical damage protection (theft, fire, vandalism) while the vehicle sits, but it doesn't provide liability or coverage to drive on the road, so it wouldn't make you legally compliant to drive it anyway. Here's a link to your state's Driver and Vehicle Services page about title transfers, where there are FAQs as well as contact information to reach out directly to Department of Public Safety. Once the car's closer to drivable and you're ready to shop for a full auto policy, our agents can help you find the right coverage; reach out whenever the timing works for you.