Parked Car Insurance: What You Need to Know

Car owners are required to have car insurance to protect themselves and others on the road, but what about when your car is parked? Many people assume that their car is protected while parked, but this is not always the case. In this article, we will discuss parked car insurance and what you need to know to ensure your vehicle is protected.

What is Parked Car Insurance?

Parked car insurance is a type of coverage that protects your vehicle when it is not in use. It provides protection against theft, vandalism, and other types of damage that can occur when your car is parked. This type of insurance is important because your car is still at risk even when it is not on the road.

Most insurance companies offer parked car insurance as part of their comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is a type of insurance that covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. If you have comprehensive coverage, your parked car will be protected.

It is important to note that comprehensive coverage is not required by law, but it may be required by your lender if you have a car loan. If you own your car outright, you can choose whether or not to have comprehensive coverage.

What Does Parked Car Insurance Cover?

Parked car insurance typically provides coverage for the following types of damage:

Damage Type
Description
Theft
Protection against theft of the vehicle or its contents
Vandalism
Protection against intentional damage to the vehicle
Weather-related damage
Protection against damage caused by natural disasters such as hail, wind, and flooding
Fire
Protection against damage caused by fire or explosions

What Does Parked Car Insurance Not Cover?

While parked car insurance provides coverage for a variety of types of damage, there are some things that it does not cover. Here are a few examples:

  • Accidents while driving
  • Damage caused by a collision
  • Damage caused by drivers who do not have insurance
  • Damage caused by intentional acts

If you want coverage for these types of damage, you will need to have additional insurance policies, such as liability insurance or collision coverage.

Who Needs Parked Car Insurance?

Anyone who owns a car can benefit from parked car insurance. If you park your car on the street or in a public parking lot, it is at risk of theft or vandalism. Even if you park your car in a garage, it is still at risk of damage from weather-related events or other unforeseen circumstances.

If you have comprehensive coverage, your parked car will be protected, but if you do not have this coverage, you may be responsible for paying for any damage to your vehicle. It is important to evaluate your individual situation to determine whether or not parked car insurance is necessary for you.

How Much Does Parked Car Insurance Cost?

The cost of parked car insurance varies depending on a number of factors, including your location, the type of car you own, and your driving record. However, in general, parked car insurance is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of car insurance.

If you already have comprehensive coverage, you may not need to purchase additional parked car insurance, as it is typically included in this type of policy. However, if you do not have comprehensive coverage, the cost of adding parked car insurance to your policy is typically very affordable.

FAQs

Q: Is parked car insurance required by law?

A: No, parked car insurance is not required by law. However, it may be required by your lender if you have a car loan.

Q: What types of damage does parked car insurance cover?

A: Parked car insurance typically provides coverage for theft, vandalism, weather-related damage, and fire.

Q: How much does parked car insurance cost?

A: The cost of parked car insurance varies depending on a number of factors, but it is typically very affordable compared to other types of car insurance.

Q: Who needs parked car insurance?

A: Anyone who owns a car can benefit from parked car insurance, as it provides protection against damage that can occur when the car is not in use.

Q: Can I add parked car insurance to my existing policy?

A: If you have comprehensive coverage, parked car insurance is typically included in this type of policy. If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you can usually add parked car insurance to your policy for a relatively low cost.

Conclusion

While many people assume that their car is protected when it is parked, this is not always the case. Parked car insurance provides an important layer of protection against theft, vandalism, and other types of damage that can occur when your car is not in use. If you own a car, it is important to consider whether or not parked car insurance is right for you.