There are some times when you know that you will not be driving your car, but you still need to make sure that you are carrying insurance to keep it legal. Inactive vehicles can be insured at a lower rate than active vehicles depending on the state you live in and the type of insurance that you carry. Most inactive car insurance coverage protects you from theft and damage that can be caused while a car is in storage. You do not have to carry liability insurance for an inactive car, which is where the savings typically come from.

Legally Declare Your Car Inactive

Your first step is to have your car rated as inactive. If you are a student or in the military and expect to be out of town for months at a time, you can visit your local department of motor vehicles and change your car's registration status to prove that it will not be driven. When you return, be sure you change the status back to active before you drive your car again. Driving an inactive car can lead to very expensive traffic tickets.

Explore Your State's Regulations

Once the car is declared inactive, you can begin learning what your state's regulations are regarding insurance for inactive vehicles. Car insurance coverage requirements change from state to state, but every state in the country requires some form of insurance for all registered vehicles. Find out exactly what you need to have before you begin to search for the insurance company you want to use. If you know what you need, you will have an easier time shopping for the best rates. Of course, you can always choose to carry more insurance than is required by law, but that choice is completely up to you.

Research Different Insurance Policies

Every insurance company treats car insurance coverage for inactive vehicles a little differently. The company may only offer comprehensive insurance for a vehicle that will be inactive for a certain period of time. You may find an insurance company that offers coverage that can be split into sections or combined to create a custom policy that fits your needs more closely. Some insurance companies will require that your vehicle is inactive for a certain period of time before they will allow it to carry inactive vehicle insurance. With the many different insurance options, it is important to take your time and examine each type of policy carefully. The right policy will be affordable and offer the protection your vehicle will need while it is not being driven. Some insurance companies may require special paperwork to prove that your car is legally inactive before they will offer coverage.