Can I not buy car insurance if the car is not driven for a year?
4 Answers
It is possible not to pay for car insurance if the car is not driven for a year. According to the "Compulsory Traffic Insurance Regulations," the owner or manager of a motor vehicle that is driven on the roads within the territory of the People's Republic of China must purchase compulsory traffic insurance. If the owner or manager of the motor vehicle fails to purchase compulsory traffic insurance as required, the traffic management department of the public security organ has the right to detain the motor vehicle, notify the owner or manager to purchase insurance in accordance with the regulations, and impose a fine of twice the amount of the insurance premium that should be paid. It is best not to skip paying insurance if the car is not driven for a year. If the vehicle reaches the time for insurance renewal but the owner does not handle it and lets it lapse, the owner may face a rate increase when renewing the insurance later. Moreover, vehicles that have "lapsed" in insurance coverage will need to undergo a new inspection when renewing, adding to the insurance procedures and causing more trouble for the owner. If the car is temporarily not in use, it is best to first go to the vehicle management department to complete a suspension procedure, and the annual inspection will be postponed accordingly, so there will be no impact. Otherwise, it may affect the vehicle and vessel tax included in the compulsory traffic insurance.
Last year, I parked my car in my hometown warehouse and didn’t drive it for a whole year. Initially, I wanted to save some money by not renewing the insurance, but after checking traffic regulations, I realized it wasn’t an option—many places mandate at least third-party liability coverage. Otherwise, if caught by traffic police, you’d face both fines and towing troubles. There are also real risks, like last year’s heavy rains flooding the warehouse, causing a short circuit in the electrical system that burned out a module. Without insurance, I had to pay over 4,000 RMB for repairs. My advice: don’t take the risk. Contact your insurer to inquire about parking insurance options. Paying a few hundred yuan annually for basic coverage against theft, damage, natural disasters, etc., is much more cost-effective and gives peace of mind. Also, ensure safer storage, like using a car cover for ventilation and moisture prevention.
As someone who frequently handles vehicle affairs, I understand this issue. Firstly, from a legal perspective, most regions require basic insurance coverage even if the car isn't moving, otherwise you may face fines or legal liabilities such as uninsured compensation. The economic risks are significant - for example, a parked car could be scratched, stolen, or damaged by a falling tree, with repair costs easily exceeding tens of thousands. I recommend checking comprehensive insurance, as some companies offer storage mode policies with lower rates (e.g., monthly payments of a few dozen dollars) to cover accidents. Choose a secure garage for parking and periodically start the engine to rotate the tires and prevent deformation. In short, first assess the regulations - don't just focus on saving small amounts of money.
My friend's car was parked in the backyard for a year without being driven or insured. Then, during winter, heavy snow caused a tree branch to break and dent the roof, costing him 3,000 yuan in repairs—he was utterly regretful. I believe that even if a car isn't being driven, weather or unexpected incidents can happen anytime, like rodents chewing wires or rainwater causing corrosion. At the very least, get basic insurance to protect your assets—don’t be lazy. Before long-term parking, wash the car body and check tire pressure to avoid deformation. Safety first.
