Can I Not Buy Insurance If the Car Is Not Driven?
3 Answers
If the car is not driven, you can choose not to purchase commercial insurance, and compulsory traffic insurance can also be deferred. However, the car must not be driven on the road during the period when compulsory traffic insurance is not in effect. You can first apply for a suspension of driving procedures at the vehicle management department and postpone the annual inspection. Related Information: 1. Compulsory Traffic Insurance: Compulsory traffic insurance, officially known as 'Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident Liability Compulsory Insurance,' is a mandatory liability insurance provided by insurance companies. It covers personal injury, death, and property damage caused to victims (excluding the vehicle's occupants and the insured) in road traffic accidents involving the insured vehicle, within the liability limits. 2. Additional Information: Compulsory traffic insurance is China's first mandatory insurance system implemented under national law. The premium rates are uniformly standardized nationwide, as stipulated by the state. However, the prices of compulsory traffic insurance vary depending on the car model, with the main influencing factor being the 'number of car seats.'
Speaking of whether you can skip buying insurance for a car that isn’t being driven, I have to share from my own experience—even if the car isn’t being used and is parked in your garage or a parking lot, insurance is still essential. Many local laws mandate that insurance must be maintained, regardless of whether the car is driven or not. For example, if your car gets stolen, damaged by weather, or even vandalized (like someone scratching the paint), you’d have to cover the repair costs out of pocket without insurance, which can be a huge hassle. I know a friend who thought they could save money by leaving their car unused, only to end up paying thousands to fix a sunroof damaged by hail. Additionally, long periods of inactivity can lead to issues like battery degradation or tire deformation. That’s why even if the car isn’t moving, it’s wise to at least maintain minimal coverage to avoid future headaches. I recommend regularly checking your vehicle’s condition or discussing a "storage insurance" option with your provider—it might cost just a few hundred a month, but it offers peace of mind.
I believe the risk of not buying insurance for an unused car is too high. From a safety perspective, a car parked in public areas could be hit or vandalized, and without insurance, the owner would have to bear the losses personally. Legally, basic compulsory traffic insurance is required; otherwise, one might face fines or even have their license revoked. I suggest consulting a friend who knows about cars. When the car is idle, you can disconnect the battery and park it properly in the garage, but insurance should not be skipped. My neighbor suffered heavy losses after their uninsured car was stolen and deeply regretted it. In short, to protect yourself and your property, getting at least the minimum coverage is wise. The annual premium of around a thousand yuan is much better than facing unexpected huge expenses.
