Best Seasonal Auto Insurance in 2024

Seeking out the right seasonal car insurance for you can feel like a complicated process. This can be especially true if you only need coverage during certain times of the year or need different coverage for each of your vehicles.

Unfortunately, car insurance is only available in six-month or annual terms. Trying to find the right car insurance might seem challenging, but the reality is that you have affordable options. There are many different types of insurance for those that only drive certain vehicles seasonally. Finding coverage tailored to your needs can help save you save money.

Finding coverage tailored to your needs can help save you money. Keep reading to find auto insurance policies that can be used seasonally.

Is seasonal car insurance available for summer?

Most insurance companies don’t write a policy for one season. When it comes to vehicles that can only be driven seasonally, there are specific policies, like motorcycle insurance or classic car insurance, priced with those off-months in mind. You get coverage all year, and the lower risk in the winter months is accounted for.

Another option is to insure your vehicle as a parked car or in storage. This usually means dropping your coverage down to a comprehensive-only policy. This will cover your car while it’s in storage in case of a fire, theft, or another incident not related to driving. Bear in mind that this does not make the car street legal, and you’ll have to make sure it’s acceptable with your local DMV. 

How to Shop for Seasonal Car Insurance

In many ways, searching for quality auto insurance coverage for summer only is similar to shopping for regular auto insurance coverage. The first thing you need to do is compare rates for different types of car insurance. 

Don’t forget to ask car insurance companies about any special discounts they have. Some insurance companies may have deals available, but they may not always mention them up front.

Ask About Car Insurance Discounts

Different companies have their own promotions for those with good driving records or multiple vehicles to insure. By asking about these types of discounts, you can buy affordable seasonal car insurance from a company offering something that will benefit you.

Something else to consider when seeking coverage is your credit score. Those with a credit score below 600 may struggle to find affordable auto insurance. However, suppose you have a low credit score or a driving record with some blemishes. In that case, you can still save money on seasonal car insurance by getting on an insurance policy of a household member with a better score or record.

Cover All of Your Vehicles

If you have seasonal auto insurance, you need to cover all vehicles registered in your name. Insurance companies will typically require this, even if you do not intend to drive them for a period of time. This is because they could still become damaged even if they are parked.

• Another driver could hit your parked car.
• Summer storms and hail can cause significant damage.
• Other miscellaneous accidents could damage your vehicle.

If you cannot afford to cover a vehicle or who would like to save money, there are other options. In some cases, you may be able to suspend your car’s registration temporarily.

Buy the Right Policy

If you own a vehicle that you only intend to drive during certain times of the year, then take some time to assess how much coverage you need. For example, if you have full coverage on a car that you will only drive in the summer, you can reduce your coverage to stored car insurance and lower your rates.

You can also tailor your coverage to your lifestyle. For example, if you only drive on the weekends, usage-based auto insurance is available from some companies.

If you are sure that you will not be driving your car after a certain point, canceling your car insurance altogether might be an option. Your insurance company would reimburse you for the months left on your policy if you paid your annual rates in full. 

For example, if you paid for one year of insurance but want to cancel after six months, your insurer will reimburse you for the remaining six months of your policy. 

However, if you intend to drive that vehicle again, it will be more expensive to buy a new policy after canceling your coverage. And you are not legally allowed to drive the vehicle again until you meet the car insurance coverage requirements for your state.

What You Need to Know About Seasonal Auto Insurance

If you do not drive all of your vehicles consistently throughout the year, then you may be looking for seasonal car insurance. However, keep in mind that you will need to insure your automobile if you intend to drive on public roads. 

Insurance companies don’t offer seasonal auto insurance, but educating yourself about the different coverage options like usage-based insurance or storage insurance can help you find the right policy for your lifestyle and budget.