When you leave your car parked on a public roadway, you might assume that because it's not being driven, it doesn’t need coverage. In reality, if your vehicle is registered and on the road, it’s still subject to the laws governing auto insurance and liability insurance. At Jackstone Insurance Agency, we help make these requirements clear so you stay compliant and protected.
Almost every U.S. state mandates that a vehicle that’s registered and on a public street must carry at least minimum liability coverage. According to Progressive, Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, nearly all states require liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury. In states like California, the rules are specific: your vehicle must be able to show proof of financial responsibility if it is registered.
If your vehicle is parked on a public road without coverage, you may be violating state uninsured vehicle laws, exposing yourself to fines, registration suspension or even vehicle impoundment.
Even when parked, your registered vehicle still carries risk, someone could hit it, vandalize it, or otherwise cause damage. If you don’t have an active auto policy, you may be entirely responsible for repairs, and you may also fail to meet legal registration requirements.
For example:
If your vehicle is not parked on a public roadway, say it’s in a garage or off the street in storage—you may be able to switch your coverage or place the vehicle on a non-operation status. For instance, California allows submission of a “Planned Non-Operation” (PNO) or “Affidavit of Non-Use” if it’s off the public roadway and not being used.
However, if you want to keep it on the road or parked on a street, maintaining your required insurance is still a must.
At Jackstone Insurance Agency, we specialize in helping drivers understand and meet their state’s auto insurance requirements, whether your car is driven daily or parked for an extended period. Our knowledgeable team will review your current policy, explain your options for full coverage, storage insurance, or non-operation status, and ensure you stay compliant with state laws while avoiding unnecessary fines or registration issues.
Ready to make sure your vehicle is properly protected?
If your car is parked on the street, don’t leave your coverage to chance. Contact us today at (925) 392-8365 for a free auto insurance policy review with Jackstone Insurance Agency. Our friendly experts will walk you through your policy details, clarify your state’s insurance requirements, and customize a plan that gives you total peace of mind, whether your car is in motion or at rest.
Yes. If your vehicle is registered and parked on a public roadway, you typically must maintain at least the minimum mandatory auto insurance coverage required by your state.
You may face fines, registration suspension, impoundment, and personal liability for any damage caused by your uninsured vehicle.
Yes, some states allow non-operation or storage status, but the vehicle generally cannot be parked on a public road while in this status. Always check your state DMV rules.
No. Minimum liability coverage only protects others if you cause damage. To cover your car against vandalism, theft, or hit-and-run while parked, comprehensive or collision coverage is needed.
