Thinking about temporarily suspending your car insurance with State Farm? Perhaps you're storing your car for an extended period, going on a long trip, or simply won't be driving for a while. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Ready to explore how to put your State Farm car insurance on pause? Let's dive in!
It's crucial to understand that "suspending" car insurance isn't quite the same as completely canceling it. When you suspend, you're usually reducing your coverage to the bare minimum required for a non-operational or stored vehicle, rather than eliminating it entirely. This can save you money while still protecting your vehicle from non-driving-related risks.
 |
| How To Suspend Car Insurance State Farm |
Step 1: Understand Why You Want to Suspend and What It Means
Before you even pick up the phone, ask yourself: Why am I considering suspending my car insurance?
-
Are you storing your car long-term, like in a garage for several months?
-
Will you be out of the country and your car won't be driven at all?
-
Are you simply looking to save money because you're driving less, but still occasionally using the car?
Your reason for suspending will heavily influence the best course of action.
Sub-heading: Suspension vs. Cancellation: What's the Difference?
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
It's vital to grasp the distinction between suspending and canceling your policy.
-
Suspension (or Reducing Coverage): This typically involves removing liability and collision coverages, leaving only comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters (hail, floods), and hitting an animal. This is often the ideal solution for stored vehicles, as it protects your investment without the cost of coverages you don't need while the car isn't being driven.
-
Cancellation: This means completely ending your insurance policy. If you cancel without having another policy in place, you'll have a gap in coverage. This can lead to fines, penalties, and even make it harder to get affordable insurance in the future, as insurers view coverage gaps as a red flag. Most states require proof of insurance to legally drive, so a full cancellation is only advisable if you've sold your vehicle or are immediately switching to a new provider.
State Farm advises against canceling your policy if you intend to drive the car again, as it can put you in a high-risk category and leave your car unprotected.
Step 2: Contact Your State Farm Agent Directly
This is arguably the most important step. State Farm does not allow you to suspend or cancel your car insurance online. You must speak with a representative.
Sub-heading: Gathering Your Information Before You Call
Before you call, have the following information readily available to make the process smoother:
-
Your State Farm Policy Number: This is crucial for them to quickly access your account.
-
Your Full Name and Date of Birth: For verification purposes.
-
Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the car(s) you wish to modify coverage for.
-
Reason for Suspension: Be prepared to explain why you want to suspend your coverage (e.g., "The car will be in storage," "I'm going abroad for six months").
-
Desired Effective Date: When do you want the coverage changes to take effect?
-
Anticipated Reinstatement Date (if known): If you know when you'll start driving the car again, let them know.
-
Current Mileage: They might ask for this.
-
Storage Location: Where will the car be stored (e.g., private garage, public storage unit)?
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Sub-heading: Reaching Out to State Farm
You have a few options for contacting State Farm:
-
Call Your Local State Farm Agent: This is often the best method. Your local agent knows your specific policy and can provide personalized advice based on your state's regulations and your individual circumstances.
-
Call State Farm Customer Care: You can call 1-800-STATE-FARM (800-782-8332) for assistance. They can also help you with policy changes.
-
Visit Your Local State Farm Agent In Person: If you prefer face-to-face interaction, you can visit your agent's office.
When you speak with them, clearly state that you are looking to suspend (or reduce) your car insurance coverage because your vehicle will not be in use. Avoid using the word "cancel" unless that is truly your intention and you have a new policy ready.
Step 3: Discuss Your Coverage Options for a Stored Vehicle
Your State Farm agent will guide you through the specific options available for a non-operational vehicle.
Sub-heading: Focusing on Comprehensive Coverage
For a car that won't be driven, the primary recommendation is usually to keep comprehensive coverage. This is because:
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
-
It protects against theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, natural disasters (like floods or hail), and hitting an animal. These risks are still present even if your car is parked in a garage.
-
It satisfies requirements if your vehicle is financed or leased. Most lenders require you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage until the loan is paid off. Suspending only liability might violate your loan agreement. Always check with your lender if you have an outstanding loan.
-
It prevents a "gap in coverage" on your record, which can lead to higher premiums later.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Implications of Removing Other Coverages
-
Liability Coverage: This is what protects you financially if you cause an accident and injure someone or damage their property. If your car isn't being driven, you generally don't need liability coverage for that specific vehicle. However, be aware of state laws. Some states may still require minimum liability even for stored vehicles. Your agent will advise you on this.
-
Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your own car if it collides with another vehicle or object, or if it overturns. If your car is stored and not being driven, the risk of a collision is eliminated, so this coverage can typically be suspended.
-
Other Optional Coverages: Discuss things like medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement. These are generally not necessary for a stored vehicle and can be removed to save money.
Your agent will help you determine the minimum necessary coverage to protect your vehicle while it's in storage, balancing protection with cost savings.
Step 4: Confirm State-Specific Requirements and Potential Consequences
Insurance regulations vary significantly by state. What's allowed in one state might not be in another.
Sub-heading: Notifying Your State's DMV (if required)
Some states require you to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you suspend or change your auto insurance, especially if you're dropping liability coverage. This is often done by signing an "affidavit of non-use" or surrendering your license plates. Failing to do so could result in fines or license suspension. Your State Farm agent should be able to advise you on your state's specific requirements.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Sub-heading: Potential Impact on Discounts
Inquire about any discounts you currently receive. While suspending certain coverages will lower your premium, some discounts might be affected. For example, multi-car discounts might change if one car's coverage is drastically reduced.
Step 5: Document Everything and Confirm Changes
Once you've discussed your options with your agent and made decisions, ensure you have a clear record.
-
Get Confirmation in Writing: Ask your agent to send you a written confirmation of the policy changes, including the effective date of the suspension and a clear breakdown of the remaining coverages. This could be an updated declarations page or an email summary.
-
Note the Policy Number and Agent's Name: Keep a record of who you spoke with and on what date.
-
Understand Reinstatement Process: Ask your agent about the process for reinstating full coverage when you're ready to drive the car again. You will typically need to contact them before you put the car back on the road.
Step 6: Reinstating Your Coverage
When it's time to get back on the road, you'll need to reinstate your full coverage.
-
Contact Your Agent in Advance: Don't wait until the day you want to drive! Contact your State Farm agent a few days, or even a week, before you plan to use the car again.
-
Confirm Required Coverages: They will help you reactivate the necessary liability and collision coverages.
-
Pay Any Outstanding Premiums: Ensure your account is current.
-
Receive Updated Proof of Insurance: You'll need valid proof of insurance before you legally drive.
Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to suspending State Farm car insurance, along with quick answers:
-
How to know if suspending State Farm car insurance is right for me?
-
Consider suspension if your car will be in storage for 30 days or more, won't be driven, and you want to save money while still protecting against non-driving risks (theft, fire, etc.).
-
-
How to contact State Farm to suspend my car insurance?
-
Call your local State Farm agent directly, call State Farm Customer Care at 1-800-STATE-FARM, or visit your agent's office in person. You cannot do it online.
-
-
How to determine what coverages to keep when suspending State Farm car insurance?
-
Generally, you'll want to keep comprehensive coverage to protect against theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. If you have a loan or lease, your lender will likely require this.
-
-
How to find my State Farm policy number?
-
Your policy number is on your insurance ID cards, policy documents, or by logging into your State Farm online account or mobile app.
-
-
How to avoid a gap in coverage when suspending car insurance?
-
By suspending (reducing) coverage rather than outright canceling, you maintain comprehensive coverage, which prevents a gap on your insurance record.
-
-
How to understand if my state requires me to notify the DMV about car insurance suspension?
-
Ask your State Farm agent. They are knowledgeable about state-specific requirements and can tell you if you need to file an affidavit of non-use or surrender plates.
-
-
How to reinstate my State Farm car insurance after suspension?
-
Contact your State Farm agent a few days before you plan to drive the car again. They will help you reactivate full coverage and provide updated proof of insurance.
-
-
How to know if suspending my car insurance will affect other State Farm policies or discounts?
-
Discuss this with your agent during your call. They can inform you if any multi-policy discounts or other savings will be impacted by the change.
-
-
How to get written confirmation of my State Farm car insurance suspension?
-
Ask your agent to send you an updated declarations page or an email summarizing the changes, including the effective date and remaining coverages.
-
-
How to protect my car while it's in storage and only has comprehensive coverage?
-
Ensure it's stored in a secure location (garage, storage unit), ideally off public roads. While comprehensive covers many non-driving perils, proper storage minimizes risk.
-
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
