Yes, you can pause car insurance, but the process and rules depend on your insurer and your situation
Most major insurers let you suspend your policy temporarily rather than cancel it outright. Pausing is different from canceling: when you pause, your policy stays on file and you can restart it without reapplying or paying new underwriting fees. The catch is that you cannot drive a car on public roads while your policy is paused — the suspension is meant for cars you are not using, not for cars you are still driving.
How long you can pause varies by company. Some allow 30 days, others allow up to 90 days or longer. A few insurers have no set limit but require you to check in periodically. If you need to pause for longer than your insurer allows, you may have to cancel instead and reapply later, which can mean higher rates when you restart.
The reason to pause rather than cancel is cost and convenience. Canceling and reapplying later can trigger a new underwriting process, rate increases, or a lapse in coverage history that some insurers penalize. Pausing keeps your history intact and usually costs nothing or very little.
Key Takeaways
- Pausing your policy keeps it on file so you can restart without reapplying, while canceling ends the policy and may result in higher rates when you restart.
- You cannot drive on public roads while your policy is paused, so this option works only if you are not using the car.
- Most insurers allow pauses of 30 to 90 days, though some have longer limits or no set limit — check your policy or call your agent to confirm.
- Pausing typically costs nothing, while canceling and reapplying can trigger new underwriting fees and rate increases.
When pausing makes sense
Pausing works best when you know you will not be driving for a defined period. Common reasons include storing a car for winter, taking an extended trip without your vehicle, or temporarily relocating without your car. If you own a second vehicle and are not using one of them for a few months, pausing is simpler than canceling.
Pausing also protects you if you are unsure whether you will need the car again soon. If you cancel and then realize you need coverage in three weeks, restarting a paused policy is faster and cheaper than going through a full new process. The policy is already underwritten and rated; you just flip it back on.
How to pause your policy
Contact your insurer directly — either by phone, online through your account portal, or by visiting a local agent. Tell them you want to suspend your policy and for how long. Have your policy number ready. Most insurers will ask why you are pausing (to confirm the car will not be driven) and when you expect to restart.
Some insurers let you pause online through their website or app. Log into your account, look for a "manage policy" or "pause coverage" option, and follow the prompts. Others require a phone call or in-person visit. If you use an independent agent, they can submit the pause request on your behalf.
Ask your insurer in writing (email counts) what happens at the end of your pause period. Some automatically restart your policy on the date you specified. Others require you to call and confirm you want to restart. Knowing this in advance prevents a lapse in coverage if you forget to call back.
What happens to your rates when you restart
When you restart a paused policy, your rate usually stays the same or close to it. Your driving record and claims history do not change during the pause, so the insurer has no reason to raise your rate just for pausing. However, your rate may change if your insurer has updated its rates for your area or vehicle type since you paused — that happens regardless of whether you paused or stayed active.
This is different from canceling. If you cancel and reapply months later, the insurer treats you as a new customer in some cases, which can mean a higher rate or a new underwriting review. Pausing avoids that penalty.
Limits on how long you can pause
Check your policy documents or call your insurer to find out the maximum pause length. Common limits are 30, 60, or 90 days. Some insurers allow longer pauses if you request them in advance. A few have no set limit but ask you to check in every few months to confirm the car is still not being driven.
If you need to pause longer than your insurer allows, ask whether you can extend the pause or whether you need to cancel instead. Some insurers will let you pause for 90 days, then pause again for another 90 days, as long as you call to restart and re-pause. Others require you to cancel if you need a break longer than their standard limit.
The difference between pausing and canceling
| Action | Cost to restart | Rate change risk | Coverage history | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pause | Usually free or minimal fee | Low — rate usually stays the same | Stays intact on your record | Temporary breaks of a few weeks to a few months |
| Cancel | May require new underwriting and process | Higher — may be rated as new customer | Shows a lapse in coverage | Permanent end to coverage or very long breaks |
What you need to know about driving while paused
Do not drive the car on public roads while your policy is paused. If you get into an accident or are pulled over, your insurer will not cover the claim, and you may face legal penalties for driving without insurance. Paused policies are meant only for cars that are stored and not in use.
If you need to drive the car — even once — you must restart your policy first. Call your insurer and ask them to reactivate it. Most can do this the same day or within hours. Once it is active again, you are covered. If you pause again later, you can usually do so without penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pausing my insurance hurt my credit score?
No. Pausing a car insurance policy does not affect your credit score. Insurance companies do not report pauses to credit bureaus. Only missed payments or collections would show up on your credit report.
Can I pause my insurance if I still owe money on a car loan?
No. If you have a loan or lease on the car, your lender requires you to carry full coverage at all times. Pausing would violate your loan agreement. You can only pause if you own the car outright or if your lender gives written permission.
What if I pause and then decide to sell the car?
Call your insurer and cancel the policy instead of restarting it. Let them know the car is being sold. You will not owe anything for the pause period. If you already paid for the paused period, you may get a refund depending on your insurer's policy.
How much does it cost to pause my policy?
Most insurers do not charge a fee to pause. However, some charge a small administrative fee — usually under $10. Ask your insurer whether there is a fee before you pause. The fee, if any, is much less than the cost of canceling and reapplying.
Can I pause just one vehicle if I have multiple cars insured?
Yes. You can pause one vehicle while keeping the others active. Your insurer will adjust your bill to remove the paused car's premium. When you restart it, they will add the premium back in.