Auto Insurance Question – Do I Just Need Basic Liability Coverage?
Reader’s Question:
I am a flight stewardess, and I travel a lot because of the nature of my work. So, I really don’t use my car that much, and I just leave it in Naperville, Illinois, where I actually live. When I am away for long periods of time, can I suspend my auto insurance?
Gayle
Naperville, IL
The answer to your question is not really that easy. You will have to take a lot of things into consideration.
When you we say automobile insurance, it does not necessarily mean that we are having ourselves and our vehicle protected from damages only when driving. The automotive insurance coverages that we may need if we constantly use our car are collision coverage, the basic liability coverage required by most states, uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage, and the coverage for medical payments.
But what if your car just stays at home and gets damaged for numerous reasons, like vandalism or theft or fire? Comprehensive coverage is the one that is going to pay for these kind of damages which do not necessarily involve a collision. I think, what you can do is suspend just a part of your whole automobile insurance policy and not cancel it entirely.
Another matter that you need to be aware of is that all states in this country require vehicle drivers to carry a certain amount of insurance coverage. Most motorists avail of the basic liability coverage. If you are to suspend your auto insurance policy, they might also cancel your registration. If this happens, when you get back, you will be faced with all the troubles of having your car registered and reinstating your automobile insurance.
In any case, you will still have to correspond with your auto insurance carrier to be really sure about this. If you are 100% sure that your car is not in danger of getting damaged or stolen there in Illinois, while you are away, you might want to suspend just a part of your coverage. But never just stop paying your premium without talking to your auto insurance company because this will just give you more trouble.
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