How to Insure a Convertible You're Storing for Winter

Your convertible needs different coverage when it sits unused for months

A convertible parked in a garage for winter does not need the same insurance as one you drive daily. Most standard auto policies charge you for liability and collision coverage you will not use, and they do not protect against the specific risks of storage — theft from an unattended vehicle, rodent damage, battery drain, or weather damage to the top. You can lower your premium by switching to storage coverage, also called laid-up coverage, for the months your car sits idle. The exact options depend on your insurer and your state, but the basic choice is simple: keep full coverage at full price, or shift to a cheaper storage plan that covers what actually matters.

Storage coverage is not a separate policy — it is a modification to your existing auto insurance that removes the parts you do not need while the car is parked and keeps the parts that protect against real risks. You must tell your insurer before you store the car, and you must switch back to regular coverage before you drive it again. Driving a car listed as stored will void your policy.

Key Takeaways

• Storage coverage costs less than regular coverage because it removes collision and liability, which you do not need while the car is parked.
• You must tell your insurer before you store the car — switching coverage retroactively may not be possible, and driving a car listed as stored will void your policy.
• Storage coverage typically includes comprehensive protection (theft, weather, vandalism) but not collision or liability.
• You can usually switch back to regular coverage with a phone call when you take the car out, though some insurers require advance notice.
• Some insurers offer storage discounts on your regular policy instead of a separate plan, so compare what your company offers before switching.

What storage coverage includes and excludes

Comprehensive coverage is the main piece of storage insurance. It protects against theft, vandalism, weather damage (hail, snow load on the top, ice damage), rodent damage, and falling objects. If someone breaks into your garage and steals your convertible, or a tree branch falls on the soft top, comprehensive pays for the repair.

Collision and liability coverage are what you remove. Collision pays for damage if you hit something while driving; liability pays if you damage someone else's property or injure them. Neither applies to a parked car, so you do not pay for them during storage. Liability is legally required in South Carolina if you drive on public roads, but storage coverage suspends that requirement because the car is not being driven.

Some insurers also include roadside assistance in storage plans — useful if the battery dies and you need a jump to start the car in spring. Check what your insurer includes before you sign up. A few companies add glass coverage (for broken windows) or coverage for damage caused by rodents, though this varies by insurer.

How to switch your convertible to storage coverage

Contact your insurance company at least a week before you plan to park the car for the season. Tell them the exact date you are storing it and where it will be kept (garage, covered storage, outdoor lot). Some insurers ask whether the car will be driven at all during the storage period — even occasional drives can affect your coverage, so be honest about your plans.

Your insurer will quote you a storage rate, usually a fraction of your regular premium. The rate depends on the car's value, the length of storage, your location, and your driving history. Ask whether they offer a storage discount on your existing policy instead of switching to a separate plan — some do, and it may be simpler than canceling and restarting coverage. Once you agree, the insurer will send you a confirmation showing the new coverage dates and what is included. Keep this document. If you need to file a claim while the car is stored, you will need proof that storage coverage was active on the date of the loss.

What happens when you take the car out of storage

Call your insurer a few days before you plan to drive the car again. They will switch you back to regular coverage — usually the same day or within 24 hours. You will pay the difference between what you paid for storage and what regular coverage costs for the remaining months of your policy year. Some insurers allow you to restore coverage online or through their app, while others require a phone call.

Do not drive the car before coverage is restored. If you are in an accident or get pulled over while the car is listed as stored, your policy may be void, and you will have no protection. Some insurers allow you to restore coverage retroactively if you call within a day or two of driving, but do not count on it — call first. If you are unsure whether your car is covered, a five-minute phone call costs nothing and prevents a claim denial later.

Storage coverage costs and what affects the price

Storage premiums vary widely by insurer and by how long you store the car. A three-month storage plan might cost 30 to 50 percent of your regular quarterly premium, though some insurers charge a flat monthly rate regardless of how many months you store. A six-month plan is usually cheaper per month than a three-month plan, so if you are storing for a longer period, ask about that option.

Your insurer will also consider where the car is stored. A car in a locked garage costs less to insure than one in an open lot or on the street. If you have comprehensive coverage on your regular policy, your deductible usually carries over to storage coverage — so if your deductible is $500, you pay $500 out of pocket if a claim is approved. Ask your insurer whether you get a discount for storage on your homeowners or renters insurance. Some policies cover vehicles stored on your property, which might be cheaper than a separate auto storage plan.

Preparing your convertible before you store it

Insurance protects you if something happens to the car, but maintenance before storage prevents many problems. Wash and wax the car, clean the interior, and leave windows cracked slightly to prevent moisture buildup. Top off the fuel tank to prevent rust inside the tank, or drain it completely if you are storing for more than six months. Disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to prevent it from dying.

If you are storing the car outdoors, use a breathable car cover to protect the paint and top. Do not use a non-breathable cover — it traps moisture and can damage the finish. Store the convertible top in the up position to prevent water from pooling. These steps do not affect your insurance, but they reduce the chance you will need to file a claim. A well-maintained car in good storage conditions is less likely to suffer damage that comprehensive coverage would have to pay for.

Comparing storage coverage across insurers

Not all insurers offer storage coverage, and those that do price it differently. Call three or four companies and ask for a storage quote for the exact dates you plan to store your convertible. Tell them the car's value, where it will be stored, and whether you want comprehensive-only or comprehensive plus roadside assistance.

Compare not just the price but what is included. Some insurers include glass coverage (useful if a window breaks while parked), others do not. Some allow you to restore coverage with a phone call, others require a form. Some charge a fee to switch coverage, others do not. The cheapest quote is not always the best deal if it excludes something you need. If you already have auto insurance with a company you trust, ask them about storage options before you shop around. Staying with your current insurer is often simpler than switching, and they may offer a loyalty discount on storage coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my convertible occasionally during storage and keep the lower rate?

No. Storage coverage assumes the car is not driven. If you drive it even once, you must switch back to regular coverage. Some insurers allow you to restore regular coverage retroactively if you call within a day or two, but others will not. Call your insurer before you drive, even if it is just to move the car in the garage.

What if I store my convertible at a friend's house instead of my own garage?

Tell your insurer where the car will be stored when you sign up for storage coverage. If it is at a friend's house, the insurer may ask whether the property is locked and secure. Storing at a secure location usually costs less than storing in an open area, but the rate difference depends on your insurer's rules.

Does storage coverage pay if someone steals parts off my convertible while it sits?

Yes, if the theft is covered under comprehensive. If someone steals the wheels, stereo, or convertible top while the car is parked, comprehensive coverage pays for the repair or replacement, minus your deductible. Theft of the entire car is also covered.

Can I cancel storage coverage early if I need to drive the car before spring?

Yes. Call your insurer and ask to switch back to regular coverage. You will pay the difference between what you paid for storage and what regular coverage costs for the time remaining on your policy. There is usually no penalty for switching early.

What if my convertible is damaged while in storage but I do not notice until I take it out?

Report the damage to your insurer as soon as you discover it, even if you do not know when it happened. Provide the date you took the car out of storage and the date you discovered the damage. Your insurer will investigate and determine whether the damage occurred while storage coverage was active. If it did, the claim should be covered.