Did you finally purchase that classic convertible you’ve always dreamed of? Have you recently taken up motorcycle driving as a new hobby? Are you planning on getting a snowmobile for some winter fun? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you may be curious about seasonal vehicle insurance and what it is exactly. There are many instances where a vehicle will not be used year-round. There is a common misconception that you must insure your vehicle 365 days a year anyway. Fortunately, that isn’t always the case. Read on to learn everything there is to know about seasonal vehicle insurance and whether or not it applies to you.
What Is Seasonal Vehicle Insurance?
Seasonal vehicle insurance is exactly what it sounds like: insurance that you don’t pay year-round! Most vehicles need to be insured by law, but if you don’t ride it year-round, you could save yourself some money by only insuring it for a portion of the year. Though you may receive the coverage you need by purchasing year-round insurance, doing so wouldn’t necessarily be a cheap option. If you have not yet purchased a seasonal vehicle but are considering it, talk to your insurance broker beforehand! Many insurance companies offer specialized coverage for vehicles, including classic cars. motorcycles or ATVs. These can sometimes be bundled with your standard auto insurance or other insurance policies to deliver significant savings.
What Types Of Vehicles Qualify?
Many types of vehicles qualify for seasonal vehicle insurance. Some examples of these vehicles would be:
- Classic cars
- Convertible cars
- Antique cars
- Motorcycles
- Dirt bikes
- Mopeds or motor scooters
- RVs
- ATVs
- Snowmobiles
Keep in mind that many of these seasonal vehicles are subject to government requirements. These rules help keep people safe and are typically enforced by insurance companies to maintain coverage. Some examples of these requirements include:
- Minimum age set by the government, depending on the vehicle
- Insurance
- Licence and registration
- Helmet use
- Highway use and crossing
- Private property use
Types Of Seasonal Vehicle Insurance
If you’ve decided you’d like to go ahead with purchasing seasonal vehicle insurance, your next step will be choosing which type is best for you. Your options for coverage are as follows:
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Basic comprehensive car insurance is the most common option when purchasing seasonal vehicle insurance. Typically, you will maintain your motorcycle or classic car insurance year-round, as it covers off-season storage. Although you will not use your seasonal vehicle year-round, it will still be protected against potential risks while in storage. This can include weather-related damage, fire, vandalism, or theft. You will have peace of mind knowing your vehicle remains protected when it isn’t in use!
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is another option you have when it comes to seasonal vehicle insurance, though it is not as popular. This is because you aren’t driving your vehicle for a large portion of the year, so your chances of a collision are drastically lowered. However, it can still be recommended, depending on your assessment. If you have a classic car or motorcycle that is parked in a public parking complex when not in use, there is a chance of a hit-and-run scenario occurring. This will be a situation where collision coverage can come in handy and help you pay for any damages.
Classic Car Insurance
If your seasonal vehicle is a classic car, you may want to look into classic car insurance! According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), a classic car is referred to as a “classic” once it reaches at least 25-30 years old, though the definition will vary. Classic car insurance will protect you from financial losses when it comes to your most prized possession. Many drivers mistakenly insure their vintage car with a standard auto insurance policy. While this is useful, there is a much cheaper alternative: classic car insurance.
These vintage vehicles are generally cheaper to insure because insurance companies recognize they are on the road far less than the average and that their owners take great care of them. Classic car insurance will typically cover what a standard auto insurance policy does, such as collision, comprehensive and bodily injury liability.
Common Seasonal Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
- Canceling insurance instead of switching to storage coverage
- Forgetting to reinstate full coverage before driving
- Leaving plates active without insurance
- Not notifying your broker about seasonal use
Avoiding these mistakes protects both your wallet and your legal standing.
Seasonal Vehicle Insurance FAQs
Can I cancel my insurance during the winter in Ontario?
No. Vehicles that remain registered and plated must maintain continuous insurance coverage. Instead, drivers switch to storage-only insurance.
Can I drive my car with storage insurance?
No. Storage insurance does not include liability or collision coverage. Driving without full coverage is illegal.
When should I switch back to full coverage?
Before driving your vehicle — even for short trips.
Is seasonal insurance cheaper than regular auto insurance?
Yes. Many Ontario drivers save between 30% and 70% annually.
Do stored vehicles still need insurance?
Yes. Storage insurance protects against theft, fire, vandalism, and weather damage.
Seasonal Vehicle Insurance: Conclusion
If you own a seasonal vehicle, we recommend doing so. However, there are some things to keep in mind before making the switch. Upon discovering seasonal vehicle insurance, many people cancel their current plan. Though it may seem like a good option, many companies will impose a fine for mid-policy cancellation. There may also be additional repercussions of a sudden cancellation. Please contact your insurance provider or isure broker to determine the next steps. From there, you can decide if you believe the long-term savings will be worth it.
Driving a seasonal car should not require paying for insurance year-round. Instead, you can consider the alternatives to see just how much money you can save. Who knows? After a few years, it will be sufficient for another seasonal vehicle. Remember, if you are looking for auto insurance, whether seasonal or year-round, consider isure for a quote to see how much you can save.
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