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Many people think that a car that is rarely used doesn’t need to be insured. In reality, cars that sit unused are still at risk of serious damage, loss, or natural disasters. This article explains why car insurance remains important, even for vehicles that are rarely driven.
A private car is an asset, and like any other valuable asset, it still needs protection even if it isn’t used every day. Many car owners think, “My car is only used occasionally, so why should I bother paying for insurance?”
The truth is, cars that are rarely used face their own types of risks that are often overlooked.
Don’t be fooled by the assumption that a car that isn’t driven is automatically safe. Even a car that stays parked at home can still experience:
Garage fires caused by electrical short circuits
Damage from flooding during the rainy season
Vehicle or accessory theft
Damage from falling trees or collapsing structures
Rust, dead batteries, or electrical failure due to long periods of inactivity
The risk can come at any time. Even if the car is rarely used, it remains vulnerable to damage, disasters, or theft.
So, how are the risks of a rarely used car different from those of a daily-use car? And why is insurance still essential? Let’s discuss that in the next section.
Many car owners assume that vehicles used less frequently will last longer because they’re not exposed to traffic risks. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Cars that remain unused for long periods are prone to internal damage and are more vulnerable to loss when left unsupervised.
Type of Risk |
Active Car (Daily) |
Rarely Used Cars |
|---|---|---|
Collision |
High |
Low |
Vehicle theft |
Moderate |
High (due to minimal supervision) |
Dead or damaged battery |
Low (used regularly) |
High |
Tire damage (flat spot) |
Low |
High |
Electrical fire |
Low |
High |
Flooding in the garage |
Equally high if the car is not insured |
|
Even if your car stays parked, it doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. In fact, vehicles that are left unused for long periods can face serious problems when they’re not regularly checked or maintained.
When major damage or loss occurs, the repair costs can be far higher than the annual insurance premium.
Examples:
Replacing a damaged battery and burnt wiring: up to IDR 2–3 million
Car theft while parked at home: losses can reach tens to hundreds of millions
Flood damage: repairs can cost tens of millions of rupiah
Meanwhile, the cost of car insurance from Oona is relatively affordable:
TLO Insurance: starting from IDR 400,000 per year
All Risk Insurance: starting from IDR 1,500,000 per year
With protection from Oona, you can avoid expensive repair bills and have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is covered even when it’s not in use.
So, what type of insurance is ideal for cars that are rarely used?
The answer depends on the vehicle’s value and the level of risk in its parking environment.
Type of Insurance |
Best For |
Advantages |
|---|---|---|
TLO (Total Loss Only) |
Older cars parked in a secure area |
Lower premiums, covers total loss due to theft or severe damage |
All Risk (Comprehensive) |
New or high-value cars |
Covers both minor and major damage, including flooding (with optional extensions) |
Tip: If your car is new, expensive, or parked in an area prone to floods or theft, it’s best to choose All Risk Insurance with additional coverage extensions.
Next we will discuss more deeply on will insurance claims still apply if the car is rarely used? And what are the conditions for protection to remain active?
Yes, car insurance claims can still be made even if the vehicle is rarely used as long as the policy remains active and all conditions are met.
However, keep in mind:
Claims may be rejected if the policy has not been renewed or premiums were not paid on time.
Claims can also be denied if the damage occurs due to owner negligence, such as not maintaining the car for an extended period.
To ensure your protection remains effective even if the car is rarely used, consider the following:
Pay premiums on time
Avoid delays in annual or monthly premium payments so your policy doesn’t lapse.
Renew the policy before it expires
Failure to renew means losing your coverage automatically.
Park in a safe location
Choose a private garage or a monitored area to reduce theft risk.
Perform regular basic checks
Start the engine once a week, check tire pressure, and inspect the battery.
Document your vehicle’s condition
Take periodic photos of your car to make the claim process easier if an incident occurs.
Imagine you have a second car that you only use on weekends. One day, your home garage is burglarized, and the car goes missing. Without insurance, you would lose the full value of the vehicle.
However, if you have an active TLO insurance policy, you can file a claim and receive compensation based on the current market value of your car.
Finally, we will conclude why having insurance remains a smart decision even though the car is only used occasionally, and answer all common questions that often arise.
Even if your car is rarely used, that’s not a reason to skip insurance protection. In fact, the longer a car stays idle, the more vulnerable it becomes to environmental damage, neglected maintenance, or even theft.
Car insurance acts as a safety net against major losses that can occur at any time. Compared to the cost of repairs or losing an entire vehicle, the annual premium you pay is relatively small.
Risks can arise unexpectedly — even cars that sit quietly in the garage are prone to damage from disasters or theft.
If you don’t have car insurance yet or want to reassess your current coverage, Oona Car Insurance offers flexible protection that can be customized based on how often and where your vehicle is used.
