Is Specified Perils Coverage Right for Seasonal or Stored Vehicles?
Find out whether this lower-cost coverage makes sense when your car isn’t on the road year-round
If you store your vehicle for part of the year, whether it’s a convertible for summer or a truck used only in winter—you might be wondering what kind of insurance makes sense during the off-season. While you’re not driving the vehicle, it’s still vulnerable to risks like fire, theft, or storm damage. That’s where specified perils coverage can offer a cost-effective solution.
This matters when you're trying to avoid overpaying for coverage you won’t use during months the vehicle is in storage. You might think about this the next time you switch to seasonal plates or park your car long-term in a garage.
Why Specified Perils Fits Seasonal or Stored Vehicles
When a car isn’t being driven, the risks it faces are limited—but not zero. Specified perils coverage provides protection for the major, low-frequency risks that could still cause significant loss.
It typically covers:
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Fire damage while parked or stored
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Theft or attempted theft from a garage or locked facility
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Hail, wind, or other storm-related damage
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Falling objects, like tree limbs or debris
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Damage during transport or relocation (if applicable)
| Risk Type While in Storage | Covered by Specified Perils? |
|---|---|
| Fire or explosion | Yes |
| Theft or vandalism attempt | Yes (theft only—not vandalism) |
| Storm damage (wind, hail) | Yes |
| Flooding | No |
| Animal damage (mice, raccoons) | No |
Note: Specified perils will not protect against water damage, animal infestations, or vandalism that isn’t linked to an attempted theft.
When This Coverage Is a Smart Choice
Specified perils coverage can be a good option if:
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The vehicle is securely stored indoors
Risks like hail or vandalism are reduced, making full comprehensive protection less necessary. -
You want to maintain protection but lower costs
Pausing your full coverage while still guarding against fire and theft can reduce premiums during storage periods. -
Your insurer offers a seasonal-use endorsement
Some policies allow you to switch between coverage types depending on the season, keeping specified perils active while the vehicle is stored.
Tip: Always inform your insurer if the vehicle is off the road. They may offer a “suspension of coverage” or adjust your policy to reflect its storage status.
Things to Watch Out For
While specified perils offers meaningful protection, it doesn’t cover everything your car might face during storage.
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No coverage for vandalism unless tied to theft
If your garage is broken into but the car isn’t touched, you may not be able to claim damage. -
No coverage for water or rodent damage
Stored vehicles are prone to nesting animals and minor leaks—these risks are not covered under specified perils. -
Your registration or insurance may need to reflect its stored status
In some provinces, you must update your insurer or registry when changing usage status.
Caution: Make sure the vehicle is stored in a way that matches your insurer’s requirements. Improper storage could jeopardize your claim.
A Focused Option for Off-Road Periods
Specified perils can be a practical, affordable way to maintain protection for a vehicle that’s off the road. While it doesn’t offer the broad coverage of a comprehensive policy, it targets the major threats that could still affect your car while in storage. If you’re looking for seasonal savings without giving up peace of mind, this coverage may strike the right balance.