The Smart Way to Get Car Insurance Without a Garage

Not everyone has a garage or private driveway. If you live in an apartment, a shared building, or simply park on the street, you might wonder how that impacts your auto insurance options. You can insure your car even without a dedicated parking spot. In fact, millions of Americans do just that every day.

In this post, you’ll know everything you need to know about getting car insurance without a garage, how it works, what to expect, and how to keep your rates reasonable.

Does Where You Park Matter for Car Insurance?

Yes, it does. Insurers ask about your primary parking location because it affects the risk of:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Weather damage
• Accidental damage (like hit-and-runs)

A car parked in a locked garage is considered safer than one left on a public street. That doesn’t mean you’ll be denied coverage without a garage, but it might influence your insurance rates.

Common Parking Situations and How They Affect Your Insurance

Let’s look at how different parking setups may impact your premium:

💡 Tip: If you park on the street but live in a quiet neighborhood with low crime, your rate might not increase much.

How to Get Car Insurance Without a Garage: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to get covered even if your car sleeps on the street:

1. Gather Your Info

Have these details ready:

• Your ZIP code
• Where you park overnight
• Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
• Driving history

2. Compare Multiple Quotes

Each insurer uses different formulas to calculate risk. One may charge more for street parking, while another may not mind at all.

🟢 Pro tip: Use a comparison platform like Mila to get quotes from multiple providers in minutes. It’s free and designed to help you find the best fit based on your unique situation.

3. Ask About Discounts

Even if you don’t have a garage, you can lower your rate with:

• Safe driver discounts
• Low mileage discounts
• Bundling with renters/home insurance
• Anti-theft device discounts

4. Choose the Right Coverage

Street-parked cars may face more risks, so consider:

• Comprehensive coverage (for theft, vandalism, weather)
• Collision coverage (for accidents)
• Uninsured motorist protection (especially in high-traffic areas)

What Insurers Consider Besides Your Parking Spot

While not having a garage might raise your rate slightly, it’s just one of many factors insurers look at:

• Your age
• Driving history
• Credit score (in most states)
• Car type and value
• ZIP code (not just city—specific neighborhoods matter)

So even if you don’t have a driveway or garage, a clean driving record or safe vehicle can help balance things out.

Is Insurance More Expensive Without a Garage?

Insurance companies calculate your premium based on risk. When your car is parked in a locked garage, it’s less exposed to things like theft, vandalism, weather damage, or accidental scrapes from passing traffic. That lower risk can translate to slightly cheaper rates.

But the absence of a garage doesn’t automatically mean sky-high premiums. In many cases, the difference may be just a few extra dollars per month, depending on your full profile. Here are a few reasons your rate might stay reasonable, even without a garage:

• You Live in a Low-Crime Area: Insurers look at your ZIP code, not just your city. If your neighborhood has low rates of car theft, vandalism, or accidents, that helps reduce your overall risk, even if you park on the street.
• You Own a Low-Risk Vehicle: Some cars are more attractive to thieves than others. If you drive a vehicle that’s considered safe, practical, or less expensive to repair, your insurer may offer better rates regardless of parking.
• You Bundle Insurance Policies: If you combine your auto policy with renters or homeowners insurance (even from the same provider), you could unlock bundle discounts that offset the higher cost of street parking.
• You’re a Safe, Experienced Driver: A clean driving record speaks volumes. If you haven’t had any accidents or claims in recent years, you’re seen as less risky, and that can balance out the impact of not having covered parking.
• You Add Safety Features: Installing anti-theft devices, dash cams, or using a steering wheel lock can help lower your risk—and in some cases, even earn you discounts.

So, How Much More Will You Pay? The truth is: there’s no fixed amount.

For some drivers, the difference between parking in a garage vs. on the street might be as little as $5–15 a month. For others, especially in high-theft areas or with a newer car, it could be slightly higher.

🔍 The Only Way to Know: Compare Quotes

Because every insurer uses its own system to calculate rates, the best way to find out what you’ll pay is to compare real-time quotes. A tool like Mila makes this easy. You just enter your info once, and Mila shows you personalized options from top insurers, based on your location, car, and yes, even your parking setup.

Getting Car Insurance Without a Garage Is Easier Than You Think With Mila

Your parking situation doesn’t define the quality of protection you deserve. Whether your car is on the street, in a shared lot, or outside your building, what truly matters is having coverage that reflects your reality and gives you confidence every time you get behind the wheel.

At Mila, we’re here to help you find that coverage, without complications. We connect you with trusted insurance providers and make it easy to compare personalized quotes based on how and where you actually park. No garage? No problem. You can still get the protection you need, on your terms.

Start your search with Mila and get insurance that works for your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Insurance Without a Garage

Can I Still Get Full Coverage If I Park on the Street?

Absolutely. Just because your car is parked on the street doesn’t mean you can’t have full protection. In fact, choosing comprehensive coverage is often a smart move for street-parked vehicles. It helps cover unexpected events like theft, vandalism, weather-related damage, or even a falling tree branch.  

Will My Insurance Company Check Where I Park?

In most cases, insurance companies won’t physically inspect your parking spot when you apply. However, they rely on the information you provide to assess your risk. If you ever file a claim and the parking situation doesn’t match what you originally reported, they may ask for clarification or even investigate. T

Is It Safer to Park in a Shared Apartment Lot Than on the Street?

Generally, yes. A shared apartment parking lot, especially one that’s gated, well-lit, or has security cameras, tends to offer lower risk than public street parking. However, not all lots are equal. Some might be poorly lit or easily accessible to the public. The overall safety really depends on the specific location, lighting, and level of access control.