"What happens to my car insurance policy if I stop driving but don't cancel it?"

If you stop driving but keep your car insurance policy active, you may be able to suspend or pause certain coverages, such as liability and collision, depending on your state and insurer.

Suspending your policy can save you money, but it also means you won't be covered in case of an accident or other incidents.

If you cancel your car insurance policy instead of suspending it, your insurer will likely view this as a lapse in coverage, and your premium may increase when you purchase a new policy.

Canceling your policy can also lead to fines and penalties in some states if you don't maintain the required insurance on registered vehicles.

Driving without insurance is illegal, and getting dropped from insurance means you won't be able to drive until you're covered again.

Experts recommend turning over your plates relatively soon after canceling auto insurance, with some states requiring it at the same time as cancellation and others allowing a short window, such as 30 days.

If you stop driving but keep your car insurance policy active, you won't pay for insurance while your car is out of use, but your vehicle won't be covered if anyone wants to drive it.

Cancellation occurs when a car insurance company cancels your policy in the middle of the term, while non-renewal occurs when the insurance company notifies you that they will not be renewing your policy at the end of the term.

Car insurance companies don't allow you to put your policy on hold or suspend a policy for a period of time; instead, you have to cancel your policy and then restart it when you want your coverage active again.

Canceling your auto insurance can be a hassle and leaves your vehicle without coverage, making it illegal to drive.

State car insurance cancellation laws vary, with Alabama requiring 20 days' notice prior to cancellation unless it's for non-payment, which requires 10 days' notice, while Alaska allows cancellation for any reason if the policy has been in effect for less than 60 days.

If you put your auto insurance on hold, you may need to file an affidavit of non-use with your local department of motor vehicles (DMV), depending on state law.

Your insurance company can cancel your coverage if you do not pay your premium on time, lie on your auto application, or your driver's license gets suspended or revoked.

If your policy has been canceled, you may be able to get it reinstated by contacting your insurance provider, depending on their rules and your state's laws.

If you're still driving but your car insurance policy has been canceled or not renewed, you'll need to find a new auto insurance provider, especially if you have an SR-22 or a lapse in coverage.