If you park your car in a garage every night, you may be wondering:
“Does this help lower my auto insurance?”
The short answer is: Sometimes—but it depends.
Let’s break down how parking location affects your insurance rates and what you can do to make sure you’re getting every discount you deserve.
Why Insurers Ask Where You Park at Night
When you apply for auto insurance, your insurer typically asks:
“Where is the vehicle parked most often—on the street, in a driveway, or inside a garage?”
Why? Because where your car spends the night affects your risk of theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage.
Is Garage Parking Always Cheaper?
Parking your vehicle in a locked garage can lower your insurance premium, but it’s not guaranteed.
Here’s when it may help:
- You live in an urban area with higher crime rates
- You park in a secure, locked private garage
- Your car has a high theft rate or is a newer model
- The insurer uses ZIP-code-specific risk modeling
But in some cases:
- A driveway or private lot may offer the same rating as a garage
- If your area is already low-risk, the difference may be minimal
💡 Pro tip: The discount for garage parking tends to be small on its own—but can add up when combined with other discounts.
What Other Parking Factors Insurers Consider
Insurance companies also evaluate:
- Garaging address (where the car is typically located overnight)
- Commute distance (how far you drive daily)
- Neighborhood crime statistics
- Vehicle theft risk for your make and model
If you park on the street in a busy city and switch to garage parking, you may see a noticeable improvement in your premium.
How to Maximize All Your Auto Insurance Discounts
If you’re looking to lower your auto insurance bill, don’t stop at parking. Make sure you’re taking advantage of other savings too:
✅ Bundle home and auto insurance
✅ Take a defensive driving course
✅ Install anti-theft devices
✅ Maintain a clean driving record
✅ Pay in full or go paperless
Final Thoughts: Is Garage Parking Worth Mentioning to Your Insurer?
Yes! Even if the savings are modest, letting your insurance agent know you’ve started parking in a garage could result in additional discounts—and that’s money back in your pocket.
📞 Have questions about your current auto policy? Want to make sure you’re getting every possible discount?
Call Vargas & Vargas Insurance at 617-298-0655.
We’ll do a quick policy review and help you uncover hidden savings opportunities—garage or not.
