Insurance Implications of Keeping Non-Running Cars on Chicago Properties
Holding on to a non-running car might seem harmless, especially if it’s just parked on your driveway or tucked away in a garage. But in Chicago, keeping a vehicle that doesn’t run could come with more insurance complications than most people realize. Whether it’s about liability, city code enforcement, or your own coverage limits, understanding the risks is crucial before letting that old car sit too long.
Liability Risks You Might Not Expect
Even if your vehicle isn’t moving, it can still be considered a liability under certain circumstances. Here’s how
A non-running vehicle parked on your property could still be involved in an incident. For example, someone trips over it or damages their own property trying to maneuver around it. In that case, you could be held responsible—even if the vehicle hasn’t moved in months
Your homeowner’s insurance may cover some aspects of property-related liability, but it won’t protect you from everything. If the vehicle causes damage (like leaking hazardous fluids or catching fire), you might not be fully protected
In neighborhoods with children or foot traffic, a broken-down car can pose a safety hazard. You could be on the hook if someone gets hurt interacting with it
What Insurance Covers—and What It Doesn’t
Your auto insurance typically doesn’t apply to a non-running vehicle unless it has active coverage. And paying for full insurance on a car that doesn’t move can feel like throwing money away. Here’s how different coverage types break down
Liability insurance won’t apply unless the car is operated on public roads
Comprehensive insurance may still protect against theft, vandalism, or weather damage—but only if your policy remains active and the car is stored correctly
Homeowners insurance might cover damage to your own property caused by the car but likely won’t cover damage to the car itself or third-party incidents
The result? Many Chicago residents end up paying for coverage they don’t need—or worse, they drop insurance completely and expose themselves to more risk than they realize
The City of Chicago’s Take
In Chicago, there are strict rules about how long a non-operational vehicle can sit on private or public property. If your car is visibly broken down, has expired plates, or is reported by a neighbor, it could be classified as an abandoned vehicle
Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation is aggressive about towing reported junk cars—even if they’re on your property and technically not in violation of street laws
Once the car is reported, the city may tag it for removal. If it’s not moved or repaired in a timely manner, it could be towed, and you could be hit with fines and fees
In some neighborhoods, residents have reported code enforcement showing up just based on appearance—flat tires, broken windows, or heavy rust. So even if you’re not breaking insurance rules, you might be risking city action
When to Let It Go
If your car hasn’t run in months and you’re not actively planning to repair or restore it, keeping it may not be worth the insurance risks or city hassle
You’re paying insurance for a car you’re not using
You could be exposing yourself to liability without realizing it
You risk city fines, tickets, and towing
You’re losing valuable space on your property that could be put to better use
Selling your non-running car to a Chicago junk car buyer is often the best way to cut the risk, get paid, and move on. Many buyers will tow the vehicle for free, handle the paperwork, and pay you on the spot—turning a liability into quick cash
Final Thoughts
Non-running vehicles sitting on your property might seem like no big deal, but in Chicago, they can become a legal and financial headache fast. Between insurance gaps, liability exposure, and the city’s aggressive towing enforcement, it’s usually smarter to junk the car than to let it collect dust
If you’re holding onto a car that no longer runs, take a hard look at the risks. It might be time to let it go—and come out ahead in the process