A surprising insurance cost warning has emerged for UK drivers who park their cars in garages. According to Go.Compare, the typical annual premium for drivers storing vehicles in garages was approximately £647 last year, which is higher than expected.
Where a car is parked overnight significantly influences insurance premiums. Parking in a secure location is generally expected to lower insurance costs, while leaving a car on the street often increases them. However, new data challenges this assumption, showing that garage parking may not always be cheaper.
Go.Compare’s research found that drivers using alternative parking options paid about £623 annually. Those with third-party-only insurance who park in garages paid even more, averaging £790—£54 higher than those parking elsewhere.
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Tom Banks, car insurance spokesperson at Go.Compare, explained the unexpected trend: “Car insurance is typically cheaper for vehicles parked in secure locations, so it’s surprising that garage parkers end up paying more on average. One likely reason is the increasing size of modern cars, making it hard to fit in garages. This could lead to more scrapes and bumps while parking indoors, increasing claims and, consequently, premiums.”
The RAC offers further insight: “Certain parking spots appear safer than others. Intuitively, a locked garage should be safer than street parking outside your home. Yet, garages can also be risky due to tight entrances and exits that might cause damage when reversing. Additionally, if a burglar gains access to your property, they may also break into the garage and your vehicle.”
Another parking alternative is leaving your car on your driveway. While this reduces risks from passing motorists compared to street parking, the vehicle remains accessible from the street, and the area you live in will still influence your insurance quote and premium.