Can A Car Stay On The Road Without Insurance?

Car insurance requirements can sometimes seem confusing, particularly if you haven’t purchased motor insurance for a while or you’re a new driver. The rules can change and you might not be up to date with what you need to insure your vehicle. 

Statistics from 2024 show that new car registrations rose by 0.8% across the European Union, which means there are lots of fresh vehicles driving on the roads that need the right insurance policy for safe coverage. 

There’s a legal requirement in the EU that you need to have third-party liability insurance before you can drive your vehicle on the roads. This type of cover insures you against the liability to pay compensation to third parties or passengers and for damage to other vehicles caused by accidents while you’re driving your car. 

In some circumstances, drivers can choose to keep their car off the road. Can a car stay on the road without insurance? This is a common question motorists ask, and it’s important that you get clarity about your legal responsibilities for your vehicle. For example, you need motor insurance in Malta and the EU to drive on public roads but you can suspend this cover if you will be temporarily taking it off the road. 

Plus, it’s always helpful to work out which motor insurance and car insurance is best to protect yourself, your vehicle, and others on the road. 

Contents

• Why do I need motor insurance?
• What are the different types of motor insurance?
• Can a car stay on the road without insurance?
• Protect your vehicle with motor insurance from GasanMamo. 

Why do I need motor insurance?

Driving on the road in Malta, or anywhere in the EU, means that you are required to have the basic level of motor insurance for your vehicle. This means you need to have third-party liability cover for any vehicle you own. In fact, you won’t be able to register your vehicle for use if you don’t have insurance cover. Vehicles include cars, motorcycles, vans, lorries and so on, but they also include electric kick scooters.

The great thing about using an experienced insurance company is they know the rules where you currently live and can give you clear and helpful advice so you get the right policy to suit your individual needs. 

For example, a Maltese insurance provider can help you to buy insurance so you can drive on Maltese roads, but also in any country in the EEA (European Economic Area) country, including France, Switzerland, Greece or Germany. 

What are the different types of motor insurance policies?

Put simply, there are three main motor insurance categories for you to think about when you start to look for motor insurance:

1. Third-Party Only

The minimum cover required in law, Third-Party Only insurance covers your liability for any injury or damage to another person or their property arising from the use of your car. This policy won’t cover damage to your own vehicle or your property.

2. Third-Party Fire and Theft

With the same level of protection found in Third-Party Only, this type of motor insurance also protects your car against loss or damage resulting from theft or fire. 

3. Comprehensive

Also known as ‘full cover’ motor insurance, Comprehensive motor insurance covers your liability to anyone for injury or damage to their property from the use of your car. In addition, it protects your car against a range of accidental damage scenarios, including loss or damage to personal effects carried in your car. 

Some insurance companies offer motor policies for younger drivers to ensure their specific needs are catered for. One example is GasanMamo’s Boosh Insurance Policy for drivers between 18-24 years. Motorists in this age group can benefit from an instant 65% discount on their premium by agreeing to install a telematics device in their car that helps them drive more safely. 

Can a car stay on the road without insurance? 

No, a car can’t stay on the road without insurance in Malta or the wider EU. As a driver, you must have appropriate third party liability insurance for your vehicle if you drive on public roads and in public areas. In fact, this also includes vehicles parked on driveways, in garages or on the street. 

This may be something you haven’t considered before, but if your car is in a public place there’s always a risk it can be hit by another vehicle and be damaged or need repairs. 

In Malta you are only allowed not to have insurance if your vehicles is temporarily out of use.  This means it has to be kept in a garage or a private area off the road, and the registration plates are returned to Transport Malta.

Protect your vehicle with motor insurance from GasanMamo

As a driver, you want to feel protected when you drive your car. You also want to know that your vehicle will be looked after and repaired if anything happens to it. That’s where GasanMamo can help you.

We have a wealth of experience in motor insurance policies for drivers of all ages. We listen to your needs and make sure your car is covered so you can drive with peace of mind. 

Why not take a look at our range of motor insurance policies and find one that suits you best?

We’re always here to talk through your requirements and help you get on the road and to your next destination without worrying about your insurance. 

Get in touch for a chat with our friendly team and discover how easy it is to sort your motor insurance out with us!

GasanMamo Insurance is authorised under the Insurance Business Act and regulated by the MFSA.