I understand that the leasing company has no way to know that I am not going to drive the car. I also understand that my insurance carrier would drop me if I got caught driving the car without insurance. That's why I would not do it.

As to taking the car in an emergency: in general I can see your point, in my specific case though I have three cars and there is one parked in front of the S, so I would have to move that one, uncover the S, reconnect the battery, double check the tire pressures, and refasten the top just to move it out. Plus I live alone, and live about 1/4 mi away from a firestation (where the ambulances park) so that's not really a concern for ME.

To clarify SoDakS2k's question: I retained the comprehensive insurance on the car buy removed the liability insurance on November 1st. The car has been in my garage with the cover on it since then. If I had known that I could not remove the insurance I would have drivin the car for sure in the meantime as the weather has been very good. Now it's already been sitting for almost two months and been winterized so it's not worth pulling it out now.

I have had "summer" cars before (but never a lease) and always suspended the insurance coverage over the winter months. It's pretty common here. Speaking to my insurance agent, she was surpised that the leasing company required the liability insurance as it has been her experience that as long as the car is removed from service that the liability can be removed. She even mentioned that some leasing companies allow you to remove the comprehensive insurance because the car is covered by the homeowner's policy sitting in the garage.

I am going to call back the leasing company today and double check to see if there is some form or waiver I can sign where I promise not to drive the car, etc.

 

I am leasing my car, too! Don't ask the leasing company if you can take the liability off, JUST DO IT! I didn't ask AHF if I could, and they haven't sent me any paper work. This is the second year I have done it.

 

Well, they already sent me a letter because they apparently never got my insurance information in the first place. The dealership told them I had insurance, but they never got any info from my agent. That should be cleared up today.

I would rather ask them if it's ok, then just do it. If there is a problem they could potentially demand payment in full on the car. I don't have $30,000 to give them, nor do I have any way to finance that much money right now. It would seriously suck to piss them off!

 

In Ohio you have to keep liability on your car as long as it has current registration... no matter if it's leased or owned outright. If you want to put it in storage and drop lability you have to turn your plates and registration in.