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Few places in California send young drivers out to sea for weeks at a time, but Vallejo does. Cadets at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, long known locally as Cal Maritime, spend part of their training aboard ship, which leaves a car sitting on Mare Island Strait, in a family driveway, or in a parking lot for an extended stretch. Before shipping out, it’s worth deciding exactly how that car will be handled.
Pick the Path That Fits
If a family member might drive it, or it will stay parked on a public street, keep full, active coverage in place. California requires continuous liability insurance on registered vehicles, and letting a policy lapse can trigger notices and suspension from the DMV.
California offers Planned Non-Operation status through the DMV for vehicles that won’t be driven or parked on public roads during the registration period. With PNO filed, many owners keep comprehensive coverage so the car is still protected from theft, fire, and vandalism while it sits.
If a roommate, sibling, or parent will be driving regularly, let your agent know. Regular drivers generally need to be accounted for on the policy.
A Quick Pre-Cruise Checklist
- Check whether a loan or lease requires you to keep full coverage
- Don’t cancel coverage on a registered car without filing PNO first
- Remove valuables and park somewhere secure and well lit
- Take dated photos of the car’s condition before you leave
- Set a reminder to restore coverage before you drive again
Vallejo Insurance Associates works with cadets, families, and drivers throughout Vallejo and across California to set up coverage that matches how a car is actually being used. If something does happen while you’re away, our claims and payments page walks through what to have ready. To plan ahead before your next cruise, reach out through Vallejo Insurance Associates on Tuolumne Street in Vallejo, CA.
