Life Changes
What an Unused Car Really Costs You
A car you don’t drive feels free. No gas, no oil changes, no wear on the road. It just sits there, and you don’t think about it until a bill comes.
We can’t tell you what your car costs, and any average from a web page would be someone else’s car. What we can give you is a list of where to look, so you can get your own number in one sitting.
Short answer
An unused car can still cost you insurance, tabs, parking or storage, upkeep and the value it loses while it sits. It can also bring fines or impound costs if it breaks local rules or ends up on a public street with expired tabs. Add up your own bills for a year, then compare that with what the car does for you.
A worksheet for your real number
Pull your own papers and fill this in for a full year. Leave a line blank if it doesn’t apply.
| Cost | Where to find it | Your yearly figure |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Your declarations page, or ask your agent what this one car adds to the policy | ______ |
| Tabs and registration | Your last renewal notice. DOL says tabs “expire every year” | ______ |
| Parking or storage | Your rent, HOA or storage receipt, if you pay for the space | ______ |
| Loan payment | Your lender’s statement, if there is one | ______ |
| Upkeep to keep it ready | Receipts for batteries, tires and service over the last year | ______ |
| Tickets and tolls on the plate | Any notices. You can’t renew until unpaid tickets or tolling fees are paid | ______ |
| The space itself | Could the driveway or garage be used for something else, or rented? | ______ |
The total is what you are paying to have the car, whether it moves or not. Divide it by how many times you used the car this year and you may be surprised.
The cost you don’t see on a bill
A car that sits usually loses value. Rubber dries, batteries die, and fuel goes stale. Those are general mechanical facts, and how fast they happen depends on the car and where it is kept. Selling this year may bring more than selling after another year of sitting. To see what yours is worth today, read finding your car’s value.
A note on insurance
Do not simply drop coverage to save money without asking first. Ask your insurer these questions:
- “What does this car add to my policy each year?”
- “What are my options if the car is not being driven?”
- “What would I lose if I changed the coverage, for example for theft, fire or a tree falling on it?”
- “What does the law require of me if I keep the plates active?”
This is general information, not insurance advice. Your insurer can explain what fits your situation.
Costs you meet only when something goes wrong
These are not yearly bills, but they are real, and they tend to arrive at a bad time.
| Risk | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Junk storage in Seattle | SDCI says you may not store inoperable vehicles as junk outdoors. The first penalty is $150, and additional violations are $500. SDCI says fines are higher in certain zones, and inspection charges may apply. |
| Street parking in Seattle | A car cannot stay on the same block longer than 72 consecutive hours, regardless of any sign. |
| Expired registration on a public street | More than 45 days is a ground for impound. Failing to renew an expired registration before driving on public highways is an infraction. |
| Abandonment or impound | The last registered owner is presumed liable for removal, storage and disposal costs. |
| Moving a car with expired tabs | A trip permit is $36, good for 3 consecutive days, up to 3 in 30 days per vehicle. |
| A leak on the ground | Ecology’s spill line is 1-800-OILS-911. Read my junk car is leaking. |
Other cities have their own rules. Read code violation notices if one has arrived. Seattle street parking is covered in Seattle’s 72-hour rule.
Weigh it against what you get
A number by itself doesn’t decide anything. Put it next to what the car gives you.
It may be worth keeping if
It is a real backup that starts, your family uses it, it’s a car you love, or you plan to fix it within a set time.
It may be time to let go if
The yearly total would pay for many rental days or rides, the repair keeps getting put off, or the car is creating a code or parking problem.
If it may be time, the keep-or-let-go test helps you decide, and revive it or junk it covers a car that has already sat too long. If you decide it should go and it’s not worth a private sale, we tow for free and pay cash at pickup. See cash for cars or call (206) 941-0612.
Common questions
Official sources
- Washington DOL: Renew or replace vehicle tabs
- Seattle SDCI: Junk storage, cars and illegal dumping rules
- Seattle SDOT: 72-hour on-street parking ordinance
- RCW 46.55.113: impound grounds
- RCW 46.16A.030: registration
- RCW 46.55.105: abandoned vehicles and owner liability
- Washington DOL: Trip permits
- Washington Ecology: Report a spill
This post summarizes official Washington guidance as of November 2, 2026. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees can change, so check the sources above for your situation.
Keep reading
- Washington Junk Car Seller’s GuideEvery guide, sorted by where you are in the decision
- Washington Junk Car Paperwork GuideThe documents you need before pickup
- Car Parked for Years: Revive It or Junk It?
- Your Teen’s First Car Died: What to Do Next
- The Project Car You Will Never Finish
- Buying a New Car: Trade In the Old One or Junk It?
- Moving Away and Stuck With an Old Car
- You Have Stopped Driving: What to Do With the Car
How we can help
4.9 out of 5 from 160 Google reviews · Licensed & insured · 20+ years in business
They made it so easy and fast! I called them gave them all the details and they came within the hour towed the car and gave us cash on the spot will definitely recommend them :)
Very fast service. The tow truck driver was very skilled at getting my SUV out of a tight spot. I appreciate how easy it was to work with this company. Highly recommend 💞
Fast same day service. I just had to make sure we had the title and the truck was clean and we were good to go! Thanks for getting rid of our old truck for free.
If you have any questions please call us at 206-941-0612