Do you need to insure your car if it just sits in the yard?

Hail, a fallen tree, or a parking lot accident — who will cover the damage?

Even if your car is parked in the yard most of the time, it is still exposed to risks. Natural disasters (e.g., hail), falling trees, or random accidents in the parking lot can cause serious damage. Who will compensate for the losses in such cases? Let's explore various car insurance programs offered by IC "Misto" and their features – from mandatory liability insurance (OSCPV) to full CASCO.

OSCPV and Voluntary Liability Insurance (DCV)

Mandatory third-party liability insurance (OSCPV) is a policy required by law, but it primarily protects the driver against liability to third parties. In other words, an OSCPV insurance payout covers damage caused to another person's property or health as a result of a traffic accident. OSCPV payouts are limited: currently up to UAH 250,000 for property damage and UAH 500,000 for personal injury or death.

If your car is damaged by another driver, their OSCPV policy will compensate your loss – but only within these limits. For example, if your vehicle is damaged for UAH 320,000, the liable party's OSCPV will cover a maximum of UAH 250,000, and you'll need to cover the remaining UAH 70,000 in other ways.

Voluntary third-party liability insurance (DCV) is an additional policy that increases the OSCPV payout limit. It covers the gap if the mandatory coverage isn’t enough. DCV provides extra financial protection: you choose the additional coverage amount (from UAH 100,000 to UAH 1.5 million), and if necessary, that money will be used to compensate the portion exceeding the OSCPV limit. The cost of this policy is relatively low – about UAH 200 to UAH 1,200 per year depending on the coverage.

DCV is not mandatory but highly recommended for drivers. If you are at fault in a serious accident, this additional liability will protect both your wallet and the peace of mind of those involved. And if your car is the one damaged, having DCV in the other party’s insurance ensures you receive compensation beyond the OSCPV limits.

ℹ️ Note: Neither OSCPV nor DCV covers damage to your own car. These are liability coverages for others, not protection for your vehicle. To cover your car in cases with no liable party or due to natural damage, you need CASCO-type policies.

Mini-CASCO – Budget-Friendly Protection from Accidents

Mini-CASCO is a simplified type of auto insurance from IC "Misto" that covers one main risk – traffic accidents. This policy compensates for repairs or restoration of your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed in a traffic accident, regardless of who was at fault. Unlike OSCPV, Mini-CASCO protects your own vehicle – even if you are the one who caused the accident.

This is especially relevant for parking lots: if someone hits your parked car and flees, the Mini-CASCO policy allows you to repair it without needing to find the perpetrator.

However, Mini-CASCO only covers traffic accidents. Other risks such as natural disasters, falling objects, or vandalism are not included. In other words, Mini-CASCO will not compensate for hail damage or a fallen tree, nor will it cover theft or arson – full CASCO covers those risks. This narrower coverage makes Mini-CASCO significantly cheaper than full CASCO. It's ideal for car owners looking to save and who have relatively inexpensive or used vehicles but still want protection against common accident scenarios.

Terms and Price:
The Mini-CASCO policy at IC "Misto" has fixed insured amounts and rates. The maximum coverage is up to UAH 200,000, regardless of the actual vehicle value. This means that even if your car is worth more, the maximum payout will be UAH 200,000 (important to consider for new or luxury vehicles). However, the policy price is very attractive – around UAH 3,000–5,000 per year. IC "Misto" states that the annual premium starts from ~UAH 3,000 (depending on the selected coverage and deductible). You can choose a zero deductible or UAH 2,000 to save on premiums.

The policy is valid throughout Ukraine (excluding active combat zones). It is important to follow traffic and vehicle maintenance rules, as gross violations (e.g., driving on summer tires in winter or running a red light) may lead to denial of payment under Mini-CASCO.

Full CASCO – Maximum Protection from All Risks

CASCO is comprehensive insurance for your vehicle. Unlike Mini-CASCO, a full CASCO policy covers a wide range of risks: not just traffic accidents but also other sudden and unforeseen events. IC "Misto" explicitly states that their CASCO policy protects against accidents, unlawful actions by third parties (vandalism, part theft), natural disasters (e.g., hail, storms, floods), car theft, fire, or explosions. So with CASCO, you receive financial compensation for almost any damage to your vehicle – whether a branch falls during a storm, hail dents your roof, or someone scratches the door in a parking lot.

Of course, the policy doesn’t cover wear and tear, intentional damage by the owner, or violations of policy terms (e.g., driving under the influence). But all major risks that can realistically harm a vehicle are included in CASCO.

Main advantage: Full vehicle value is protected. The insured amount under CASCO usually equals the market price of the car, so in the event of total loss or theft, you receive nearly full compensation. You can customize the policy to your needs: choose the deductible amount (zero or partial), coverage territory (IC "Misto" allows Europe), and additional options.

For example, standard CASCO conditions at IC "Misto" cover not only Ukraine but all of Europe (except aggressor states). This is convenient for those who travel abroad in their own car.

CASCO costs more, as coverage is broader. The insurance premium is calculated as a percentage of the vehicle value (around 3.7–4.4% depending on conditions). For a car worth UAH 600,000, full CASCO might cost UAH 22,000–26,000 per year. It is more expensive than Mini-CASCO but provides much greater protection.

IMPORTANT: Many insurers, including IC "Misto", now offer an option to include war risks in CASCO. For an additional premium, you can insure your vehicle against damage caused by military actions – a relevant feature in current realities that is worth considering.

Conclusion: Should you insure a parked car?
Yes, absolutely. Just because a car sits in the yard and rarely moves doesn’t mean it’s safe. Bad weather, falling trees, or parking incidents can happen anytime.

OSCPV only covers your liability to others and is the legal minimum. DCV provides a financial backup in case of a serious accident where you're at fault, ensuring other drivers are fully compensated. Mini-CASCO offers low-cost coverage for your car in case of common accidents – ideal for budget vehicles or city drivers. Full CASCO is the best solution for expensive cars or those seeking maximum protection: compensation for all damage types, including weather and vandalism.

So even if your car simply sits near your home, insurance protects you from costly surprises. Choose a program that matches your car’s value and your needs – from budget-friendly Mini-CASCO to full CASCO with extended options. Your peace of mind is worth a few thousand hryvnias per year – especially when compared to repair costs after a storm or a falling tree.

Your car deserves reliable protection – even on quiet days in the parking lot.