Carport vs Garage Insurance: Which Costs Less?
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about how parking structures may affect insurance costs. It is not financial advice. Insurance premiums vary by provider, location, and individual circumstances. Always consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation. Premium estimates are based on industry observations and may not reflect current rates.
Quick Answer: Garages reduce insurance costs the most due to higher security and full weather protection. Carports still offer savings compared to street parking but don’t provide full enclosure. Premium differences vary by insurer, car value, and crime rates.
How Do Carports and Garages Affect Your Insurance Costs?
Garages usually cost less to insure than carports. That’s the bottom line.
The difference comes down to security and protection. A garage surrounds your car with walls and a lockable door. A carport keeps rain off but leaves your vehicle exposed on the sides.
Insurers reward you for reducing risk. The more protection you provide, the better your premium looks.
What Do Insurers Look at When You Park Under Cover?
Insurers assess several factors when you mention covered parking:
- Access control – How easily can someone reach your car?
- Weather protection – Does the structure shield against rain, hail, and wind?
- Attachment to property – Is it part of your home or standalone?
- Local crime rates – What's the theft risk in your postcode?
- Construction materials – Do they resist weather and forced entry?
- Each factor influences how much risk the insurer sees. Lower risk means lower premiums.
What's the Structural Difference Between a Carport and a Garage?
Most people picture this instantly:
A carport is basically a roof held up by posts. Airy. Open. Convenient. You can drive straight in and out without touching a handle. They do a solid job blocking rain and harsh sun, but it doesn’t hide your car from view.
A garage, meanwhile, is the classic four-wall setup with a door that locks. The materials alone such as brick and concrete send the message that your car is tucked away safely where most opportunists won’t bother trying.
Those structural details matter far more to insurers than most drivers realise.
How Much Can You Save on Insurance with Each Option?
Once you stop parking on the street and move under cover, you usually notice a change on your renewal.
Here’s the typical picture:
Typical Premium Impact:
- Street parking – Baseline (0% reduction)
- Carport – 5–10% lower than street parking
- Garage – 10–20% lower than street parking
Some insurers offer fixed discounts for “garaged vehicles”, while others break it down into detailed risk scoring. But the trend is clear: the more effort someone has to make to reach your car, the safer it is.
Why Do Garages Reduce Insurance Costs More Than Carports?
Garages tick boxes that a carport simply can’t.
- Physical barriers — Someone can’t wander up to your car without dealing with a door.
- Deterrent effect — Thieves generally hate anything that slows them down or makes noise.
- All-round insulation — Garages block wind, hail, debris and sudden cold snaps.
Carports do great with overhead weather, but sideways rain and wandering hands remain a problem. Insurers know how often claims happen in each environment, and that data gets baked into your premium.
How Do Weather and Security Features Impact Your Premium?
British weather is unpredictable. And that’s on a good day.
Rain, wind, hail, and frost all cause damage. A carport blocks direct rainfall but not wind-driven rain or flying debris during storms. A garage shields your car from all angles.
Security features that lower premiums:
- Lockable garage doors
- Integrated lighting
- Alarm systems
- CCTV coverage
- Solid wall construction
Each addition tells insurers you're serious about protection. They reward this with better rates.
Can You Use These Structures for More Than Parking?
Absolutely — and the way you use them can subtly reinforce responsible ownership.
Carports are great for:
- Bikes
- Tools
- Quick outdoor jobs
- Keeping deliveries dry
Garages take things further:
- Workshops
- Hobby rooms
- Secure long-term storage
- Extra space for valuables
Insurers tend to view well-maintained, multi-purpose secure spaces as a sign that you take care of your belongings.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Carport or Garage?
Carports
Many carports fall under permitted development rights in the UK. If your structure meets these criteria, you typically don't need planning permission:
- Under 30 square metres in size
- Positioned behind your home's front wall
- No more than 2.5 metres high (if within 2 metres of a boundary)
- Single-storey construction
Always check with your local council. Conservation areas and listed buildings have stricter rules.
Garages
Garages usually require planning permission because they're larger and more permanent. You'll need approval if your garage:
- Exceeds permitted development size limits
- Attaches to your house
- Sits forward of the principal elevation
- Includes living space above
Building regulations also apply. Electrical work, structural integrity, and fire safety must meet current standards. Proper compliance keeps your insurance valid.
What Does Each Structure Cost to Build?
Carports range from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on:
- Size and design
- Materials chosen
- Site preparation needs
- Installation complexity
Garages cost between £10,000 and £30,000, influenced by:
- Construction method (prefab vs brick-built)
- Size and height
- Foundation requirements
- Electrical and lighting installation
- Door type and security features
The price gap is significant, but so is the difference in protection and longevity.
Which Structure Adds More Value to Your Home?
Garages typically add more property value.
Most garages return 10–15% of their construction cost in added home value. Buyers see them as proper assets that improve storage, security, and flexibility.
Carports add value too, usually around 5–10% of build cost. They're viewed as practical but less substantial improvements.
Both help when selling your home, but garages appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Which Should You Choose for Your Property?
Your decision depends on three main factors.
Budget – Can you afford the upfront cost of a garage, or does a carport make more financial sense now?
Security needs – How much do you worry about theft and vandalism in your area?
Long-term plans – Will you stay in this home long enough to benefit from a garage's added value?
If you want:
- Lower construction costs and quick installation → Choose a carport
- Maximum security and insurance savings → Choose a garage
- The best weather protection available → Choose a garage
- A flexible covered space for multiple uses → Choose a carport
Think about your car's value, your postcode's crime rate, and how often you use your vehicle. Both options beat street parking, but garages deliver stronger long-term benefits.
FAQ
How does a fully enclosed garage affect insurance?
A garage reduces risk by blocking access and protecting against weather. Insurers typically offer 10–20% lower premiums compared to street parking.
What's the biggest security difference between a carport and a garage?
A garage has lockable doors and four walls. A carport only has a roof, leaving your car accessible from all sides.
Do I need planning permission for a carport or garage?
Carports often qualify as permitted development if they meet size and position requirements. Garages usually need formal planning approval. Check with your local council before building.
Which structure adds more value to my home?
Garages add more value, typically returning 10–15% of construction cost. Carports add 5–10%. Both improve property appeal.
Are construction costs very different?
Yes. Carports cost £1,500–£5,000 to build. Garages range from £10,000–£30,000 due to materials, foundations, and regulations.
Can I use these structures for more than parking?
Absolutely. Carports work well for covered storage of bikes and tools. Garages make excellent workshops, storage rooms, or hobby spaces. Insurers view multi-use secure spaces positively.
