agent: Why would you want to continue coverage when you don't own a car?
me: Because I've had the issue in the past where it is considered a "lapse in policy" even though I didn't own a car in the interim.
agent: Oh, that doesn't make sense. If you don't own a car, why would you need coverage?
me: I didn't think it made sense either, but it bit me before, so I'm trying to protect myself now.
agent: Let me contact the underwriter and see what we can do.
[time passes, agent calls back.]
agent: Wow, you are right. They will penalize you for the lapse in coverage, but there is no way to fill that gap unless you're on someone else's policy.
So, yes, I have confirmation that the insurance industry penalizes you for a lapse of insurance, DESPITE NOT HAVING A CAR TO PUT IT ON. Is that messed up or what?