Before the weather turns really bad, many property owners take full advantage of vehicle storage options in our area. Storing your classic car, motorcycle, or even your RV makes sense. Other clients need long-term storage for their college student’s car or an elderly parent’s vehicle they no longer drive. When it is time to store a vehicle, there are a few key things you need to know. Our auto insurance team is here to help you make the right decisions about your vehicle.
Storage Options Compared
You do have several options available for storing your vehicle. That is a good thing. It ensures you get the type of storage you need specifically. Here are a few options to consider.
Storing It in Your Garage
Your garage works well for basic vehicles as well as those requiring short-term storage, such as a college student’s vehicle. Use your garage properly. That means ensuring it is sealed off from the elements. Be sure to cover the vehicle well. This gives you some protection against damage. If you plan to store a motorcycle in your garage, try to elevate it a foot or so off the ground for protection.
Storage Rental Locations
Another option is to rent a storage space for your vehicle. This tends to be the ideal option for any type of valuable car or long-term storage need. For example, this is best for RVs, watercraft, classic cars, trucks not in use, and other vehicles important to you. When choosing this option, look for a climate-controlled location to minimize moisture. You also want to ensure it is well protected from leaks and pests. It costs a bit more, but this can be valuable to you nonetheless. Be sure security is tight here, too.
Insurance Concerns
Storing your vehicle is a good thing, but you also want to take into consideration your insurance needs during this time. It’s important to know that storing a vehicle does not mean you should not have coverage on it. In fact, because it will be out of sight for some time, now is a very important time to maintain coverage. Here’s a closer look.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive auto insurance can help cover losses from unavoidable instances. This includes things like storm damage, vandalism, and theft. Most vehicles, whether in storage or not, can benefit from this if they are valuable enough to you. If you have a loan or are leasing the car, your agreement likely requires you to maintain this type of coverage.
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance may not be necessary for vehicles you plan to store long term. If you have a leased car or one with a loan on it, though, you may be required to maintain this coverage.
Liability Insurance
It is always wise to maintain this coverage just in case you need to take the vehicle out at some point. However, if you do not operate the vehicle on public roads, you may not have to carry it. Let us make sure of this when you give us a call.
Choosing the right type of auto insurance for your stored vehicle is important. We always recommend that you take the time to secure your car, protect its value, and be sure it is in good condition before you store it. Then, when the time comes to get your car back onto the road, give our team at Patriot Insurance a call. We are happy to get the insurance back on it so you can drive it again without the risks or liability concerns.
