It does not seem hard to do, but vehicle storage is not always as simple as it seems. Most vehicles require a bit of attention before you store them. And, you also need to consider your auto insurance for a vehicle in storage. In Minnesota, we often recommend that our clients give us a call before they put their vehicle into storage to allow our agents to provide some important information before doing so. Here’s what you need to know.
First, Choose the Right Location
Where you store your vehicle plays a role in just how safe it will be throughout the time it is there. Here are a few key examples to keep in mind:
- Vehicles of high value, such as collector’s cars, should always be in climate-controlled locations with ample security.
- When choosing storage for a motorcycle, be sure it is off the ground if possible. This helps protect the tires and minimizes damage from flooding.
- For storage for your student’s cars, while they are at school, it can work well to use your garage or a friend, but only if it is short term.
- For RVs, large storage areas with protection from the elements are recommended. Look for those that are pest-free, too.
Always consider costs, but also the amount of protection each location can provide. Protection from the elements, pests, flooding risks, and storm damage tends to be important.
Second, Get Insurance Set
The next step in the process is to make sure your auto insurance matches your risks for your vehicle. There are a few key things to keep in mind here.
- All vehicles should maintain comprehensive auto insurance. It can help cover losses associated with vandalism, theft, and storms, should they occur when your vehicle is in storage.
- You may not need to cover your vehicle for liability or collisions – this can help you save some money. Only choose this option, though, if you are confident your vehicle will never be on the road.
- If you lease your car or you have a loan on it, you may have to maintain full coverage. Be sure to maintain the type of coverage you need based on your loan’s requirements.
It is always beneficial to have comprehensive coverage on your car. If you just happen to want to take it for a drive on a rare warm day in January, you may not be able to do so without coverage.
Finally, Get It Ready
It is never a good idea to just park your car and forget about it. Instead, prep it. To do this, consider these tips:
- Be sure to cover it while in storage to protect the paint.
- Add a fuel additive like Sta-Bil to keep the gas in safe condition over long periods of non-use.
- Be sure your RV’s waste system and water tanks are emptied and cleaned out.
- Remove the battery on your vehicle. Keep it off the ground while storing it.
- Top off all of the fluids. In our area, this means making sure there’s antifreeze in place.
- Remove any type of debris from it, especially the tires and body on your motorcycles.
Taking these steps can help protect your car. When the time comes to get the vehicle back on the road, call us first. At Andreotti Agency, we can generally activate your proper auto insurance again quickly, making sure your vehicle is safe before you get out onto the road. Remember, that’s a necessary step before you take the vehicle out again.
