Putting your vehicle in storage makes sense for a number of reasons. You may wish to do so ahead of the winter weather here in Wisconsin to protect it. Perhaps you are not going to use your recreational vehicle for a few months and want to protect it. No matter why you plan to store your vehicle, it’s important to do so properly to maintain its value.
Let our team at Billy Brown Insurance be there to help you. Your insurance needs will change during this process, in some cases.
Choose the Right Location
The first step in storing your vehicle is choosing a location. If your son or daughter’s vehicle needs storage while they are away at college; using your garage or a friend’s property may be a good option. This keeps it accessible. For collector’s cars or others where wintertime damage is a big concern, chose a climate-controlled rented storage space. Some specialize in vehicle storage. Compare pricing, and the type of protection the car will receive in those locations.
Update Your Insurance
Your auto insurance needs for your stored vehicle may change during this time. First, consider whether you need to make changes. For those taking a few months off, reducing insurance isn’t necessary or beneficial. It may be more expensive to add the policy back on later.
For vehicles likely to remain in storage for six months or more, especially long-term storage such as elderly owners who no longer drive, you may be able to reduce some coverage. For example, your collision insurance may not be as necessary if the vehicle will not be used.
However, if you have a loan on the car, the lender may require you to maintain collision insurance (as well as comprehensive coverage) even if the vehicle is stored. This helps protect their investment, and it could be a requirement in your loan contract.
Even in storage, it’s important to maintain comprehensive auto insurance. This is a low-cost option that keeps your vehicle protected from things like vandalism, fire, and storms – all risks that can occur even for a vehicle that’s not in use.
Putting Your Car in Storage
As you get ready to put your car in storage, there are a few things to think about for the vehicle itself. First, be sure it’s in decent shape – you will want to be able to restart the car when the time comes. Also, consider these tips:
- Protect the vehicle from insects. You can use mothballs and other types of insect repellants around your home.
- Cover the vehicle with a tarp. This can help reduce damage to the paint.
- Check the fluids going into storage (and coming out later). You want to be sure the antifreeze is filled. Also consider adding Sta-Bil to the gas, which can help keep it safe to use.
Your mechanic may wish to give you some tips based on the vehicle itself. For example, be sure to clean out recreational vehicles to minimize the risk of mold or mildew later on. Collector’s vehicles may benefit from being elevated off the ground.
Pulling the Car Out of Storage
Before you take the car out of storage, call your insurance agent at Billy Brown Insurance. We will help you get your insurance coverage up to date so you can operate the vehicle on the roads. You also want to be sure the car is in overall good shape before you take it out. Check the fluids, wiper blades, and brakes before doing so.
With the right type of vehicle storage insurance, you can save some money and keep your car protected. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you don’t need any coverage.
