Own a vehicle that you don’t plan on driving for at least a few months? It’s time to put it into long-term storage.
That seems easy enough, right?
Well, it is, and it isn’t. Proper long-term storage of a vehicle — whether it’s an older car, a brand-new car, a motorcycle, an RV, or a classic collectible — requires some preparation.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. In the following article, find out everything you need to know about the right way to store a vehicle long-term, including information on how to change or alter your insurance policy for optimal protection and savings.
Find a Proper Storage Location
There are many storage facilities specifically created for vehicle storage. The facility should be safe and secure, have good reviews, and be within your budget. Remember that you’ll need to pay a monthly fee.
If you cannot find a storage facility that meets your needs or your budget, you can store your vehicle any place indoors. In Wisconsin, it’s simply not a good idea to store your vehicle outside if you can avoid it.
A barn or outbuilding with a concrete floor or your garage is good options. Just remember that in these storage locations, pests and critters could be a problem. You’d be wise to put cotton swabs soaked in peppermint oil or mothballs in and around your vehicle to deter mice and other rodents from entering it or going near it. Sticking a steel wall ball in the exhaust pipe is another good preventative measure, but don’t forget to remove it once you return to your vehicle.
Contact an Insurance Agent to Discuss Your Options
A knowledgeable insurance agent can help you decide whether or not your current policy will be best for the duration of your vehicle’s storage. In some cases, removing collision coverage may be an option that could save you money — just remember that you’ll need to consider how much you’re paying monthly for collision damage and how long your vehicle will actually be in storage; sometimes, the savings isn’t worth the hassle and lapse in coverage.
Also, removal of collision coverage actually may not be an option in the first place for you. This is true if you still have a loan out on your vehicle. Lenders don’t allow collision coverage to be removed while the vehicle is still being paid off.
Lastly, if you’re thinking about removing comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, think again. This is exactly the kind of coverage that you want to have while your vehicle is being stored. If a fire or building collapse were to occur and you didn’t have comprehensive coverage, you’d be responsible for paying for everything out-of-pocket. Comprehensive coverage also protects against theft, vandalism, and other disastrous events.
Properly Maintain Your Vehicle Before Storage
Take care of your vehicle before storing it by filling up the gas tank and adding a fuel to stabilizer like (STA-BIL), filling up all of the tires to the maximum capacity (this prevents flat spots), filling up all vehicle fluids, changing the oil, changing the air filter, and hooking the battery up to a battery tender.
Last but not least, clean your vehicle. Vacuum the seats and floors inside, and wash and wax the outside. This is just good storage practice, but it will also prevent long-term damage from small spots and stains that are left for the duration of the storage period.
When it comes to auto insurance, we know you have questions you need answered. Fortunately, at G&L Insurance, our friendly and knowledgeable agents can always help. For more information about vehicle storage and auto insurance, give us a call today or stop in to see us any time!
