It’s that time of the year again. The RVs are going to storage. The motorcycles cannot be ridden for at least another four or five months. Vehicle storage becomes something you start thinking about here in Wisconsin. Our team at Glass Insurance Center wants you to know that, to protect your assets, you really need a plan. Here’s how to make it work.
Determine the Best Storage Location First
The most important first step you can take is to get vehicle storage locations figured out. You could use a friend’s garage or your garage. Or, you could consider a rental facility. There are several things to think about before deciding.
- High-end, valuable vehicles require security, a dry place, and a pest-free location. Any type of highly valuable vehicle needs to be in storage like this. A rented location can be ideal because it is better climate controlled. Use this option for collector’s vehicles, sports cars, and prized vehicles.
- Short-term rentals in your garage could be good enough. If your college student needs a place to store the car while away at school, doing so in the garage with a tarp over it may be just enough.
- For RVs, choose an offsite location where the vehicle can be placed inside. While it may not need to be as airtight as other locations, you still want ample security and moisture control.
- For motorcycles, any location is ideal as long as the bike stays dry, though elevating it off the ground is best for the tires.
- For those who do not plan to use a car for a long time, such as an elderly person’s vehicle they no longer drive, consider rental units. They just provide more security and protection.
Once you find the right location, start preparing the vehicle. To do this, remove the battery, clean out any waste and water reservoirs and top up the fluids. You may also want to add a product like Sta-Bil to the gas tank to keep it stabilized. And, be sure the car is in good condition going in.
Adjusting Your Auto Insurance for a Stored Vehicle
Storing a vehicle changes its risk level. These vehicles are still at risk, though.
Comprehensive Insurance Is Valuable
Removing all of your auto insurance is never advisable. A fire, vandalism, or even theft of a stored car can occur and leave you without any type of protection for your vehicle’s value. Comprehensive auto insurance is the best investment in this case.
Leased or Vehicle with a Loan?
If you have a vehicle with a loan or it is leased, this can increase your needs for comprehensive coverage. You also need to keep collision insurance in place. Your contracts will likely require this.
Collision Insurance for Non-Moving Vehicles
If a vehicle is not going to be moved for any reason, you may be able to get rid of collision insurance. This could help you to reduce your costs overall. You also may find general liability insurance is also less necessary if the vehicle is never moved.
Getting Your Car Out of Storage
When you want to use your car again, you may need to have it checked over by your mechanic. Be sure the tires and brakes are in good working order before taking it out onto the street. You also want to give our team at Glass Insurance Center a call. Our car insurance agents are available to assist you in getting coverage back on your vehicle. Don’t drive it until you talk to our team.
