If you are leaving your home for an extended period of time and you won’t be taking your vehicle with you, it may be in your best interest to put it in storage. Likewise, if you own seasonal vehicles or you have an elderly relative who has recently stopped driving, you may be interested in temporary storage for a vehicle.
Before storing a vehicle for any reason, consider each of the issues below.
Preparing the Vehicle
No vehicle should be placed in short-term or long-term storage without proper preparation. Before storing your vehicle for any length of time:
1. Check the vehicle’s fluid levels.
You should never store a vehicle without first checking all of its fluid levels to make sure they are in the proper ranges. These fluid levels should be checked again before the vehicle is removed from storage and driven.
2. Prepare the battery for storage.
When a vehicle is not started on a regular basis, its battery will lose charge over time. You can prevent this issue by disconnecting the negative battery cable. However, disconnecting this cable is likely to cause your car to lose certain settings, such as radio presets. Alternatively, you can prevent the battery from losing charge by making sure the vehicle is started once every two weeks.
3. Stabilize the fuel.
Before putting a vehicle into storage, top off the fuel tank. You should also add a stabilizer to the fuel to prevent it from deteriorating while the vehicle is out of use.
4. Protect the vehicle from animal-related damage.
Small animals, such as rats and mice, are often tempted to enter vehicles in storage. Unfortunately, their presence can lead to significant damage. Reduce the risk of this type of damage by sealing all of the gaps where small animals could enter. You should also place mothballs around the vehicle to repel rodents.
Choosing a Location
Before you can store your vehicle, you must choose an appropriate storage location. If you would rather not store your vehicle on your property, renting storage space is one of the most popular options. Renting a storage unit offers several advantages, including a safer location with security and the possibility of climate control. However, you will be required to pay a rental fee. Be sure to consider all aspects of this issue carefully before you decide where you will store the vehicle.
Saving Money on Insurance
If you aren’t planning to drive a vehicle, you may be wondering whether you can save money by canceling the insurance policy. However, even when your vehicle is in storage, it is still at risk. For example, the vehicle could be stolen or vandalized. It could also be damaged in a fire or another type of disaster. For this reason, it is wise to maintain comprehensive coverage on the vehicle even while it is out of operation.
It may be possible to save some money by suspending collision coverage as long as the vehicle won’t be driven. However, if you have a lender who requires you to keep this type of insurance, this option won’t work for you.
The best way to decide how to handle insurance coverage for a car in storage is to speak with an experienced agent. Please contact Lillie-Couch Insurance today to learn more.
