It’s that time of the year again when many of our clients are putting away some of their recreational vehicles. For those in the Scottsdale area, vehicle storage is a big deal. Whether you have a vehicle you are just not going to use for a few months, or you have a high-end RV, it’s important to keep your property protected. A part of our job at Don Neeley Agency is to help you do this, with proper insurance coverage along the way.
What Do You Need to Know About Vehicle Storage?
If you do not plan to drive your vehicle, putting it in storage can help protect it from the elements, theft, and general wear and tear. But, there are a few things to know. In Arizona, protecting it from wind storms is important, for example. How you do that matters.
Where You Store Your Vehicle Matters
Some people may choose to store their vehicle long-term on their property. Your garage, or that of your friend, is an okay option. However, it’s essential to consider whether the space is airtight and secure. Remember, this is still a very valuable asset. If you choose a rented storage facility, be sure to learn about the liability they take on. If something happens to your car, will you be reimbursed? The details are all in the contract you sign.
Consider Insurance Needs
Even if your car is in storage, you may still need to have insurance on it. If you do not plan to drive the vehicle and are confident it will not be on the road, you may no longer need to have general liability insurance. The only time this is acceptable is if you are confident no one will use the vehicle for an extended period of time. And, you may be tempted to drop all types of coverage. That can be a mistake for several reasons.
- For vehicles not used for a short period of time, such as when your student is away at college, the cost to put insurance back on the vehicle when they come back will likely be higher than just maintaining a policy from the start.
- If you have a loan on the vehicle, your lender may require you to maintain comprehensive coverage, even when in storage. Until you pay off the car loan, motorcycle loan, or other debt, be sure to maintain coverage.
- And, if you have a valuable asset, such as a collector’s vehicle, you still need to protect its value. Property insurance here, including comprehensive damage, is still very valuable.
Nearly all vehicles in storage should still maintain comprehensive coverage. It can help minimize financial loss from fires, theft, vandalism, or other types of losses which still can occur.
Tips for Storing Your Vehicle and Taking It Out of Storage
If you are planning to store your vehicle, here are a few tips to make sure you give it the best opportunity:
- Be sure the location you choose is insect-safe. That means ensuring it is airtight when possible.
- Check on the fluids. Be sure there are enough fluids present to allow the car to restart later.
- Use an additive to the gas tank, such as Sta-Bil, to help stabilize the liquid over the long term.
When the time comes to remove the vehicle from storage; make your insurance company your first call. Then, be sure to check the battery, fluids, and overall condition of the car before taking it out onto the road. Ensuring your car is safe to drive is important since you may not know what’s happened after that long break.
