You may decide to put a vehicle into storage for many different reasons. For example, you may plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, which means that you won’t need the vehicle. You may also decide to store a vehicle temporarily if you only use it seasonally. Regardless of the reason you have for storing your vehicle, you should consider several different issues before you lock the vehicle away.
General Considerations
Perhaps one of the most important issues to consider when preparing to store a vehicle is the location you will choose for storage. For example, you may decide to put the vehicle into storage on your property or the property of a friend. Alternatively, you may decide to rent a storage facility for your vehicle.
Each of these options has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, it is less expensive to store the vehicle on your property or a friend’s property than it is to rent a storage unit. However, if you choose a reputable, locked storage facility, your vehicle may be safer with a rental unit. Also, if you are storing your vehicle during one of Wisconsin’s harsher seasons, you may be able to find a climate-controlled rental unit for additional protection.
Insurance Considerations
Before putting your vehicle into storage, be sure to review your insurance coverage carefully. In many cases, you will be able to save some money on insurance by making subtle adjustments while the vehicle isn’t being used. For example, you may be able to save some money on your insurance coverage by removing collision coverage temporarily. However, you should keep your comprehensive coverage in place to prevent losses due to fire, vandalism or other similar events.
If you are thinking of canceling your collision coverage and you have a loan on your vehicle, be sure to check with your lender to make sure that your loan doesn’t require you to maintain this type of coverage.
Also, it is important to remember to tell your agent when you are ready to take your vehicle out of storage so coverage can be re-established. Otherwise, you won’t have the coverage you need in the event of an accident.
Practical Considerations
When putting a vehicle away in storage, there are practical issues to consider as well. Some of these issues include:
- Protection from animals – If your vehicle is in a location where it may be vulnerable to animals, such as mice and rodents, you should make an effort to repel them. One of the best ways to do this is to put mothballs in your vehicle, as the smell tends to drive these animals away.
- Checking fluids – Before you store your vehicle and before you begin driving it again after removing it from storage, be sure to check all fluid levels.
- Stabilizing gasoline – Consider adding a fuel additive like Sta-Bil to your tank to prevent the fuel from deteriorating while the car is in storage.
- Preparing the battery – If the car is not started for a long period of time, the battery will lose charge. To prevent this problem, consider asking someone to start the car every two weeks. Alternatively, you can disconnect the negative battery cable.
If a vehicle won’t be used for an extended period of time, storing it properly is essential. By following the tips above, you can be sure that your vehicle is safe and protected from loss. To discuss vehicle insurance needs, please contact Stauffer-Klug Insurance today.
