It’s not unreasonable to need to store your vehicle. Sometimes, you just do not need it. Other times, you need a way to protect its value. In these situations, it may be best to find a way to safeguard your vehicle out of the Kansas weather properly. At Integrity Insurance Agency, we recognize that sometimes our vehicle owners do not need full coverage on their stored vehicle. And, our insurance agents are happy to help you adjust that coverage.
But, before you store the vehicle, there are a few things to consider about the process to help minimize any risk that the vehicle could be damaged.
Pick the Right Type of Storage
There are some situations where your garage is good enough. This is a good option if you need short-term storage, such as just a few months. In this case, be sure to start the car every few weeks to make sure the engine remains in good condition. And, be sure to cover the vehicle. If you have room in your garage or a friend’s garage, you still need to prep the car for storage. Cover it, take out the battery, and top off the fluids.
What about for longer-term needs, though? Many drivers need long-term storage for vehicles such as:
- RVs
- Watercraft
- Collector’s vehicles
- Sports cars
- Motorcycles
- Cars they no longer use
In these cases, it may be best to consider a rental storage facility. These locations cost a bit more, but they can provide a higher level of protection for your car. For example, they should be climate-controlled. This can help protect the paint and overall functional systems of the car. They should also be pest-free. That is not something easy to do in an at-home garage. Also look at the level and type of security there. The best locations offer ample protection to your vehicle.
Getting the Insurance Right
The next step is to consider your auto insurance needs while your vehicle is in storage. It may be possible to save some money by reducing the type of coverage you have. But, there are a few limitations here.
Do You Have a Loan?
If you have a loan on the vehicle, or you have a lease on it, you may not be able to reduce your coverage. Your lender may require you to maintain full coverage on the car throughout the loan period. And, that means you should keep comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance on the car.
Do You Plan to Move the Vehicle at All?
If you do not plan to move the vehicle for months at a time, you may be able to remove collision insurance from your coverage. This type of coverage only offers protection when the vehicle collides with other objects. You may also be able to get rid of general liability insurance, which protects other drivers if you cause an accident. However, it is a state law that you maintain coverage if the vehicle is operated on the road.
Is the Vehicle of Value?
Finally, any vehicle that has value should keep comprehensive auto insurance on it. This type of coverage provides financial protection to you from events that are accidental and unavoidable. This includes fires, theft, and vandalism. Your comprehensive coverage remains valuable even while the car is in storage.
Finally, if you store your vehicle over any length of time, be sure to call Integrity Insurance Agency after you do so. And, let us know when you are ready to put your policies back in place and drive your car again. Let our team help you keep your vehicle safe.
