As a collector, you either spend years saving, searching for, and restoring your dream car or, if you’re lucky enough, spending the cash for a showroom-quality specimen. In either case, you’ll want to protect your investment at all costs.
When it comes to a classic car’s storage, your investment isn’t the only thing at play here. With most collector car insurance policies, how you store your vehicle can play a role in your rates, and your ability to be insured.
Where Should You Store Your Classic Car
When looking into vehicle storage options, it is important that you understand the benefits, drawbacks and cost associated with each storage method. While most classic car insurance policies outline their requirements for vehicle storage, it can be hard to tell which one will work best for you.
When it comes to classic vehicle storage, there are two options for you – long-term storage and short-term storage.
Short-term storage works well if you only need to keep your car protected throughout the harsh winter months or frequently take it out for pleasure drives.
Long-term storage is great for cars that will primarily be put in car shows. A long-term storage facility will ensure your car is safe and protected year-round.
Let’s explore some of the most common storage methods for classic and antique cars.
Home Garage
Home garage storage is a great short-term storage plan for most car enthusiasts. Self storage in a garage allows you to have easy access to your collectors vehicle whenever you want, protect your car from the weather and doesn’t cost you anything. Additionally, you will have a fair level of moisture fluctuation.
Overall, the home garage storage method is a great low cost and protective option for those that don’t want to be away from their car for too long. You can also upgrade your auto storage facilities as needed.
Classic Car Storage Facility
If you don’t want to store your car at home, there are classic car storage units around the country that you can easily rent out on a month-to-month basis. Dedicated storage facilities are certainly one of the safest ways to store your cars, but there are a few caveats that come with this as well.
On the plus side, collector car storage facilities are convenient, providing drive-up service and 24-7 access to your car. These facilities are climate and moisture controlled as well, which provides you with the peace of mind that your car is safe from mold and rust. Some even have drainage in the floor, allowing you to wash your vehicle inside, which is especially helpful for winter drives where salt and sand are a concern.
On the downside, the rental costs for a professional facility add up over time. You’ll also need to drive over to the storage space any time you want to check on your car or take it for a ride.
Private Buildings
Arguably the best collector car off-premise storage option, a private building is another insurer-approved solution. You could store your car in a building on or off your property, and the benefits of this type of storage will vary depending on the type of building.
A detached garage or barn are popular options, with a detached garage typically providing the most protection. Carports can provide protection against the sun and snow, but not against all elements like moisture fluctuation, so they’re a less desirable solution for collectible car storage.
Other Top Storage Tips for Classic & Antique Cars
We’ve been sharing your passion and excitement for antique cars since the hobby first captivated us over 40 years ago. As devoted and knowledgeable car lovers who appreciate details, here are our best tips for storing your collector car.
Fill Your Tank (and Treat it, Too)
This tip is especially useful when moving into the winter months. Before storing your car for a short period of time, you’ll want to fill up your gas tank. This can help reduce fuel contamination and the risk of rust.
Use A Car Cover
No matter how long you’re storing your car for – even if it’s just a few hours, you should use a car cover. Car covers can help reduce dust, scratches and other small cosmetic damages that your car can incur during storage. This is especially important if you don’t have access to climate-controlled car storage.
Get an Oil Change
Remember to change your car’s oil and filter before storing it for the winter. By doing so, you can reduce the chance of contaminants degrading the engine over the winter. Plus, it ensures you’re ready to go in the spring.
Park on a Moisture Barrier
Using a moisture barrier can help prevent moisture from the floor contributing to rust, mold, and rot in a vehicle’s undercarriage. You can do this by placing a large plastic sheet between your storage unit or garage’s concrete floor and the vehicle’s underside.
Get a Car Lift
Have you considered a car lift for your garage? 2 and 4-post lifts are quite affordable these days, and allow those with high ceilings to be able to utilize that extra space for car storage. Some modifications to your current garage door track may be necessary, but a simple solution like a Jackshaft door opener is an easy option for most.
And for those who live in flood-prone areas, the added benefit of a car lift may save your classic car from rising waters.
Remove the Battery
When storing for the season, always make sure to remove the car’s battery, starting with the negative terminal. Store the battery somewhere safe, dry, and off the floor. Or, if you have power where the car is stored, leave the battery inside the car and hook it up to a battery tender (or trickle-charger)
Frequently Asked Questions
When storing for the season, always make sure to remove the car’s battery, starting with the negative terminal. Store the battery somewhere safe, dry, and off the floor. Or, if you have power where the car is stored, leave the battery inside the car and hook it up to a battery tender (or trickle-charger)
Do I need a classic car storage unit in order to get classic car insurance?
Yes – you will need to provide your classic car insurance company with a storage plan. This can either be a garage, private building, or a drive-up storage unit.
How often should I put my car in storage?
This depends on how much you drive your collector car and what you use it for. If you’re using it for car shows, it should likely be in storage unless being used. If it’s a project car, you wouldn’t want to store it for too long.
However, you should put your car in storage during harsh winter months and any extreme weather conditions.
How often should my cars in storage be driven?
You should aim to drive your car at least every two to three weeks.
How often should I service my car in storage?
You’ll want to ensure your car is being maintained properly while in storage.
Get A Comprehensive Classic Car Insurance Policy with American Collector’s Insurance
At American Collector’s Insurance, we know how much you love your classic car. Finding out the best way to store your vehicle for the winter can help you keep it in pristine condition. But, you’ll need more than just a solid winter storagex plan to take care of the car you love most.
American Collector’s Insurance can offer you a comprehensive insurance policy to ensure that your car is covered from any accidents you may have throughout the years. To learn more about our classic car insurance coverage, you can get a free quote for your monthly insurance rate today.
