There’s no shortage of reasons why you might need to store your car. Perhaps you’re traveling for an extended period and need a secure place to keep your vehicle. Or maybe you have a classic car that you’d prefer not to leave in your garage. Whatever the situation, many Texans wonder if you’re actually allowed to store a car in a storage unit—and is it safe to do so?
Is It Safe To Store a Car in a Storage Unit?
Yes, you can safely store your car in a storage unit. In fact, putting your car in a reputable storage facility can help protect it from weather damage, theft, and vandalism. Commercial storage facilities typically offer several types of units and spaces for vehicles:
- Drive-Up Storage: Indoor, garage-like units for weather protection, with direct drive-up access for easy loading.
- Outdoor Storage: Open parking lots that usually cost less but leave your vehicle exposed to the elements.
- Covered Outdoor Storage: Spaces with overhead canopies that provide partial protection while remaining more open than a fully enclosed unit.
Ultimately, which car storage option you pick depends on how much you’re willing to spend and how much protection you’d like to have.
How Long Can a Car Be in Storage?
There isn’t a hard limit on how long you can store a car in a storage unit. The key is to stay up to date on any monthly or annual fees and honor the terms of your written agreement. If you fall behind on payments, the storage facility may have the right to sell or otherwise dispose of the car after giving you a notice to catch up on dues.
How Do You Safely Store a Car in Self-Storage?
When you plan to store your car for more than a few weeks, it’s wise to take a few precautions to help preserve your vehicle’s condition while in storage. Here’s what you need to do:
- Add Fuel Stabilizer: Prevents gas from deteriorating and gumming up engine parts
- Elevate the Car on Blocks or Jack Stands: Keeps tires from developing flat spots
- Wash and Cover the Vehicle: Clears away damaging grime and shields the vehicle from dust, debris, and the elements
- Disconnect the Battery: Prevents slow-drain or total discharge during storage
Always check with your storage facility before working on your car. Many facilities have rules that limit on-site maintenance, especially if it involves tools or fluids that could pose safety risks or cause damage.
Do You Need To Insure a Car in a Storage Unit?
If your vehicle is unregistered or simply parked in a private storage facility, state law does not mandate you carry liability insurance on it. However, storage facilities might require certain insurance coverage as part of their own contractual agreements. Always check your specific agreement to see if insurance is necessary—and consider maintaining coverage anyway for your own peace of mind.
Store Your Car at Boat Stop Storage
When you’re looking for a place to store your car safely in Corpus Christi, TX, Boat Stop Storage offers a convenient solution. With on-site management and 24-hour 4K security surveillance, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be well looked after. Ready to claim your spot? Book online or give us a call to discover how easy it is to store your car in a storage unit that is secure and professionally managed.