Have you ever considered putting your car in storage and wondered what to do about your GEICO insurance? Perhaps you're going on an extended vacation, deploying with the military, have a classic car you only drive seasonally, or simply have an extra vehicle you won't be using for a while. Whatever the reason, ensuring your vehicle is properly insured while in storage is crucial. You don't want to pay for coverage you don't need, but you also want to protect your valuable asset.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of adjusting your GEICO car insurance for a stored vehicle, helping you save money while maintaining essential protection.
Step 1: Understand Your "Why" and Engage with GEICO
Before you even think about touching your policy, let's figure out why you're storing your car. What's your primary motivation for putting your vehicle in storage? Are you looking for maximum savings, or are you prioritizing protection against theft, fire, or natural disasters? Your answer will significantly influence the best approach for your GEICO policy.
Once you have a clear picture, the absolute first and most important step is to contact GEICO directly. While online resources are helpful, an agent can provide personalized advice based on your specific policy, state regulations, and the duration of your storage.
- Call GEICO's Customer Service: The primary number is typically 1-800-841-1587. For military members, there's a dedicated Military Center at 1-800-MILITARY (645-4827), which offers a specific Storage Protection Plan.
- Be Prepared to Discuss:
- Reason for Storage: Explain why your car will be stored (e.g., military deployment, long-term travel, seasonal vehicle, extra car).
- Duration of Storage: How long do you anticipate the car being stored? This can impact available options.
- Storage Location: Where will the car be stored (e.g., private garage, public storage unit, driveway)?
- Future Use: Do you plan to drive the car at all during the storage period, even occasionally?
Step 2: Exploring Your GEICO Coverage Options for Stored Vehicles
GEICO generally doesn't allow a complete "suspension" of car insurance for non-military policyholders. However, you have several ways to adjust your coverage to reflect your car's stored status and potentially save money.
Sub-heading: Reducing Coverage to Comprehensive-Only
This is often the most recommended option for stored vehicles. When your car isn't being driven, the risks associated with collisions (collision coverage) and liability (bodily injury and property damage liability) are significantly reduced.
- What it entails: You remove your Collision and Liability coverages, keeping only Comprehensive coverage.
- What Comprehensive Coverage Protects Against:
- Theft: If your car is stolen while in storage.
- Vandalism: Damage caused by vandals.
- Fire: Damage from a fire.
- Natural Disasters: Damage from floods, hail, windstorms, etc.
- Animal Damage: If an animal damages your car.
- Glass Breakage: Not resulting from a collision.
- Why it's beneficial: It provides essential protection against non-driving risks at a significantly lower premium than a full coverage policy.
- Important Considerations:
- Lienholder Requirements: If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender will almost certainly require you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage. You cannot reduce your coverage to comprehensive-only if there's a lienholder unless they explicitly approve it (which is highly unlikely).
- State Regulations: Some states may have minimum insurance requirements even for stored vehicles, particularly if they are registered. Your GEICO agent can clarify this for your specific state.
- No Driving: Crucially, your vehicle must not be driven at all while under comprehensive-only coverage. If you drive it, even for a short distance, and are involved in an accident, you will not have liability or collision coverage, potentially leading to severe financial consequences.
Sub-heading: Military Storage Protection Plan
For active military members, GEICO offers a special Storage Protection Plan.
- Eligibility: If your military duties require you to store your vehicle for 30 days or more.
- Benefits: GEICO can suspend or significantly reduce your insurance coverage, helping you save money during your deployment.
- How to access: Contact GEICO's Military Center at 1-800-MILITARY (645-4827) to discuss this benefit.
Sub-heading: Increasing Deductibles
If reducing to comprehensive-only isn't feasible (e.g., due to a lienholder or a need for occasional driving), another way to lower your premium is by raising your deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage.
- What it entails: You agree to pay a larger amount out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in if a claim occurs.
- Benefit: A higher deductible typically results in a lower monthly premium.
- Consideration: Make sure you're comfortable with the higher out-of-pocket expense in case of a claim.
Sub-heading: Cancelling Your Insurance (Generally Not Recommended)
While you can cancel your GEICO car insurance entirely, it's generally not recommended for a stored vehicle unless you are absolutely certain you will never drive it again and are prepared for the potential downsides.
- Downsides of Cancellation:
- No Protection: Your car will have no protection against theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
- Insurance Lapse: Canceling can create an "insurance lapse" on your record, which can lead to higher premiums when you decide to get insurance again in the future. Insurers view lapses as a sign of higher risk.
- State Requirements: Many states require registered vehicles to have active insurance, even if stored. You might face fines or registration issues.
- Lienholder Violation: If you have a loan or lease, canceling insurance is a direct violation of your agreement.
- When it might be considered: Only if you are selling the car immediately, plan to scrap it, or are absolutely confident it will never be on the road again and you accept all associated risks.
Step 3: Important Preparations Before Storing Your Car
Once you've adjusted your GEICO policy, there are crucial physical preparations to make for your car's long-term storage. This helps prevent issues and ensures it's in good condition when you're ready to drive it again.
Sub-heading: Cleaning and Protecting the Exterior
- Wash and Wax: Give your car a thorough wash and apply a good quality wax. This protects the paint from dust, moisture, and environmental contaminants.
- Clean Wheels and Tires: Remove any brake dust or grime from your wheels. Consider using a tire protectant.
- Cover the Vehicle: Use a breathable car cover. Avoid plastic tarps that can trap moisture and promote rust or mildew.
Sub-heading: Interior Care
- Vacuum and Clean: Remove all trash, food, and personal belongings. Vacuum the interior thoroughly.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean all interior surfaces to prevent dust buildup and potential mildew.
- Use Air Fresheners/Moisture Absorbers: Place baking soda, charcoal bags, or desiccant packets inside the car to absorb moisture and odors.
- Crack Windows (Slightly, if safe): If the car is in a secure, enclosed garage, cracking the windows slightly can help with air circulation and prevent musty odors. Do not do this if there's any risk of theft, pests, or water.
Sub-heading: Fluid and Battery Management
- Top Off All Fluids: Ensure all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid) are at their proper levels.
- Fill the Fuel Tank: Fill your gas tank to the brim to prevent moisture condensation and fuel system corrosion. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer.
- Battery Maintenance:
- Disconnect the Battery: This is the simplest option if you're storing for an extended period. Disconnect the negative terminal first.
- Use a Battery Tender/Trickle Charger: For optimal battery health, especially with modern cars that have constant electronic draws, use a battery tender. This maintains the charge without overcharging.
- Tire Pressure: Inflate tires to the maximum recommended pressure on the tire's sidewall, or even slightly above, to prevent flat spots from forming during long-term storage.
Sub-heading: Pest Prevention
- Block Entry Points: Mice and other pests love car interiors for nesting. Block exhaust pipes and air intakes with steel wool or rags (remember to remove them before starting the car!).
- Remove Food Sources: Ensure no food crumbs are left in the car.
- Use Repellents: Consider placing mouse traps or pest repellents around the car, not inside, to deter unwanted visitors.
Step 4: Documenting and Confirming Changes
Once you've made the necessary adjustments with GEICO, and prepared your car for storage, always confirm everything in writing.
- Request Confirmation: Ask GEICO to send you an updated policy declaration page or a confirmation email outlining the changes to your coverage.
- Review Thoroughly: Check the effective dates of the changes and the specific coverages that are now active.
- Keep Records: Store all correspondence and policy documents in a safe place.
Step 5: Regular Checks During Storage
Even if your car is tucked away, it's a good idea to perform occasional checks, especially for longer storage periods.
- Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of leaks, pests, or unusual odors.
- Tire Pressure: Recheck tire pressure periodically.
- Battery Tender: Ensure your battery tender is functioning correctly.
- Start the Engine (Optional, for very long storage): If storing for more than a few months, and if feasible and safe, you might consider starting the engine every few weeks and letting it run for 10-15 minutes to circulate fluids. However, consult with a mechanic first, as short runs can sometimes do more harm than good.
Step 6: Reinstating Full Coverage When Ready to Drive
When the time comes to take your car out of storage, do NOT drive it until you have reinstated your full coverage with GEICO.
- Contact GEICO: Call them again well in advance of when you plan to drive the car.
- Specify Reinstatement Date: Provide the exact date you want your full liability and collision coverage to resume.
- Confirm: Get confirmation in writing that your policy has been updated.
- Perform Pre-Drive Checks: Before hitting the road, check your tires, fluid levels, brakes, and lights.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to put car insurance on hold with GEICO for non-military?
GEICO generally does not allow a full "suspension" or "hold" of car insurance for non-military policyholders. Instead, you can reduce your coverage to comprehensive-only, which covers theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters while the car is not being driven, significantly lowering your premium.
How to reduce my GEICO car insurance while my car is in storage?
Contact GEICO and request to change your policy to "comprehensive-only" coverage. This removes liability and collision coverage, which are unnecessary if the car is not being driven, thus reducing your premium.
How to ensure my car is protected from theft while in storage with GEICO?
By maintaining Comprehensive coverage on your GEICO policy, your vehicle will be protected against theft, vandalism, fire, and other non-collision related damages while it is in storage.
How to get military car storage protection with GEICO?
If you are a military member, contact GEICO's Military Center at 1-800-MILITARY (645-4827) to inquire about their dedicated Storage Protection Plan, which allows for suspension or reduction of coverage for vehicles stored due to military duties for 30 days or more.
How to change my GEICO policy online for a stored car?
While some basic policy adjustments can be made online, it's highly recommended to call GEICO directly (1-800-841-1587) to discuss changes for a stored vehicle. This ensures all state-specific regulations and policy nuances are properly addressed.
How to avoid an insurance lapse when storing a car with GEICO?
By reducing your coverage to comprehensive-only instead of canceling it entirely, you avoid an insurance lapse on your record, which can prevent higher premiums when you eventually reinstate full coverage.
How to prepare my car for long-term storage after adjusting GEICO insurance?
Clean the car thoroughly, top off fluids (including fuel with stabilizer), disconnect the battery or use a battery tender, inflate tires to max pressure, and block exhaust/intake to deter pests. Use a breathable car cover.
How to reactivate full GEICO car insurance after storage?
Contact GEICO well in advance of when you plan to drive the car. Inform them of your desired reinstatement date for full liability and collision coverage, and ensure you receive confirmation of the policy update before driving.
How to know if my lienholder requires specific coverage for a stored car with GEICO?
Always check your loan or lease agreement. Most lenders require full comprehensive and collision coverage until the loan is paid off. Contact your lienholder directly if you are unsure before making any changes to your GEICO policy.
How to get proof of coverage changes from GEICO for my stored car?
After discussing policy changes with a GEICO agent, request an updated policy declaration page or a confirmation email outlining the adjusted coverages and their effective dates. Keep these documents for your records.
