Putting Your Car in Storage with USAA Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you planning an extended trip, deployment, or simply have a vehicle you won't be using for a while? If so, you're probably wondering how to handle your car insurance. Good news! USAA understands the unique needs of its members, especially those in the military, and offers options to adjust your policy when your vehicle is in storage. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, helping you save money while keeping your vehicle protected.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Understand the "Why"
Before you even think about calling USAA, let's take a moment to really understand why you're putting your car in storage. This crucial first step will dictate the best approach for your insurance.
- Is it a temporary storage, like a long vacation (less than 30 days)? If so, you might not need to make significant changes, but it's always good to be aware of your coverage.
- Is it for an extended period, such as a deployment or an overseas tour (30 days or more)? This is where USAA's specific storage discounts come into play and can lead to substantial savings.
- Are you still making payments on the car? This is a big one! Most lenders require you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage until the loan is paid off. Dropping these coverages could violate your loan agreement.
- Where will the car be stored? Is it in a secure, enclosed garage, a public storage facility, or simply parked in your driveway? The storage location can influence the type of coverage you need.
Understanding these factors is paramount as it will inform the types of coverage you can safely reduce or maintain, directly impacting your premium.
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| How To Put Car In Storage Usaa Insurance |
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle for Storage
While this isn't directly related to your insurance policy, it's a vital step to protect your asset. USAA even provides advice on this, emphasizing that a little preparation goes a long way.
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Sub-heading: Physical Preparation for Long-Term Storage
- Clean it Thoroughly (Inside and Out): A clean car prevents odors, mold, and damage to paint over time. Remove all food items and personal belongings.
- Change the Oil and Filter: Old oil can contain contaminants that can harm your engine during prolonged disuse.
- Top Off the Fuel Tank and Add Fuel Stabilizer: A full tank prevents condensation, and stabilizer keeps the fuel from deteriorating, especially if it's ethanol-blended.
- Inflate Tires to Recommended Pressure (or Slightly More): This helps prevent flat spots. For very long-term storage, consider putting the car on jack stands.
- Disconnect the Battery (or Use a Trickle Charger): This prevents battery drain. A trickle charger is ideal for maintaining the battery's health.
- Block Entry Points for Pests: Cover the exhaust pipe with steel wool or aluminum foil to prevent critters from nesting inside. Remember to leave a prominent reminder to remove it before starting the car again!
- Consider a Car Cover: A breathable car cover will protect your vehicle from dust, scratches, and UV rays if stored outdoors.
Step 3: Contact USAA to Discuss Your Options
This is the most critical step for your insurance. You'll need to speak directly with a USAA representative to make changes to your policy. While you can manage some aspects of your policy online, adjusting for storage often requires a direct conversation.
Sub-heading: Initiating the Conversation with USAA
- Gather Your Information: Before you call, have your USAA member number, policy number, and vehicle details (make, model, VIN) ready.
- Call USAA Directly: The primary phone number for USAA is 1-800-531-USAA (8722). They have dedicated lines for auto and property insurance, and their claims line is open 24/7. For policy service, call during their business hours (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT; Sunday, Closed).
- Clearly State Your Intent: Explain that you are putting your vehicle in storage and wish to adjust your insurance coverage. Be prepared to provide the duration of storage and the storage location.
Sub-heading: Understanding Your Coverage Options for Stored Vehicles
USAA offers a "Storage Discount" that can significantly reduce your premium, up to 60%, if your car isn't driven for a minimum of 30 consecutive days and is in a secure location. This typically involves reducing or suspending certain coverages.
- Liability Coverage: In most states, even if your car is in storage, you might be required to maintain some level of liability coverage if it's still registered. If you plan to surrender your license plates, you may be able to drop liability, but always verify with your state's DMV.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This is highly recommended to keep for a stored vehicle. Comprehensive coverage protects your car from damages not related to driving, such as:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Flooding
- Hail and other weather events
- Falling objects (like tree branches)
- Animal damage
- Without comprehensive, your stored vehicle is vulnerable to these risks.
- Collision Coverage: If your car is in storage and not being driven, you can usually suspend or remove collision coverage, as it only covers damage from accidents while driving. This is where a significant portion of your savings will come from.
- Other Coverages: Discuss other coverages like uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments, or personal injury protection. If the car isn't being driven, these may also be reduced or removed.
Important Note: If you have a loan on your vehicle, your lender will almost certainly require you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage. Do not drop these without consulting your lender first! Failing to do so could result in the lender force-placing expensive insurance on your behalf.
Step 4: Confirm the Policy Changes and Documentation
After speaking with a USAA representative and deciding on your new coverage, ensure everything is correctly documented.
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- Verify the Changes: Ask the representative to confirm the exact changes made to your policy, the effective date, and the new premium amount.
- Request Written Confirmation: Ask for a written confirmation or an updated Declaration of Policy outlining the new coverages. This is your proof that the changes have been made. You can usually access this online through your USAA account or mobile app.
- Understand Reactivation: Inquire about the process for reactivating your full coverage when you're ready to drive the car again. USAA states you need to call them to remove the storage status before you drive the vehicle.
Step 5: Periodically Check on Your Stored Vehicle
Even with the right insurance, it's wise to check on your car regularly, if possible, especially during extended storage.
- Monitor for Issues: Look for signs of pests, leaks, or any other potential damage.
- Maintain Battery (if not using a trickle charger): If you just disconnected the battery, it's a good idea to reconnect it and start the car periodically (if feasible and in a well-ventilated area) to keep fluids circulating and the battery charged. Follow manufacturer recommendations for long-term storage.
By following these steps, you can confidently put your car in storage, knowing you've taken the necessary precautions for both its physical well-being and its insurance coverage with USAA.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to reduce my USAA car insurance premium while my car is in storage?
You can typically reduce your premium by contacting USAA and requesting a "storage discount" or adjusting your coverage to comprehensive-only while the vehicle is not being driven. This usually involves removing collision and liability coverages.
How to ensure my car is still protected from theft or damage while in storage with USAA?
Maintain comprehensive coverage on your USAA policy. This will protect your vehicle from non-driving related incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, flood, and damage from falling objects or animals.
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How to notify USAA that my car is going into storage?
The best way is to call USAA directly at 1-800-531-USAA (8722). Explain that your vehicle will be stored and you wish to modify your policy. You may also be able to update the vehicle's storage status via your online policy summary or the USAA mobile app.
How to know if my lender requires me to keep full coverage on a stored car?
Check your loan agreement or contact your car loan provider directly. Most lenders require borrowers to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage until the vehicle loan is fully paid off.
How to reactivate my USAA car insurance after storage?
Contact USAA again at 1-800-531-USAA (8722) before you plan to drive the vehicle. Inform them you are taking the car out of storage and need to reinstate your full coverage.
How to find out if my state requires liability insurance for a registered but stored car?
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. State laws vary, and some may require minimum liability coverage as long as the vehicle is registered, even if it's not being driven.
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How to get the "storage discount" with USAA?
The storage discount is available if your insured vehicle will not be driven for a minimum of 30 consecutive days and is stored in a secure location. You must contact USAA to apply this discount to your policy.
How to prepare my car for long-term storage to protect it physically?
Clean the car thoroughly, change the oil, top off the fuel tank with stabilizer, inflate tires to recommended pressure, disconnect the battery (or use a trickle charger), and block exhaust/intake points to prevent pest entry.
How to access my USAA policy documents after making storage-related changes?
You can typically access updated policy documents and declarations pages through your USAA online account or the USAA mobile app. You can also request a copy to be mailed to you.
How to get in touch with USAA for general car insurance inquiries?
For any car insurance related questions, you can call USAA's main number at 1-800-531-USAA (8722). Their customer service representatives can assist with policy details, claims, and coverage adjustments.
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