Ready to pause your vehicle's journey with USAA? Perhaps you're deploying, taking an extended vacation, or have a classic car you only drive in the summer. Whatever the reason, putting your vehicle in storage with USAA can be a smart move, potentially saving you money and ensuring you're properly covered. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, making the process as smooth as your favorite open road.
Step 1: "Hey there, fellow USAA member! Thinking about storing your vehicle? Let's make sure you're getting the best out of your policy. What's your main reason for putting your vehicle into storage?"
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it's helpful to understand why you're considering storage. Knowing your reason will help you determine the best course of action for your USAA policy. Are you:
- Deploying overseas for an extended period?
- Taking a sabbatical or long vacation?
- Storing a seasonal vehicle like a motorcycle or convertible?
- Dealing with a vehicle that won't be driven for a while due to repairs or other circumstances?
Your "why" will often dictate the "how" when it comes to adjusting your insurance.
Step 2: Understanding Your USAA Policy and Storage Options
USAA offers various ways to adjust your vehicle's insurance when it's not being driven, and it's crucial to understand the implications of each. You generally have a few primary options:
2a: Reducing Coverage to "Comprehensive Only"
This is often the most common and recommended approach for vehicles in storage. When you change your coverage to "Comprehensive Only," you essentially remove collision and liability coverage.
- What it covers: This still protects your vehicle against non-driving related incidents like:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Natural disasters (hail, floods, falling objects)
- Animal impact
- Glass breakage
- What it doesn't cover:
- Damage from an accident if you were to drive it
- Damage you cause to other vehicles or property
- Injuries to others if you were to drive it
- Why it's beneficial: This option significantly reduces your premium while still protecting your investment from common storage risks. It's ideal if the vehicle will not be driven at all during the storage period.
2b: Suspending Your Policy Entirely (Use with Caution!)
While technically possible, suspending your policy completely means you have no coverage whatsoever.
- What it covers: Absolutely nothing.
- What it doesn't cover: Everything.
- Why it's generally not recommended: This leaves your vehicle completely vulnerable to theft, damage, or natural disasters. If your vehicle is stolen or damaged while uninsured, you're entirely on the hook for the costs. Only consider this if you are absolutely certain the vehicle is in a highly secure, private location with no risk of external damage, and you understand the immense risk involved.
2c: Keeping Full Coverage (Less Common for Storage)
You could, of course, simply leave your full coverage in place.
- Why it's less common for storage: You'd be paying for liability and collision coverage that you're not utilizing, as the vehicle isn't being driven. This is the least cost-effective option for a stored vehicle.
Step 3: Gathering Necessary Information
Before you contact USAA, have the following information handy. This will make the process much quicker and smoother.
- Your USAA Member Number: This is your primary identifier.
- Vehicle Information:
- Year, Make, Model
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) - You'll find this on your dashboard (driver's side, near the windshield) or on your registration/insurance card.
- Storage Location: Where will the vehicle be stored? (e.g., "My personal garage," "Storage unit at XYZ facility," "Friend's driveway").
- Start Date of Storage: When do you want the coverage change to take effect?
- Estimated End Date of Storage: While this can be flexible, having an approximate date helps USAA.
- Reason for Storage: Be prepared to briefly explain why the vehicle is being stored.
Step 4: Contacting USAA to Make the Change
Now it's time to inform USAA of your intentions. You have a few convenient ways to do this:
4a: The Easiest Way: Call USAA Directly
This is often the most straightforward method, as you can speak with a representative who can guide you through the process and answer any specific questions.
- USAA Customer Service Number: You can find this on the back of your USAA insurance card or on the official USAA website. As of my last update, it's typically 1-800-531-USAA (8722).
- What to say: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you wish to "put a vehicle in storage" or "change the coverage on a vehicle to comprehensive only" because it will not be driven.
- Be prepared to answer questions: They will likely ask for the information you gathered in Step 3.
- Confirm the changes: Before ending the call, always confirm that the changes have been made, the effective date, and your new premium. Ask for a confirmation email or document for your records.
4b: Using the USAA Website or Mobile App (If Available)
USAA's online portal and mobile app are constantly evolving. While direct "storage" options might not be immediately obvious, you can often make policy changes related to coverage reduction.
- Navigate to your Auto Policy: Log in to your USAA account on their website or app.
- Look for "Manage Policy" or "Change Coverage": Explore the options for your auto policy.
- Select the specific vehicle: Choose the vehicle you intend to put in storage.
- Adjust Coverage: You might see options to modify your coverages. Look for ways to remove "Collision" and "Liability" and retain "Comprehensive."
- Review and Confirm: Carefully review the changes and the new premium before confirming. If you are unsure at any point, it's best to call USAA directly. The online tools are great, but a phone call ensures clarity for such a significant policy change.
Step 5: What Happens Next & Important Considerations
Once you've made the change with USAA, there are a few final points to keep in mind:
5a: Premium Adjustment
You should see a reduction in your insurance premium. The amount will depend on your specific policy, location, and the vehicle. USAA will typically pro-rate any savings and apply them to your next billing cycle or issue a refund if you've overpaid.
5b: Confirming Documentation
USAA will usually send you updated policy documents, either by mail or electronically, reflecting the coverage changes. Review these documents carefully to ensure everything is correct.
5c: Do NOT Drive the Vehicle!
This is crucial. Once your vehicle is on "Comprehensive Only" coverage, it is not legally insured to be driven on public roads. Driving it could lead to:
- Significant fines and penalties
- Your vehicle being impounded
- You being personally liable for any damages or injuries if an accident occurs
- USAA denying any claims if you were driving uninsured
5d: Preparing Your Vehicle for Storage
While not directly a USAA step, preparing your vehicle properly for storage can prevent issues down the line:
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly.
- Fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer.
- Inflate tires to the recommended pressure or slightly above.
- Disconnect the battery (or use a battery tender).
- Consider using a car cover if storing outdoors.
- Ensure the storage location is secure and dry.
Step 6: When You're Ready to Drive Again: Reinstating Coverage
When the time comes to take your vehicle out of storage, the process is largely the reverse of putting it in.
6a: Contact USAA Before Driving
- Call USAA: Inform them that you wish to reinstate full coverage on your vehicle.
- Provide Date: Tell them the exact date you intend to start driving the vehicle again.
- Confirm Coverage: Ensure they've added back liability and collision coverage (or whatever full coverage you desire).
- Get Confirmation: Obtain confirmation of the reinstated coverage and the new premium.
6b: Check Your Vehicle
Before hitting the road, perform a quick check:
- Check tire pressure.
- Reconnect battery (if disconnected).
- Check fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid).
- Test brakes and lights.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your USAA insurance for a stored vehicle, saving money and maintaining peace of mind.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to reduce my USAA car insurance when deploying?
You can reduce your USAA car insurance to "Comprehensive Only" coverage while deployed, which removes liability and collision coverage since you won't be driving the vehicle, significantly lowering your premium. Contact USAA directly to make this change.
How to temporarily suspend my USAA auto insurance?
While you can technically suspend your policy entirely, it's generally not recommended as it leaves your vehicle uninsured. A better option is to reduce coverage to "Comprehensive Only" for a vehicle in storage, which provides protection against theft and damage without driving coverage.
How to add a vehicle back to full coverage with USAA after storage?
Simply call USAA customer service and inform them of the date you wish to start driving the vehicle again. They will reinstate your liability and collision coverages as per your previous policy or your new requests.
How to find my USAA policy number for vehicle storage adjustments?
Your USAA policy number is typically found on your insurance ID card, on your billing statements, or by logging into your account on the USAA website or mobile app.
How to get a discount on USAA insurance for a stored car?
By changing your coverage to "Comprehensive Only," you will automatically receive a discount because you are removing the more expensive liability and collision coverages since the vehicle won't be driven.
How to ensure my car is protected from theft while in USAA storage?
By keeping "Comprehensive Only" coverage with USAA, your vehicle will still be protected against theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters, even when it's not being driven.
How to change my USAA car insurance online for a stored vehicle?
Log in to your USAA account on their website or mobile app, navigate to your auto policy, and look for options to "Manage Policy" or "Change Coverage" for the specific vehicle. You can often adjust coverages there, but a phone call ensures all nuances are covered.
How to prepare my car for long-term storage with USAA insurance changes?
While USAA handles the insurance, you should physically prepare your car by cleaning it, filling the fuel tank with stabilizer, inflating tires, disconnecting the battery, and ensuring it's in a secure, dry location.
How to know if USAA offers a specific "storage" insurance option?
USAA primarily handles "storage" by allowing you to reduce your coverage to "Comprehensive Only." There isn't a separate product specifically called "storage insurance," but this coverage adjustment serves the same purpose.
How to contact USAA to put a vehicle in storage?
The best way to contact USAA for this is to call their main customer service line, typically 1-800-531-USAA (8722). Explain that you want to put a vehicle in storage and adjust its coverage accordingly.
