It sounds like you're looking for detailed information on how to store a vehicle while maintaining your USAA insurance coverage. This is a common question, especially for military members who might be deployed or moving, or anyone simply needing to store a vehicle for an extended period.
Let's dive into how to manage your USAA insurance for a stored vehicle, step by step!
Mastering Vehicle Storage with USAA: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you planning to store your vehicle for an extended period? Perhaps you're deploying, going away to college, or have a classic car you only drive seasonally. Whatever the reason, ensuring your USAA insurance is set up correctly is crucial to avoid lapses in coverage and potential headaches down the road. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing your vehicle to adjusting your policy.
Ready to get started? Let's make sure your vehicle is protected, even when it's not on the road!
Step 1: Evaluate Your Storage Needs and USAA Coverage Goals
Before you even think about touching your vehicle or your insurance policy, take a moment to consider your specific situation. This initial assessment will guide your decisions throughout the process.
- How long will the vehicle be stored? Is it a few months, a year, or even longer? The duration will influence how you prepare the vehicle and what insurance adjustments you might make.
- Where will the vehicle be stored? Will it be in a secure garage, a public storage facility, or an open driveway? The environment plays a significant role in the risks your vehicle faces.
- What is the purpose of storing the vehicle? Are you trying to save on premiums, protect it from damage, or both?
- What is your comfort level with risk? Even in storage, a vehicle can be damaged by fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Engage with this question: Think about your answers to these questions. They will directly impact the best approach for you and your vehicle. Have a clear picture in your mind of why and where you're storing it.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle for Long-Term Storage
Proper vehicle preparation is absolutely essential to prevent damage and ensure it's in good condition when you're ready to drive it again. Do not skip this step!
Sub-heading: Cleaning and Protecting the Exterior
- Wash and Wax Thoroughly: Give your vehicle a thorough wash to remove all dirt, grime, and environmental contaminants. Follow up with a good coat of wax. This will protect the paint from fading and minor corrosion during storage.
- Clean Wheels and Tires: Don't forget to clean your wheels and tires. Consider applying a tire protectant.
- Cover Your Vehicle: If storing outdoors or in a dusty environment, a breathable car cover is highly recommended. Avoid plastic tarps, which can trap moisture and damage paint.
Sub-heading: Interior Preservation
- Vacuum and Clean the Interior: Remove all food crumbs, trash, and anything that could attract pests.
- Use a Sunshade: If the vehicle will be exposed to sunlight, even indirectly, a sunshade can protect your dashboard and upholstery from UV damage.
- Ventilation: Slightly crack a window (if safe and secure) to allow for some air circulation and prevent musty odors. However, ensure this doesn't compromise security.
Sub-heading: Engine and Fluid Management
- Change Oil and Filter: Fresh oil is less likely to break down and cause issues during long-term storage.
- Top Off Fluids: Ensure all fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.) are at their proper levels.
- Add Fuel Stabilizer: If you're storing the vehicle with fuel in the tank (which is generally recommended to prevent moisture buildup), add a fuel stabilizer according to the product's instructions. Run the engine for a few minutes after adding it to circulate the stabilizer.
- Consider Antifreeze: Ensure your cooling system has the proper mixture of antifreeze, especially if storing in a cold climate.
Sub-heading: Battery Care
- Disconnect the Battery: This is one of the most crucial steps. Disconnecting the negative terminal will prevent parasitic drains and keep your battery from dying.
- Use a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender: Even better, if possible, connect a battery tender or trickle charger. These devices maintain the battery's charge without overcharging it, extending its life.
- Remove the Battery: For very long-term storage (over a year), you might consider removing the battery entirely and storing it in a cool, dry place.
Sub-heading: Tire Maintenance
- Inflate Tires to Maximum Recommended PSI: Over-inflating them slightly will help prevent flat spots from developing.
- Consider Jack Stands: For very long-term storage, jacking the vehicle up and placing it on jack stands (with the tires off the ground) is the best way to prevent flat spots on tires and take pressure off the suspension.
Step 3: Contact USAA to Adjust Your Policy
This is where you directly engage with your USAA policy. Do NOT assume your current coverage is sufficient for a stored vehicle.
Sub-heading: Understanding "Stored Vehicle" Coverage with USAA
USAA, like many insurers, offers options for vehicles that are not being driven. This is often referred to as "storage" or "comprehensive-only" coverage.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This type of coverage protects your vehicle from damage not caused by a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters (hail, floods), falling objects, and animal damage. This is generally the minimum recommended coverage for a stored vehicle.
- Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. If your vehicle is truly stored and not being driven, you likely don't need collision coverage.
- Liability Coverage: This covers damage or injuries you cause to others. If your vehicle is not being driven on public roads, you typically do not need liability coverage.
Sub-heading: Communicating with USAA
- Call USAA Directly: The most reliable way to adjust your policy is to call USAA's customer service. Explain that you will be storing your vehicle and for how long.
- Explain Your Intentions: Clearly state that the vehicle will not be driven during the storage period.
- Inquire About Reduced Coverage Options: Ask specifically about options for a "stored vehicle" or "comprehensive-only" policy. USAA representatives are highly knowledgeable about military situations and vehicle storage.
- Understand the Implications:
- Premium Savings: Reducing your coverage to comprehensive-only can lead to significant savings on your premiums.
- No Driving Allowed: It is absolutely critical that the vehicle is NOT driven while on a storage policy. If you drive it and get into an accident, your claim will likely be denied, and you could face severe penalties.
- Reinstating Coverage: Discuss with USAA what steps you'll need to take to fully reinstate your policy (including liability and collision) when you're ready to drive the vehicle again. Typically, this involves a quick phone call.
Sub-heading: Document Everything
- Note Down Details: When speaking with USAA, write down the date, time, the name of the representative you spoke with, and a summary of your conversation and the changes made to your policy.
- Confirm Policy Changes: Ask USAA to send you a confirmation of the policy changes in writing (email or mail). Review it carefully to ensure it reflects what you discussed.
Step 4: Secure Your Storage Location
The physical security of your vehicle's storage location is just as important as your insurance coverage.
- Choose a Secure Environment:
- Garage: A locked, private garage is ideal.
- Storage Unit: If using a self-storage facility, choose one with good security measures (fencing, cameras, gate access, on-site management).
- Consider Climate Control: For very valuable or classic vehicles, a climate-controlled storage unit can protect against extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Remove Valuables: Take out all personal belongings, electronics, and anything that could tempt thieves.
- Lock All Doors and Windows: Double-check that your vehicle is fully secured.
Step 5: Periodic Checks (For Longer Storage)
If your vehicle will be stored for an extended period (many months or a year or more), periodic checks are highly recommended.
- Visit Regularly (if possible): If the vehicle is accessible, visit every few weeks or months.
- Check Tire Pressure: Re-inflate if necessary to prevent flat spots.
- Check for Pests: Look for signs of rodents or insects in the engine bay, interior, or exhaust. Use rodent deterrents if needed.
- Run the Engine (Briefly): If feasible and safe (with proper ventilation), start the engine every few months and let it run for 10-15 minutes to circulate fluids and keep components lubricated. Do NOT do this if your battery is disconnected or if you have a fuel stabilizer and prefer not to introduce fresh fuel.
- Check for Leaks: Look for any fluid leaks under the vehicle.
Step 6: Preparing to Drive Again (Reinstating Full Coverage)
When the time comes to take your vehicle out of storage, there are a few important steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Sub-heading: Reversing Storage Preparations
- Reconnect Battery: If you disconnected it, reconnect the battery. If you used a battery tender, remove it.
- Check Fluids: Verify all fluid levels are correct.
- Check Tire Pressure: Inflate tires to their normal operating pressure.
- Remove Pest Deterrents: Take out any mothballs, dryer sheets, or other pest deterrents you may have used.
- Check for Damage: Do a quick visual inspection for any new damage or issues.
Sub-heading: Contact USAA to Reinstate Full Coverage
- Do this BEFORE you drive the vehicle! Call USAA and inform them you are ready to put the vehicle back on the road.
- Specify Effective Date: Be clear about the date you want your full coverage (liability and collision) to be reinstated.
- Confirm Changes: Again, request written confirmation of the policy changes.
Conclusion
Storing a vehicle while maintaining appropriate USAA insurance coverage is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. By following these steps – from preparing your vehicle to coordinating with USAA – you can ensure your asset remains protected and that you're always in compliance with your policy terms. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle is safe and sound, whether on the road or in storage!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to get a quote for storage-only insurance with USAA?
You typically won't get a separate "quote" for storage-only insurance. Instead, you'll call USAA and ask to modify your existing policy to reduce coverage to comprehensive-only for a stored vehicle. They will then tell you your new premium.
How to remove a vehicle from my USAA policy entirely?
To remove a vehicle entirely, you would call USAA and inform them you no longer own the vehicle or no longer wish to insure it. Be prepared to provide the effective date of removal. Ensure you have other insurance if you're replacing it with a new vehicle.
How to add a vehicle to my USAA policy when it comes out of storage?
Simply call USAA and tell them you are ready to drive the vehicle again and need to reinstate full coverage (liability and collision). Provide the date you plan to start driving it.
How to know if my USAA policy covers stored vehicles for natural disasters?
Yes, comprehensive coverage on your USAA policy typically covers natural disasters like hail, floods, fire, and wind damage, even when the vehicle is in storage. Always confirm your specific policy details with a USAa representative.
How to prevent pests from damaging my vehicle in storage?
Keep the vehicle meticulously clean (especially the interior), seal any entry points if possible, and consider using deterrents like dryer sheets, mothballs (placed carefully), or commercially available rodent repellents.
How to ensure my battery doesn't die while my car is stored with USAA insurance?
Use a battery tender or trickle charger, or disconnect the negative terminal. For very long storage, remove the battery and store it indoors. While this doesn't directly relate to your USAA insurance, it's a critical maintenance step for stored vehicles.
How to properly inflate tires for long-term vehicle storage?
Inflate your tires to the maximum PSI recommended on the tire's sidewall (not the car's door jamb sticker) to help prevent flat spots.
How to change my USAA policy online for a stored vehicle?
While some basic policy adjustments might be available online, for specific "stored vehicle" or "comprehensive-only" coverage changes, it's highly recommended to call USAA directly to ensure accuracy and discuss all options.
How to handle vehicle registration when storing a car long-term with USAA insurance?
Vehicle registration requirements vary by state. In some states, you may be able to place the registration on "non-operational" status, while in others, you might still need to maintain active registration even if the vehicle isn't driven. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.
How to get proof of insurance from USAA after changing my policy for a stored vehicle?
After speaking with a USAA representative, request that they email or mail you a revised copy of your insurance declarations page or policy documents, which will show your updated coverage.
