Honestly, I’m right there with you. I just started looking into insurance for my first classic, and it’s wild how they act like your own garage is a liability. I’ve seen “secure” lots with busted lights and no one around after dark… doesn’t exactly scream safe. I’d trust my own setup way more, even if it’s not “approved.” Sometimes the rules just don’t make sense for real car people.
I’ve seen “secure” lots with busted lights and no one around after dark… doesn’t exactly scream safe.
Right? It’s like they want us to believe a padlock and a flickering bulb is better than my own garage, where I actually care about what happens. I get that some people have sketchy setups, but lumping everyone together makes zero sense. If anything, those “secure” lots are just targets. Insurance companies need to get their heads out of the sand on this one.
If anything, those “secure” lots are just targets.
That’s exactly what I keep thinking. I’d rather have my car in my own garage where I know who’s coming and going. Those “secure” lots might have a fence, but if no one’s actually watching, what’s the point? I get that not everyone has a perfect setup at home, but forcing everyone into these lots doesn’t really solve the problem. Honestly, I trust my own locks and cameras more than some random lot with a rusty gate.
Honestly, I trust my own locks and cameras more than some random lot with a rusty gate.
- Couldn’t agree more on the “rusty gate” thing. I’ve seen some of these so-called secure lots and, honestly, half the time it’s just a chain link fence and a keypad that looks like it’s from the ‘90s.
- My S-class never leaves my sight unless it’s in my garage. I get that not everyone has that option, but forcing people to use these lots feels like a one-size-fits-all solution that doesn’t actually fit anyone.
- The city says it’s about “public safety,” but is it really safer? If someone’s targeting high-end or classic cars, they know exactly where to look now. It’s like putting all the eggs in one basket and then telling everyone where the basket is.
- I’ve got motion sensors, cameras, and reinforced locks at home. Never had an issue. Meanwhile, a friend of mine lost his 911 from a “secure” lot last year—security guard was asleep in his car. Insurance covered most of it, but he still hasn’t found a replacement he likes.
- Not saying private garages are perfect, but at least you control who comes and goes. In these lots, you’re trusting someone else’s standards (or lack thereof).
Curious if anyone here has actually had a positive experience with these city-mandated storage places? Maybe there’s something I’m missing...
- I get the concern about “secure” lots—seen a few that look more like abandoned warehouses than anything I’d trust with a classic.
- On the flip side, I’ve heard of one spot downtown that actually has 24/7 staff and decent lighting, but it’s pricey and there’s a waitlist.
- My biggest issue is the lack of transparency. Who’s actually checking these places for compliance? Are there any real standards, or is it just a checkbox for the city?
- I’m curious if anyone’s seen a list of requirements these lots have to meet. Is it just cameras and a fence, or something more?
