Totally get where you’re coming from—some of these “secure” lots look like the set of a zombie movie. I’ve wondered about standards too... is it just a padlock and a security sign, or do they actually check? The lack of info is pretty frustrating. At this point, I half expect to see my car in a “before” photo for a restoration ad.
I’ve had the same worries, honestly. Some of these places just slap up a camera and call it “secure.” I started asking for specifics—like, do they have staff on-site, or is it just automated gates? If they can’t answer, I move on. Not worth the risk.
I started asking for specifics—like, do they have staff on-site, or is it just automated gates? If they can’t answer, I move on. Not worth the risk.
That’s a good call. From an insurance angle, the difference between monitored staff and just a camera can really matter if you ever have to file a claim. Did you also check if they keep logs of who comes in and out? I’ve seen some places say “secure” but then anyone with a code can stroll right in... Kind of defeats the purpose. Wondering if anyone’s found storage that actually shares their security protocols or even lets you see them in action before you commit?
Totally agree about the “secure” label being pretty much meaningless sometimes. I actually toured a place last month that bragged about their cameras, but when I asked if anyone actually watched them, the guy just shrugged. Didn’t inspire much confidence. I’d rather pay a bit more for a spot with a real person on-site, even if it’s just during business hours. At least then you know someone’s paying attention. The whole “anyone with a code” thing is sketchy—my buddy’s car got broken into that way because someone shared the code around. Not worth the headache or the insurance hassle.
Totally get where you’re coming from about the “secure” label. It’s almost like some places just slap that word on their ads and hope nobody asks questions. Cameras are only as good as the people watching them, and if nobody’s actually monitoring, it’s just for show. I’ve seen storage spots with signs everywhere about 24/7 surveillance, but when you look closer, half the cameras are pointed at blank walls or don’t even have a light on. Makes you wonder if they’re even plugged in.
I’m with you on preferring a real person on-site. Even if it’s just during the day, it’s a huge deterrent for anyone thinking about messing around. The code thing is a joke—once that code gets out, it’s game over. I had a neighbor who stored his old Mustang at one of those “gated” places. He thought it was safe until someone got ahold of the code and swiped his wheels right off the car. Insurance barely covered half of what he lost, and he spent weeks fighting with them over “negligence.” Just not worth the stress.
Honestly, I don’t think the new city rules are going too far at all. If anything, they might not go far enough. When you’re storing something valuable—especially classic cars—it shouldn’t be up to chance or luck whether your stuff is still there in one piece. I’d rather pay extra for real security than gamble with my car and deal with insurance headaches later.
It’s wild how many places cut corners just to save a buck, then act surprised when something happens. At the end of the day, peace of mind is worth more than saving a few dollars a month... especially when you’re talking about something irreplaceable like a classic ride.
