Locked garages are definitely the gold standard, but honestly, I’ve never had one—just a carport with a decent security system and some cameras. Here’s what’s worked for me with my old Jag:
First, document everything. Photos of the car, the VIN, any unique features. Insurers love details, and it helps if you ever need to make a claim. Second, be upfront about your storage situation. Some companies will try to bump your premium if it’s not locked up tight, but if you show you’ve got security measures (alarm, steering lock, even motion lights), they’ll sometimes cut you a break.
Mileage is huge. I barely drive mine except for shows or the occasional weekend cruise, and that’s saved me a chunk on premiums. Just make sure you’re honest about it—odometer checks are a thing.
One thing I’d add: ask about agreed value policies instead of standard market value. Vintage cars can be tricky to price if something happens... better to lock in what it’s actually worth to you. It takes a bit more paperwork but gives real peace of mind.
I’ve seen folks get tripped up by the agreed value thing—sometimes they think it’s set in stone, but it’s worth double-checking how often your insurer wants to re-evaluate. Some want yearly appraisals, which can be a hassle. Have you ever had to file a claim with just carport storage? Curious if anyone’s insurer pushed back on coverage because of that. The security system and photos definitely help, but I’ve seen underwriters get picky about “locked” storage wording.
I actually ran into that “locked storage” issue when I was shopping around. Some companies flat out said carports didn’t count, even with cameras and alarms. Ended up going with one that was okay as long as I had a wheel lock and photo proof. It’s a bit of a pain, but cheaper than building a garage...
- That’s wild, I didn’t realize some companies are that strict about storage.
- Is it just vintage cars that get this treatment, or do they care for newer ones too?
- Did you notice if the rates changed a lot depending on the storage type? I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth hunting for a company that’s flexible, or if I should just bite the bullet and build something more secure...
I’ve noticed the rates can jump quite a bit if you’re not storing your car in a fully enclosed, locked space. Some companies get picky about “climate controlled” vs just a regular garage, which feels a bit over the top. For newer cars, it seems like they’re less strict, but anything labeled “collector” or “vintage” gets the microscope. Personally, I’d rather hunt for a flexible company than pour money into a fortress of a garage. Anyone else actually had a claim denied because of storage, or is this just insurance scare tactics?
