Curious if anyone else has had luck with those little portable air compressors? I’ve thought about picking one up but not sure if they’re worth it or just another gadget to clutter up the trunk.
I actually tried one of those portable compressors after getting a slow leak on a road trip. It worked, but it took forever to inflate a full-size tire—like, I was sitting there for 15 minutes. Still, it got me to the next town. I’m wondering, though, do those count as “modifications” for insurance purposes? Some policies get weird about what you keep in your car.
I’ve wondered about that too, but from what I’ve read, a portable compressor isn’t really considered a modification—it’s more like carrying jumper cables or a first aid kit. Unless you’re wiring it into the car permanently, insurance usually doesn’t care. Still, I get the worry about clutter... mine just rolls around in the trunk with all my other “just in case” stuff.
Still, I get the worry about clutter... mine just rolls around in the trunk with all my other “just in case” stuff.
I hear you on the clutter, but I actually went the opposite direction—ended up mounting my compressor under the rear seat. Not hardwired, just strapped down with some velcro and a couple zip ties. It keeps it from banging around and I don’t have to dig through the trunk every time I need it. I know you said insurance usually doesn’t care unless it’s permanent, but I checked with my agent just in case. Turns out, as long as it’s not changing the electrical system or permanently altering the car, they’re fine with it.
Honestly, I got tired of the “just in case” pile growing bigger every year. Between the kids’ sports gear, reusable grocery bags, and all the emergency stuff, my trunk was turning into a black hole. I started getting ruthless—if I haven’t used something in six months, out it goes. The compressor made the cut because I’ve actually needed it more than once (thanks to a slow leak that took forever to track down).
One thing I did notice: if you ever have to file a claim for theft or damage, insurance might ask for a list of what was in the car. If your compressor is worth more than a hundred bucks or so, probably smart to keep a photo or receipt somewhere. Otherwise, they might just count it as “miscellaneous personal property” and cap the payout.
Anyway, just my two cents—there are ways to keep things organized without losing access to your “just in case” tools. And if you’re worried about insurance, a quick call can clear things up.
Mounting the compressor under the seat is actually a clever workaround—never thought of using velcro and zip ties for that. I’ve been guilty of letting my “just in case” pile get out of control too, especially since I like to keep the trunk looking tidy. Funny how quickly a luxury sedan can start looking like a mobile storage unit.
Curious if you’ve had any issues with noise from the compressor being inside the cabin? Mine’s still in the trunk, partly because I worry about rattles or scuffs on the leather. Also, did your insurance agent say anything about higher-end gear? I keep a portable jump starter in there that wasn’t exactly cheap, and I’ve always wondered if they’d cover it fully if something happened.
The tip about keeping photos or receipts is spot on—learned that one the hard way after a break-in years ago. They definitely didn’t care about brand names without proof. Have you ever actually had to file a claim for personal items? Just wondering how picky they get when it comes to stuff that isn’t permanently installed.
Insurance usually draws a line between what’s “part of the car” and what’s just along for the ride. Portable jump starters and compressors? Technically personal property, so coverage can get weird—sometimes it falls under your home/renters policy, not auto. Receipts and pics make claims way easier, but adjusters can be picky about stuff that isn’t bolted down. Had a client once who tried to claim a drone in his trunk… let’s just say, it was a long call.
