Perhaps your pride and joy is a luxury sports car boasting cutting-edge design and features. Maybe you’ve invested in a beautiful antique model from decades gone by, a sophisticated, elegant ride you can’t bear to drive on frozen roads (which
aren’t uncommon in Toronto, after all).
Either way, you’re not alone if you have separate vehicles for different seasons. But you want to store your summer car in a safe, secure spot, and enjoy absolute peace of mind that’s it’s in the best hands.
Let’s explore your options and the key factors to consider before you choose a place to store your summer vehicle this winter.
The Problem of Storing Your Summer Vehicle at Home
The most basic (and cheap) car storage option you have is to simply leave your summer vehicle in your own garage.
This has its benefits:
- Your car will be on your own property
- You know where it is at all times
- You can open the garage door and check the car’s condition whenever you need to
- Your vehicle will be stored for free
There are some solid benefits here, but there are drawbacks, too. Serious drawbacks.
First, your garage is unlikely to be as secure as it should for months of safe, secure storage. Garage break-ins are a serious problem in certain areas — in Edmonton, for example, the number of cases reported has
grown 73 percent in the past five years.
Thieves may break into a garage with surprising ease, especially those equipped with cutting-edge tools. But simply leaving your garage unlocked or open makes their work easier. And trespassers may steal or vandalize your summer vehicle before you even realize they’re on your property.
This is even more of a risk if you’re planning a vacation during the winter months. You might head to a warmer destination for weeks on end, leaving your home — and your summer vehicle — without any supervision.
Even if you live in a low-crime neighborhood, it’s still too big a chance to take.
So, storing your precious car in your own garage is far from the safest option. What else can you try?
Choosing a Secure Storage Facility Run by Professionals
Indoor car storage facilities are a terrific option for securing your summer vehicle during the fall and/or winter. But you have to be careful which you choose.
Why? Because not all facilities are run by professional, full-time teams. Some may be owned by people with other jobs, as a sideline business to supplement their salaried position. Some may only operate as a seasonal enterprise.
And either scenario should start the alarm bells ringing.
You need to leave your summer vehicle with a team that makes your car’s security a priority. It’s not just a side-gig or a small way to make extra money. It’s a day-to-day commitment that puts the customer’s property and satisfaction first.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Indoor Car Storage Facility
Trusting the team at a secure storage facility to protect your summer vehicle during the winter is a big decision. It can be hard to put your faith in strangers, even professionals with years of experience and plenty of space on their site.
You must
look into the business’s background and facilities. Ask:
- Who
will be responsible for monitoring your summer vehicle?
- How
long has the facility been in operation?
- What
security measures and equipment do they utilize?
- Where
will your summer vehicle be stored, and will it stay in the same spot for the entire period?
- When
is the team available to answer your questions?
Finding the answers to these questions may take a little time, but it’s fundamental. You want to feel reassured that your property will be safe, and have confidence in the team responsible for its security.
What are the Biggest Benefits of Using a Secure Storage Facility for Your Summer Vehicle?
- Your car will be monitored by security cameras and guards for your peace of mind
- You know where it is at all times
- Your own driveway and garage will be free for your winter vehicle(s)
- You can drop-off or collect your vehicle at a time that suits you
- Your summer vehicle may be polished before it’s delivered
- You can still schedule maintenance and servicing as required, so there’s no need to delay essential work for the winter months
- A full-time team focusing on indoor car storage round the clock will be able to update you on your car, to prevent any worry or stress (not an option when you use your own garage)
- You may be able to secure insurance reductions from your provider, to off-set the storage fee’s cost
On the topic of insurance, make sure you don’t pay more than you need to. You may want to reduce the level of coverage in your policy, or choose a company willing to insure your vehicle for a limited amount of mileage throughout the year. Look into your options to find the most cost-effective deal.
Organizing Secure Storage for Your Own Summer Vehicle this Winter
Have a gleaming summer vehicle you want to put in storage during winter?
Want to keep your prized possession off the road for weeks or months?
Auto Vault Canada is committed to storing vehicles in our 88,000 square foot facility full-time —
this is all we do. We have more than 16 years’ experience and have stored in excess of 400 vehicles during this time.
We invest in the latest security solutions, and our indoor car storage facility is monitored by expert security guards for reliable protection. We’re happy to offer you a tour of our facility and answer any questions you may have about our car storage in Toronto, every day of the week.
So, what are you waiting for?