Consumer Law

Vehicle Self Storage Is Not Always Safe and Secure

By Kemnitzer, Anderson, Barron, Ogilvie & Brewer

Many self storage facilities advertise long term garage space. Beware: this is a risky business for consumers. Storage companies often buy up properties in marginal neighborhoods on freeway frontage or on the fringe of town, where warehouse space is dirt cheap - but not always safe and not always secure.

Advertisements tout security, safety and trust. That trust may be misplaced. At the time of the space rental, storage tenants are often told they need separate insurance for their goods. That should not mean you have to buy it from them, with no opportunity to negotiate. If you are tempted to buy insurance onsite, check with your usual insurance company first. If the vehicle is stored for an extended period of time, the car may qualify for reduced registration as a "non-opp". The Form for a non-operational vehicle can be downloaded from the Department of Motor Vehicles here While you should keep the car insured for theft, be aware that insurance for garaged vehicles not being driven is very low. Your usual carrier will probably give you a discount.

With summer just around the corner and masses of Californians ? especially students ? on the move, many car owners find they need long term storage for a car or truck. If you are in this category, think it through. Will storage costs of an old car exceed depreciation over the rental term? It might be best just to sell the car now, and buy another used car when you return. Do not expect to be able to just park it on the street. Whether you are in the city or suburbs, most communities have a local ordinance limiting parking to 24-72 hours or by permit only. The best thing, of course, is to find a friend with an empty carport or a three-car garage. Good luck with that! More commonly, you may have to find long-term vehicle storage for a price. The E-How website has some good advice for storing vehicles, including the selection of a dry facility, adding a fuel-stabilizing additive to the gas tank, jacking the body up to relieve weight on tires, washing and covering the car. Further details can be read here.

We also advise that you remove all valuables from the car, even though it is in a locked space. This includes all information concerning the vehicle, like the owner?s manual, purchase documents and warranty history. Never keep the title with the car. Remove even the registration and insurance papers you would normally keep with you when driving. And of course, do not leave a set of keys in the vehicle. Self storage units are notorious for their high burglary rate, and although you hope the car will be secure, don?t take any chances with things you can easily remove.

Full post as published by Lemon Law Blog on June 10, 2010 (boomark / email).