Classic Car

10 tips for safely storing your treasured vehicle

classic car wheel

Whether you own an antique classic car, 1950s muscle car, supercar, antique truck or military transport, you likely have an emotional attachment to your special vehicle. It may even be worth a lot of money; top classics these days are demanding prices in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. That’s why it’s so important to protect your investment from theft or damage by storing it in a storage facility or protected garage.

 

Not just any garage or facility will do, however. Make sure you keep these tips in mind when deciding where to keep your classic car or truck:

1. Make sure it has a centrally monitored alarm system.

Ideally, the facility’s alarm system should be Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed, which is installed by a reputable central station monitoring company. The system should include magnetic contact sensors on all exterior doors and windows, glass breakage and/or interior infrared motion sensors, and a combination of smoke detectors and heat sensors. A cellular backup communication device for signal continuity provides further protection in case the connection is disabled.

2. Integrate the central alarm with other monitored devices.

Consider connecting other monitoring devices, such as explosive gas leak detection, water flow/leak detection, digital video recording/camera system, and a backup generator into your central alarm as well. That way, you’ll be alerted if anything happens that could potentially damage your vehicle.

3. Install “clean agent” fire extinguishers.

Unlike regular fire extinguishers that use fine powder, which can have a detrimental cosmetic effect on your vehicle, these use inert gas to put out small fires.

4. Give your car plenty of space.

Try not to put items on shelves, racks, or hooks above your classic car. Leave room between cars if you have more than one.

green classic car

5. Keep windows covered.

If your garage or storage facility has windows, cover them with blinds so that your vehicles are not visible from the outside.

 

If you have a large collection of cars, keep them at multiple facilities.

 

That way, if something happens to one facility, not all of your vehicles will be at risk.

6. Inspect the roof of an older building.

If your car is being stored at an older building, hire a licensed roof contractor to evaluate the integrity of the roof system and make any repairs to prevent leaks.

7. Consider an infrared (IR) survey.

Chubb offers complimentary infrared surveys to help prevent issues such as electrical arcing, water intrusion, and missing insulation – all of which can damage a classic car.

8. Conduct restorative work somewhere else.

Flammable materials, dirt and grime can interfere with the safe storage of your car. Therefore, if you need work done on your classic car, have it done elsewhere – in another garage or in a professional shop that specializes in classic vehicles.

tire of a classic car

9. Regularly update the appraisal and review your coverage.

Verify that your insurance will cover damage at a remote storage facility. Having an up-to-date appraisal and Agreed Value coverage on your vehicle will ensure that you can repair or replace your car if something should happen at the garage. With the right insurance, you’ll be able to restore your special vehicle to its classic condition, quickly and efficiently.

10. Choose a climate-controlled facility with power.

Your car will thank you for avoiding temperature swings and humidity. Also, connect a battery maintenance device to the car so it will start right up when you are ready to take a drive.

Insights and expertise

We help you stay ahead and informed with these helpful tips and tricks for protecting your home, car, and more.
endless straight road with mountain view
Classic Car
How to get your classic car ready for a rally
If you’ve got a classic car, you’ve probably at least considered (or maybe participated in) a rally. Whether you decide to take on a North American tour like the California Mille or the Going to the Sun Rally, or are bold enough to ride in an international tour, you need to prepare yourself and your car for the trip. Here are a few things to consider.
classic red car
Classic Car
Investing in a classic car? 6 things to do first
Before you put your purchase plans into gear, there are a few things you may want to consider before investing in a classic car. After all, classic cars aren’t like regular cars; in many cases, they are more of a passion than a financial venture.
couple in a classic car
Classic Car
What’s new with classic cars? From an appraiser who sees it all
Learn about beginner collector's most pressing questions from a recent conversation between Steve Linden, experienced classic car appraiser, and Jessie Spigel, Senior Risk Consultant
classic red car
Classic Car
Collector car spotlight: 2023 Amelia Island auctions recap
Spring is a time for classic car shows and auctions! Chubb recently attended the annual Amelia Island auctions in Florida, and you can read about how trends and values are evolving in the collector car community in this article.
classic car on a scenic drive
Classic Car
Is the classic car market finally cooling off?
In recent years, there was a noticeable surge in the demand for classic cars, but is the market now starting to normalize?
vintage car wheels
Classic Car
8 ways to protect your classic car investment
Whether you own a souped-up Toyota Land Cruiser, restored Aston Martin, or a collection of classic muscle cars, a passion for unique and historic cars is something that never goes away – and often grows with the number of cars you own. Make sure you protect your classic cars from damage or additional wear and tear, so you can proudly show them off for years to come.
couple driving together in cool vintage car
Classic Car
8 ways to stop a thief from stealing your classic car
Whether you’re shipping a newly purchased vintage vehicle home, exhibiting at a car show in California, or just taking your baby out for a drive, you should know that your classic car may be a target for car thieves.

Find an Agent

Speak to an independent agent about your insurance needs.

This document is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is an overview only, and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.

Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. Insurance provided by ACE American Insurance Company and its U.S. based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. All products may not be available in all states. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued. Surplus lines insurance sold only through licensed surplus lines producers. Chubb, 202 Hall's Mill Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-1600.