Collector Car Storage
Cars deteriorate from sitting as surely as from driving. Humidity works on metal and leather, fuel goes stale, tires flat-spot, batteries die and seals dry out. Good storage is a controlled environment plus someone paying attention.
Facilities range from a secure dry building to full concierge care with exercise drives, trickle charging and delivery. The right level depends on how long the car sits and how much the owner wants to do personally.
Specialists on Fully Sorted
- Gillie's Auto LoungeSan DiegoPrivate membership club for classic, exotic, and collector cars. Secure storage. Curated community. White-glove care from people who love cars as much...
- Collector Car VaultSanta Paula & Northern Los Angeles AreaA SPACE WITH AS MUCH HISTORY AS THE CARS WITHIN The Collector Car Vault facility, located in the heart of the “Citrus Capital of the World", began li...
- CarVaultBerwyn, PAConcierge Storage for collector cars
- AutoBarn Classic CarsConcord, NCAutoBarn Classic Cars & Collector Car Storage was started by a couple of Charlotte, North Carolina car collectors who share the same passion as you. O...
Have this ready when you call
- How long the car will be stored
- How often you want access to it
- Whether the car runs, and whether it leaks anything
- Proof of insurance, which most facilities ask for
What to ask before you book
- Is the building climate and humidity controlled, and what range is it held to?
- What security, fire protection and insurance does the facility carry, and what must my own policy cover?
- Are batteries maintained, tires checked and cars started or exercised on a schedule?
- How much notice is needed to collect the car, and are there access hours or fees?
Common questions
Does a collector car need climate-controlled storage?
In humid, coastal or very cold climates it is a real benefit, mainly for controlling humidity. In a dry, mild climate a clean, sealed, secure building is often enough. Stable conditions matter more than a particular temperature.
How should a car be prepared for storage?
Ask the facility what they do and what they expect from you. Common steps are a clean car, fresh fluids where due, fuel stabilizer, correct tire pressure, a battery maintainer and a breathable cover. The right list depends on the car and how long it will sit.
Is a stored car covered by insurance?
Do not assume so. A facility's policy often covers the building and its own liability rather than the full value of each car. Ask the facility what is covered, and ask your own insurer whether your policy applies at that address.
General guidance only. Every car, shop and state is different, and none of this is legal, insurance or mechanical advice. When it matters, ask the specialist you hire.
Can't find the right person?
Put it on the wanted board. Say what the car needs and where it is, and members who know someone can point you to them.
Other trades
Researching a particular car first? Model histories cover what to look for and what goes wrong, model by model.