The average cost in the UK for leaving your car in storage can be between £20 per week to £175 per month. The difference in costs depends on the provider and the services they offer such as climate control, MOT or drive-on-road maintenance.
In this guide, we will discuss how much it costs to keep a car in storage and the services you should look out for when choosing your storage facility.
What Factors to Consider When Storing a Car
When selecting storage for your car there are several questions to consider, such as
What Type of Vehicle Will Be Stored?
Certain storage facilities will not take your car unless it meets their requirements. This can be for insurance purposes or the specialty they offer. Some offer storage units for classic car owners whilst others will not take these cars. Be sure to check with the provider before booking.
How Secure Does the Facility Need to Be?
The level of security required for storing your car depends on its value, both financial and sentimental. While most storage facilities in the UK offer security features, the extent of these can vary.
If you’re storing classic or high-value cars, you’ll likely want a facility that emphasises security. Some providers install 24/7 surveillance, secure access, and maintain the secrecy of the location until a booking is confirmed.
The more secure the facility, the higher the cost will likely be. Some providers charge up to £250 per month for units such as these. They may have other services included in the price from an MOT to cleaning the vehicles.
*Data taken from Lynx Car Storage
Do You Need a Dehumidifier?
Leaving your car in damp conditions can lead to rust, corrosion and moisture-causing dampness. Many providers have climate control options available as part of their facilities. If you have a classic car or one that isn’t going to be used for some time, it is worth using a dry and secure unit until you need it again.
Many storage providers offer dehumidified environments, which come at a premium. One provider we found charges an additional £55 per month for a dehumidified unit. Another provider ranges from £89 to £189 per week (plus VAT)*. Higher rates are often found in locations like London with dehumidified facilities.
*Data taken from Windrush Car Storage
How Many Months Do You Need For Car Storage?
The duration of time you need to store your car will affect both the cost and the available providers. Some only allow short-term storage, while others may prefer longer stays to reduce administration. For instance, certain providers charge £10 per day for short-term storage, but for monthly bookings, the daily rate drops to around £1.50 per day.
*Data taken from Cardiff Self-Storage
When Do You Need the Storage?
Most modern cars can remain unused for a few weeks without requiring attention or maintenance. But, if you're leaving for a longer period, it's advised you store your car to prevent damage.
This is particularly relevant during peak winter months, such as January and February. This is when the risk of mould or other environmental damage increases. Be aware that storage companies may raise their prices for winter storage as a result of higher demand.
Here are some examples where you might require storage for your car:
- Waiting for a family member to pass their driving test
- Storing a loved one’s car while awaiting probate
- License suspended or requiring a retest
- Temporarily disqualified from driving due to medical reasons
- Unable to drive because of an injury
Do You Need the Car to Be Picked Up?
You may have reasons to have your car picked up, such as being away for a long period or being unable to drive it yourself. Whichever one it is, providers can offer a pick-up service, though it’s usually an extra option and comes with a fee.
Maintenance Required?
According to the AA, cars need to be turned over every couple of weeks. Any longer and the battery can die. This will of course depend on the age of the car. For classic or older cars, they might need to have regular monthly checks. Some storage facilities provide a service whereby they will regularly do a battery check and turn over the engine.
With the car in storage, an MOT might be required. Some providers can either take your car to the garage or conduct the MOT themselves if they have the facilities. This service will impact the cost of storing your car and some providers may ask for additional funds to cover the cost of repairs.
Additionally, some facilities may add extra maintenance fees on top of the storage costs, which can start at £45 plus VAT per month.
*Data taken from Lynx Car Storage
FAQs
How Long Can You Keep a Car in Storage?
There typically isn't a fixed time limit, as long as the car is properly cared for during its stay. Most storage companies allow the booking of multiple slots, enabling renters to extend the car's stay as needed.
Depending on the provider, they may not offer maintenance services, meaning you would need to go and maintain the car yourself.
Can You Store a Car in a Self-Storage Unit?
Yes, there are many self-storage units in the UK that have parking space in their units. Depending on the size of the car and unit will decide whether it's feasible. Some container storage units are useful for the storage of cars. It is worth noting though that its harder to control the temperature within, so might not be ideal for a long-term strorage
Always check with the provider beforehand as it might be company policy not to accept cars in their units.
Can a Garage Charge Me For the Storage of My Car?
Yes, a garage can charge you storage fees for your car, especially if you haven’t cleared the outstanding bill for the repairs. If you leave your car at the garage for an extended period after the repairs are completed, they may charge storage fees.
They can also apply a mechanic's lien. This means the garage has the right to keep possession of the vehicle until you settle the repair bill. If you don’t pay for the repairs within a reasonable time frame, the garage may take legal steps to sell the car to recover the money owed.
What Happens if a Car Is Not Driven For 6 Months?
The condition of your car after 6 months will depend on how you left it. You should carry out certain maintenance checks before putting the car in storage. Such as filling up the fuel tank and changing the oil to prevent moisture build-up.
Additionally, inflating your tyres properly can help limit long-term damage. Not doing this can result in engine failure and the degradation of tyres.
Should I Disconnect My Car Battery When Storing?
This is something that should be considered beforehand. The reason for disconnecting is that batteries can lose charge over time if connected even if not used. The issue with disconnecting is they can also still lose charge.
Only disconnect your battery if you are leaving the car in unattended storage and have the facility at home to regularly charge the battery. You can also use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to prevent battery drainage when in storage without the need to disconnect.
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