If you’re planning to store a vehicle for the winter, it’s important to think about your insurance, not just the paperwork.
Putting a vehicle in storage temporarily takes it off the road, but it doesn’t automatically end your insurance coverage. So before the cold weather sets in, it’s worth understanding which coverage to keep, what savings may be possible and what steps to take to avoid any unpleasant surprises come spring.
That’s where your Lareau broker comes in: they can advise you on which coverage to keep or adjust based on your situation, so your vehicle stays properly protected all winter long.
Here’s a look at the key questions to ask yourself before storing a vehicle for the winter.
Vehicle storage means temporarily putting away a vehicle that won’t be used for a certain period of time, typically over the winter.
It mainly applies to people who own:
Once a vehicle is in storage, it can no longer be driven on public roads.
Storing a vehicle involves just a few steps:
The process may vary depending on the type of vehicle. The following sections cover the main things you need to know to store a vehicle properly.
In most cases, yes.
Even when a vehicle is in storage, some risks remain, including:
Some people assume they can simply cancel their insurance when their vehicle spends the winter in the garage. But that isn’t always the best option. Even when it’s not being driven, a vehicle is still exposed to certain risks and still has value worth protecting.
Yes, in many cases.
When you let your insurance broker know your vehicle is in storage, certain driving-related coverage can be suspended since the vehicle is no longer on the road. This change may lower your insurance premium, depending on the vehicle, your coverage and how long it’s stored.
That said, savings vary from one situation to the next. It’s a good idea to review your options with your broker before making any changes to your coverage.
The Q.E.F. No. 16 endorsement allows certain coverage to be suspended while a vehicle is in storage.
In particular, it removes coverage related to driving the vehicle on the road while keeping certain other protections under your policy in place. Your vehicle therefore remains covered according to the terms of your insurance policy.
Before putting a vehicle in storage, check with your insurance broker:
To put a vehicle in storage, you must submit a request to the SAAQ.
Once the vehicle is in storage:
In some cases, yes.
You may be eligible for a partial refund of your registration fees if you put your vehicle in storage by certain dates:
Eligibility conditions and refund amounts are set by the SAAQ, so be sure to check the current requirements when you submit your request.
Proper preparation helps keep your vehicle in good condition throughout the storage period.
Before putting a vehicle in storage, it’s a good idea to:
These simple steps can help limit wear and damage while the vehicle sits idle.
To put a vehicle back on the road after storage, you must submit a request to the SAAQ to take it out of storage.
Before hitting the road again, you should also contact your insurance broker to reinstate any suspended coverage, have the vehicle’s mechanical condition checked and confirm that its registration is valid.
Unlike some road vehicles, boats aren’t put in storage through the SAAQ. When the cold weather arrives, the focus is instead on winterizing and storing your boat.
Before winter, it’s a good idea to:
It’s also a good idea to let your insurance broker know your boat is in storage, so they can check whether any changes to your coverage are needed.
Under current rules, if a vehicle stays in storage for more than 12 months, the law requires it to pass a mechanical inspection before it can be put back on the road.
Whether you’re putting a vehicle in storage, adjusting your coverage or getting back on the road in the spring, your Lareau broker is here to guide and advise you every step of the way. Contact your broker for advice tailored to your needs.
