There is much more than meets the eye when it comes to choosing the right car storage company.

Have you checked whether an operator insures your vehicle while it is stored with them? Do you know if their facility is dehumidified throughout the building – rather than relying on a few portable machines here and there? What environmental contribution is it making as we move toward net-zero?

Clearly, you believe your car deserves the very best care it can get. So here are the questions we believe you should ask when choosing car storage.

1. Privacy: Privacy adds an unseen but important level of security to any car storage facility. After all, if the business is situated in an industrial estate where everyone knows what’s going on and anyone can look on as cars come and go, word soon spreads about its whereabouts. A facility that is invisible to the outside world won’t attract unwanted attention.
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2. Security: Look for a storage facility that provides exceptional security measures. Some of this will be obvious – an alarm, fire detection and CCTV – but some of it won’t be so obvious.
   A professional operator will have keyholder notification and 24/7 surveillance for intruder and fire alarms, and police and fire brigade notification. Then consider the security of car keys: these should be stored in a specialist, insurance-approved key safe, not taken home each night. Imagine what could happen if those keys were stolen or lost while being carried around…
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3. Humidity control: If you live in an area with extreme temperatures or humidity, consider a car storage provider that offers climate-controlled facilities. A professional dehumidification system will keep the relative humidity at 55 per cent – the optimum level for preserving vehicles. This helps prevent issues like rust, mould, or damage to electronics and sensitive mechanical components caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations.
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4. Insurance and liability: Inquire about the insurance coverage provided by the storage facility. Check if they have liability coverage in case of any damage or theft that may occur while your vehicle is in storage. It's also a good idea to check if your own insurance policy covers your vehicle during storage, and speak with your insurer to notify them of where the vehicle will be stored.
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5. Environmental commitment: As we collectively work toward net-zero, any car storage provider that goes above and beyond to reduce its environmental impact should be applauded. At Racing Green Car Storage, we have fitted our building with a 63-array solar system capable of delivering 26kW of power. After just four full months of operation it has saved 2870kg of CO2, the equivalent of 170 trees planted. Another way for a provider to take their environmental commitment seriously is to carbon-balance the annual emissions of every car stored with them – as we do at Racing Green – through UK tree planting initiatives that are certified by the Woodland Trust.
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6. Accessibility: Consider how often you may need to access your vehicle while it's in storage, and how conveniently located the facility is for you. Some facilities only offer access with 24-hours notice. We believe you should be able to have access without notice during operating hours, and then out-of-hours access by arrangement.
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7. Additional Services: Determine if the storage provider offers any additional services that you may need. For example, they may provide regular maintenance, detailing, or wheel refurbishment services.
   Do they have their own dedicated vehicle trailer, and is it fully enclosed and spacious enough to comfortably accommodate your car – and cope with its kerbweight?
   They may also offer the option of complete management of your vehicle 365-days of the year – as we do.  
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8. Cost: Don’t just compare the price at face value. Consider the value you're getting for your money in terms of privacy, security, humidity control, the inclusion of insurance, carbon-balancing measures, the supply of a smart battery charger and tailored car cover, and the overall quality of the storage facility. Also weigh up any additional, optional services that are important to you.
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If you would like to know more about Racing Green’s services, or arrange for your car to be placed in our care, please speak with a member of the team, on 03330 909722, or email us at enquiries@racinggreencarstorage.co.uk