New Bedford Car Insurance: Garaging Your Vehicle in the Winter

Depending on who you talk with, you will hear a lot of pro and con arguments about whether you should garage your vehicle in the winter. Most insurance companies in New Bedford recommend that you keep your vehicle in the garage because it can protect it from snow, ice, wind, hail, and other seasonal conditions. However, the argument against garaging a vehicle in the winter has much to do with the acceleration of rust due to the vehicle warming up after driving in full of snow, ice, slush, de-icing chemical, salt, dirt, and debris. As a vehicle owner, you will need to consider all of the options and make the decision for yourself. However, it is possible to have the “best of both worlds” if you take the time to clean your vehicle each time you return home to the garage.

Your Car Will Last Longer in the Garage

Studies prove that personal vehicles will last longer if they are stored inside of a garage each evening. Regardless of the neighborhood, type of vehicle or location of the customer, insurance companies all report better results when vehicles are stored indoors. Bird droppings, falling branches from a neighbor’s tree, a drunk driver slamming into parked cars on the side of the road – many things can happen to your vehicle if you park it in the driveway or out on the street. Vehicles that spend every night under a roof will see their exterior last longer and look better for about twice as long as vehicles that stay outdoors.

Heated garages, as well as finished garages that are naturally warmer than outdoor temperatures, are sometimes thought of to be bad for vehicles in winter. Not only could the snow and ice increase corrosion and rust, but the melt-off could cause damage to the concrete in your garage and any belongings that are stored inside. Certain products and methods can be used to reduce these risks, which should be reported to your insurance companies in New Bedford just in case they make a difference in your premium. Anything you do as a homeowner or renter to protect the structure should be reported, as well as anything you do as a vehicle owner. Proactive, preventive measures can mean a lot to the life of your home and your vehicle.

Protecting the Garage

A few products can be used to protect your garage from melting snow and ice during the winter. Not only snow, but the salt, dirt, debris, and de-icing chemicals can all cause damage to your flooring surface. Protector strips are available from automotive stores and home improvement centers. They are designed to fit underneath where your tires roll in as you enter the garage to protect the surface as the snow melts. Other products include containment mats, which are great not just for snow and ice but also for vehicles that get dirty and muddy. If you don’t want to install a unique product, at least take the time to use a handle-length squeegee to push the snow, ice, water, and debris out of the garage door as it melts off your vehicle. A good push-broom can have a similar effect, although it might take more time to work.

Another method is to brush the snow, ice, and debris off the vehicle before pulling into the garage. It will be cold outside, and you might be tired from a long day at work or from hauling the kids to and from school, but it is worth it. Not only will this provide protection for your garage and any belongings stored inside, but it will also remove the surface debris, snow, and ice that ultimately cause corrosion and damage your vehicle over time. Some vehicle owners swear by the use of fans or specialty blower fans to dry out the vehicle to prevent rust. While this is probably the most hands-off approach, it won’t be as effective as using a soft snow brush to remove any excess snow and ice before pulling the vehicle into the garage. You just need to be willing to do it each and every time you pull the car or truck inside for it to make a difference.

Get a FREE New Bedford Car Insurance Quote

If you are in the market for car insurance in New Bedford and the surrounding Southcoast area, contact Borden Insurance Agency to get a FREE quote. Our friendly team of New Bedford insurance agent staff can help you to get the best coverage at the best price. As an independent insurance agent, we work with all the top insurance companies in New Bedford that serve Southeastern Massachusetts. Call today at 508-999-3636 to update your existing policy or to get a FREE quote.