Storing your car in a secure facility is a smart move to protect its value and condition. But, if the cost of premium storage feels daunting, there are practical ways to offset these expenses. With a few smart strategies, you can effectively reduce your storage costs, making it even more affordable.
1. SORN Your Vehicle to Save on Tax
If your car won’t be used on public roads while in storage, you can register it as off the road with a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN). This saves you from paying vehicle tax during the storage period.
According to the official GOV.UK SORN service, it’s quick and easy to apply online. For instance, if your vehicle tax is £60/month, SORNing it while in storage could save you £720 annually—significantly reducing the overall cost of storage.
2. Update Your Insurance Policy
Many insurers offer discounts if you inform them that your car will be securely stored and not driven. Premium storage like ours at Car Storage Oxted provides climate-controlled, discreet, and 24/7 monitored facilities, making your vehicle’s location far less risky than on a driveway or public garage.
Some insurers may also provide reduced rates if you install a tracker on your car. (If you’re curious about tracking options, check out our recent post on car trackers to find the best one for your needs.)
By adjusting your insurance policy, you could save £40/month or more, depending on your insurer and policy terms.
3. Calculate the Real Cost of Premium Storage
When you look at the savings from SORNing your vehicle and reducing insurance premiums, the actual cost of storing your car may be much less than it first appears. Let’s break it down:
- Storage cost: £200/month
- Tax savings from SORN: £60/month
- Insurance discount: £40/month
After savings, your storage cost is effectively £100/month—a fraction of the actual cost. For comparison, running a high-quality garage with heating, dehumidification, and advanced CCTV monitoring costs far more in utilities alone.
4. Protect Your Vehicle’s Value
Storing your car in a secure, climate-controlled facility doesn’t just protect it from theft or damage—it also preserves its value. Keeping your car in pristine condition ensures fewer maintenance costs and a higher resale value, effectively offsetting the cost of storage over time.
5. Choose the Right Storage Facility
Not all car storage facilities are created equal. At Car Storage Oxted, we offer heated and dehumidified garages, 24/7 CCTV access, and a discreet location. With competitive pricing and top-notch care, we ensure your vehicle gets premium protection without breaking the bank.
Take Action Today
By combining these cost-saving strategies—SORNing your vehicle, updating your insurance policy, and choosing a facility like ours—you can make premium car storage affordable and effective. Ready to store your car securely? Contact us at Car Storage Oxted to learn more about our affordable and trusted services.
For more information on SORN, visit the official GOV.UK website.