A guide to storing your vehicle and getting it back on the road

A guide to storing your vehicle and getting it back on the road

Do you own a vehicle that you only use during the summer months and store for the winter?

If that’s the case, know that there are multiple steps to take when storing a vehicle for an extended period and when getting it back on the road.

These are the steps you should take when putting your vehicle in and taking it out of storage.

Storing

We all know that summer in Quebec doesn’t last forever, and it’s necessary to store your fair-weather vehicle if you want to keep it in good condition for years to come.

To help you with this process, here are the main steps to take:

1. Notify the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) to register your vehicle for storage
   
   It’s important to contact the SAAQ when you intend to store your vehicle. Submitting a request to store your vehicle can be done in advance or on the same day.
   
   When preparing to store your vehicle, you should keep your registration certificate near at hand. It will save you time!
2. Talk to your insurer
   
   Notify your insurer of your intention to store your vehicle. Don’t skip this step! You’re eligible for a reimbursement on your auto insurance premium.
   
   If you’re insured with iA Auto and Home Insurance, it’s possible to complete a request for vehicle storage online. This will save you a phone call and give you the liberty to complete your request at a time that best suits you.
3. Choose a place to store your vehicle
   
   It’s time to decide where you’ll store your vehicle. Know that it’s prohibited to store one’s vehicle on public roads.
   
   Choose a reliable place to keep your vehicle secure and inaccessible to thieves. For example, a garage, a private yard or a rented parking space. Some buildings offer spaces that can be rented on a month-to-month basis.
4. Prepare your vehicle
   
   Before storing your vehicle, ensure that it’s in good condition. If necessary, make an appointment with your mechanic to take care of any maintenance. You should also check the tire pressure to save yourself from any surprises come the spring.
   
   The fluids should also be topped up before storing your vehicle. Gasoline, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and brake fluid should all be full.
   
   If your vehicle is stored in a place that risks freezing, make sure it has the appropriate antifreeze and winter windshield washer fluid so that your engine and reservoir are protected. Finally, thoroughly clean your vehicle, being sure not to neglect areas that risk corroding.

Removing your vehicle from storage

It’s finally showing signs of a turn in the weather and you’re ready to get your vehicle back on the road. Before getting behind the wheel, consider these simple steps:

1. Contact the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec
   
   First, contact the SAAQ to restore your registration. Don’t forget to have your registration certificate in hand.
2. Verify the date with your auto insurance provider
   
   At iA Auto and Home Insurance, when you store your vehicle, we ask for the date on which you would like to remove it from storage.
   
   When that date is approaching, you will receive your insurance documents and an email reminder.
   
   If you wish to retain this date, no further action is required on your part. If necessary, it’s possible to modify this date online.
3. Inspect your vehicle
   
   Finally, you should inspect your vehicle and ensure that the tire pressure is adequate. Verify the general state of your vehicle and make sure that everything is in order. For a complete inspection, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your mechanic.
   
   Now you’re finally ready for that road trip!

Good to know!

• Do not remove your license plate when you store your vehicle.
• Keep your registration certificate, the SAAQ will ask for it when you submit your requests before and after storage.
• Make your request for storage at the end of a month, since you pay for the entire month of insurance. When it comes to taking your vehicle out of storage, make the necessary arrangements for the beginning of a month.