How to protect your classic car from theft and damage
Written by Aleesha McMullin | Published on: September 20, 2023 | Categories: On the road, Car insurance
You've put a lot of time, energy, and money into your classic vehicle, so you'll want to keep it pristine for as long as possible. Unfortunately, even when you don't drive it every day, there are certain risks specific to classic cars that can result in damage or theft. Follow these simple tips to protect your classic car, reduce your risk of damage, and deter thieves:
- Carefully pick your storage garage. Leaving your classic car outdoors and exposed to the elements can lead to unnecessary wear and tear and can increase the odds of little pests making a new home in your car's cabin, trunk, or hood. Find a climate-controlled storage facility where your car will be stored away from heavy foot traffic and other items that could scratch or bump into your car. A secure garage with locked units, plenty of light, and security cameras will also help reduce your risk of theft.
- Drive your car or let it idle every few weeks. You probably aren't driving your classic car during the winter or in poor weather conditions, but not running your car every now and then can lead to poor lubrication in the engine. Allowing your car to sit for more than a month could also reduce your car's battery health. Stay on top of regular maintenance and keep your car in good health by taking it out for a drive every few weeks, or at least let the engine run in park for a few minutes. If you have access to a power supply, connect a trickle charger to your car battery. This device contains low amps and will help maintain the life of your battery without overcharging it.
- Detail the inside and outside of the vehicle. Built-up dirt and debris on your car can lead to rust and may even cause the tires to rot and break down. Take the time to detail your car from the inside out to keep it in great condition. A well-maintained car can also signal to potential thieves that you visit your car often and may reduce your risk of becoming a target for car theft.
- Crank the wheels and remove the steering wheel while it's in storage. Thieves will typically try to steal classic cars in one of two ways: they'll break in and drive the vehicle away or they'll tow it. Remove your steering wheel to deter thieves from driving your car away, and tun the front wheels far in one direction to make it difficult for the car to be towed.
- Etch the vehicle identification number (VIN) into the windshield. Classic cars are popular targets for thieves because they're rare, they're usually easier to break into, and their parts are valuable. Add a unique identifier that is hard to remove, like permanently etching the VIN into the vehicle, to make it harder for thieves to resell your vehicle and a less desirable target.
- Make sure your car insurance coverage is up to date. Even if you're not driving your classic car day-to-day, make sure you have the right coverage just in case something happens to your car while on the road or in storage. Reach out to your licensed car insurance broker to ask about specific car insurance endorsements that will allow you to insure your classic car to its stated value to make sure you're covered up to the amount specified by a professional appraiser in the event that your car is damaged.
Protecting your classic car is about more than just preserving how it looks. Many classic cars are common targets for car theft, and unfortunately, they tend to lack the security and anti-theft technology found in newer makes and models. As car theft continues to be a concern for all vehicle owners across Canada, make sure to park in well-lit areas, always lock your car, and consider installing an aftermarket anti-theft device to further enhance your classic car's security.
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