The British guide to car storage costs (2025)

Whether you’re in between properties or going on a long holiday, storing your car in the UK has a number of budget-friendly outdoor options. This quick guide covers current car storage costs, terms, and best practices, helping you choose the best solution for short-term or long-term needs!

Typical car storage costs per week

Car storage prices vary based on storage type and additional services:

Short-term vs long-term storage

Payment is either due on receipt of invoice or you can chose to pay monthly by standing order.

• Minimum terms: Typically 1–3 months minimum, sometimes requiring advance payment.
• Daily vs monthly rates: Short stays (~~£10 per day) cost significantly more than monthly bookings (~~£1.50/day).
• Long-term discounts: Discounts often available for pre-paying 6–12 months or longer; inquire about seasonal offers.
• Contract flexibility: Notice periods generally 24–48 hours for retrieval; premium services may offer immediate access without penalties.

Value-added services

Beyond basic storage, facilities may offer:

• Battery maintenance: Trickle charging or periodic battery checks; some charge small fees (~£1/week).
• Engine exercises: Regular start-ups and short drives.
• Tyre care: Regular pressure checks and rotations to prevent flat spots.
• Cleaning/valeting: Pre-storage cleaning services, often required for long-term storage.
• Climate control: Dehumidification and temperature control to protect interiors and prevent corrosion.
• MOT and maintenance: MOT arrangements and servicing for convenience; extra fees apply (~£85–£100 including MOT).
• Collection & delivery: Vehicle transport available, often priced per mile (£2.50 + VAT per mile).

Location impact on prices

• Urban vs rural: Urban locations (e.g., London) are significantly more expensive than rural areas.
• Seasonal demand: Prices may increase in autumn due to high demand for winter storage. Locking rates early can offer savings.

Preparation before storage facility

Proper prep goes a long way...

1. Change the oil if it’s dirty – used oil can have acids that you don’t want sitting in the engine for a year. Top up coolant with correct antifreeze mix to prevent freezing (important if the storage is unheated).
2. Remove or disconnect any old-school batteries (like in the radio or clock) that could leak. It’s also a good idea to lubricate door seals and hinges, and put the car on jack stands for any super-long storage to take load off springs (though this is more often done for multi-year storage).

These best practices, combined with a quality storage environment, will ensure your classic or supercar comes out of hibernation as pristine as it went in.

Insurance requirements

Fully insured storage

Facilities typically provide full insurance for stored cars; confirm details.

Owner’s insurance

If the facility doesn't provide insurance, maintaining your own insurance policy is crucial. Notify your insurer of storage location changes or SORN declarations.

Comparing storage options

Evaluate facilities based on:

• Security: Robust security features (CCTV, alarms, secure key storage).
• Environment: Prefer climate-controlled spaces for high-value vehicles.
• Accessibility: Check if the access hours and notice requirements match your needs.
• Contract terms: Review minimum terms, cancellation policies, and refund terms.
• Additional services: Confirm inclusion of essential services such as battery charging and engine runs.
• Reputation: Research customer reviews and testimonials.

Special considerations for classic cars

Classics and high-value vehicles need extra care:

• Use climate-controlled storage to avoid deterioration.
• Keep the battery conditioned and use fuel stabilisers.
• Inflate tires to prevent flat spots and avoid handbrake seizure.
• Regular inspections; good facilities routinely check vehicles and provide reports.

New trends in car storage

• Individual storage pods: Protected environments for each car, using advanced air-filtering systems (storage4cars.co.uk).
• Electric vehicle support: Specialised EV charging and storage.
• Smart tech integration: App-based monitoring and access for convenience.
• Eco-friendly facilities: Facilities adopting renewable energy and sustainable practices.
• Integrated service offerings: Partnerships with workshops for comprehensive care.

EV Accommodation

With the rise of electric vehicles, storage facilities have adapted to cater for EVs. This includes providing trickle charging or maintenance charging for high-voltage batteries, as letting an EV’s battery sit at 0% or 100% for long periods is harmful.

A premium car storage in London advertises that all cars (including EVs) are hooked to advanced chargers that top up only as needed.

Additionally, temperature control is crucial for EVs (batteries prefer moderate temperatures), so climate-controlled storage benefits electric cars too. We also see some facilities adding EV charging bays – e.g. an extra £10/week service to keep an EV’s battery at an optimal level.

If you’re storing an electric car, ask the provider how they handle the 12V battery and the main battery – ideally, they periodically power up the car or keep it on a maintenance charger per manufacturer guidelines.

Final thoughts

Hopefully you have a better idea of available UK car storage options, prices, and services so that your car stays secure and maintained. Evaluate providers carefully, considering both immediate costs and long-term value to find the best storage solution for your vehicle.

Sources

• Holdstorage.co.uk
• Thefarmingforum.co.uk
• Lynxcarstorage.co.uk
• Tectiqsclaims.co.uk
• Automobilestorage.co.uk
• Classicandprestigecarstorage.co.uk
• Comparemymove.co.uk
• Racinggreencarstorage.co.uk
• Tigastor.co.uk
• Centrallondoncarstorage.co.uk
• Footmanjames.co.uk
• Pistonheads.com
• Titancontainers.co.uk
• Autoboutiquelondon.co.uk