Summer has come to an end and the storage of motorized vehicles, recreational vehicles and marine boats has arrived! Cold temperatures, frost and ice can be harmful to vehicle operation, which is why it is important to have storage that is adapted to your needs.
What are the Storage Dates?
Depending on the type of boat or vehicle you are storing, the terms and conditions could be different. To be eligible for a partial refund for registration, motorcycles must be stored no later than on September 30th of each year, while for snowmobiles the maximum storage date is March 31st.
Recreational boats have a boating season between April 1st and November 30th, which means that the storage period for these boats is from December 1st to March 31st of each year.
Is Storage Insurance Mandatory?
With respect to marine vessels, in Canada, there is no legal requirement for vessel owners to carry storage insurance. However, it is strongly recommended to obtain one from a specialized broker. For example, if a breakage occurs during the storage period, the owner who does not have insurance would have no recourse or reimbursement for damage to his boat.
Most insurance contracts exclude situations involving damage caused by frost, ice or lack of maintenance, which is why it is important to have your vehicle stored.
Finally, it is strongly recommended to obtain civil liability insurance before storing. In this way, if an incident occurs, the owner of the place, warehouse or garage will be compensated. In the event that you are not insured, you will be required to issue the reimbursement by your own means.
Inspections and Certifications
It is very important to keep the license plate on the vehicle.
Also, keep your records and certificates as you will need them when you return them to circulation. In short, a vehicle that has been stored must never be on a public road. It must be parked in a space provided for this purpose, such as a garage, a courtyard or on private property.
In the event that your vehicle has been stored for a period of more than twelve months, a mechanical inspection is mandatory at an authorized SAAQ centre to ensure the proper operation of the vehicle in service.
How to Prepare for Storage
For a recreational vehicle (RV), it is essential to protect the water supply system from freezing. Wash your RV regularly and remove food and packaging that could attract unwanted mice or insects.
For your motorcycle, make sure to change the oil, fill the fuel and supply the battery frequently. This way, you will avoid the presence of corrosion and oil contamination.
The storage of a vehicle can be stressful and that’s why our team of professionals specialized in this field can guide you to offer you the best protection.
