A classic stored badly for six months can come out with a flat battery, flat-spotted tyres, seized brakes and mould in the cabin. Most of that is avoidable, and you don't need a specialist collection to do it. A dry garage, a little preparation and the right paperwork cover most cars.
Where to keep it
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Lock-up garage | Cheapest dry, lockable space. Built for a car. | Usually no power. Older doors can be about 7ft wide. Check the roof and floor for damp. |
| Indoor self storage | Drive-in units at some stores, with staff and CCTV. | Many stores don't take vehicles. Ask before you book. |
| 20ft container | Secure, and 2.34 m wide at the door. | Steel sweats when the temperature swings. Ask if the yard accepts vehicles and fuel. |
| Open yard or hardstanding | Lowest cost for a car in a weatherproof outdoor cover. | No protection from weather, sap or damp. Not a good choice for a car you care about. |
| Specialist car storage | Dehumidified halls, battery care, collection. | The most expensive option. |
The paperwork
SORN. If the car won't be taxed, make a Statutory Off Road Notification with DVLA. It's free, takes minutes online and lasts until the car is taxed again, sold, exported or scrapped. A SORN car can be kept in a garage, on a drive or on private land, but not on a public road. That matters if your lock-up block has an unadopted road or shared forecourt: check where the car actually sits.
Driving with a SORN. You can only drive on a public road to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment. Other use can bring a fine of up to £2,500.
Tax. Vehicles built before 1 January 1986 can stop paying vehicle tax from 1 April 2026, but you have to apply for the exemption. Exempt cars still need taxing each year at no cost, so an exempt car kept off the road and untaxed still needs a SORN.
MOT. Cars built or first registered more than 40 years ago don't need an MOT, as long as they haven't been substantially changed. You still have to keep the car roadworthy.
Insurance. You don't legally have to insure a car that's declared SORN. A car that's neither insured nor SORN can bring a fine. Don't simply cancel cover, though: fire, theft and damage in storage are the risks you're storing it to avoid. Ask about laid-up cover, and check what it excludes, because it may not cover you to drive the car at all, including on some private land. If you use a storage site, tell your insurer the address. Some insurers ask for details of its security.
Keeping out damp
Damp does more harm than cold. Wash the car and let it dry completely before you put it away. Then:
- Put moisture-absorbing crystals in the cabin and boot, and check them regularly.
- Don't heat the garage. Specialists warn that heating can increase moisture.
- If you have mains power, a dehumidifier works best in a well-sealed space.
- Use a soft, breathable indoor cover to keep dust off. Never put a cover on a wet car.
- A storage bubble with its own dehumidifier is an option if you have power and the budget.
Battery
A smart charger or conditioner is the usual answer, but most lock-ups have no power. If yours doesn't, you have two choices: a solar charger, which needs daylight, or taking the battery home and keeping it on a charger there. Check any alarm or radio codes first.
Tyres and brakes
- Inflate the tyres a little over normal to limit flat spots, and put them back to the correct pressure before you drive. Tyre cradles are an alternative.
- Leave the handbrake off so the shoes or pads don't stick, and chock the wheels instead. Only do this on level ground.
- If you can visit, roll the car a little every week or two so the tyres don't sit on the same spot.
Fuel
Ethanol absorbs water from the air, so most classic specialists suggest storing a car on E5 super unleaded or ethanol-free fuel rather than E10. Advice on how much to leave in the tank varies. Some recommend at least a quarter of a tank, others a full tank to leave less air, and specialists warn against leaving a fuel system completely dry, which can harm seals. Your owners' club will know what suits your car, especially if it has a steel tank.
Before you lock up
- Check the coolant level and top up with the right antifreeze mix.
- Put a drip tray or sheet of card under the engine so you can spot leaks.
- Block off anything mice can use to get in, and check for them on each visit. They chew wiring.
- Keep the V5C, insurance details and a photo of the car's condition somewhere other than the car.
Waking it up
Reset the tyre pressures, refit or check the battery, look under the car for leaks, and check the brakes move freely before you leave the garage. If the car is SORN, tax it before it goes on the road, and make sure the insurance covers driving again.
Find somewhere to keep it
Search lock-up garages near you, or browse all lock-up garages. Our guide to renting a lock-up covers what to check on a viewing, and council garages are often the cheapest route. There's also independent self storage and container storage, plus lock-ups in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Common questions
Do I need to SORN a classic car in storage?
If it isn't taxed, yes. A vehicle that's untaxed and has no SORN gets an automatic fine. If you keep it taxed and insured, you don't need one. Cars with the historic tax exemption still need a SORN if they're off the road and untaxed.
Can I keep a SORN car in a lock-up garage?
Yes. A SORN vehicle must be kept off the public road, and a garage or private land qualifies.
Do I need insurance for a car in storage?
Not legally if it's declared SORN, but you'd be uninsured against fire, theft and damage. Laid-up cover is built for this. Check what it excludes before you drive the car again.
Is a shipping container good for storing a car?
It's secure, but steel can sweat when temperatures swing, so it needs moisture control. Ask the yard if vehicles are allowed, and measure the car against the 2.34 m door width.
How often should I check a stored classic?
Every couple of weeks if you can. Check the moisture crystals, look for leaks and signs of mice, and roll the car a little so the tyres don't sit on one spot.
