When choosing a spot to park your car, it is wise to consider whether or not there will be any hazards that may cause damage to your vehicle. Parking under trees can be problematic for example, particularly owing to the dangers of falling sap, which must be removed with acetone or lighter fluid. In addition, other factors, such as severe weather, theft or accidents can pose a threat to your vehicle.
As a matter of fact, according to RateCity, an Australia-based financial comparison website, automobile insurance companies that offer comprehensive policies pay very close attention to all aspects of car ownership. For example, drivers who live in areas with a significantly high crime rates are more likely to pay higher premiums than would a driver who lived in a neighborhood with little or no crime.
But regardless of how safe any neighborhood is, parking your car on the street also inherently carries with it increased risks of such things as a careless motorist crashing into it; damage from such severe weather conditions as hail, damage from falling objects, or acts of theft or vandalism. In fact, the latter risk can increase if a driver parks his or her car in the same spot each time.
As such, many insurance companies charge drivers who regularly park on the street higher premiums. Between two different people who drive the same colored make and model of car, the driver who opts for the use of an indoor public garage could save about sixty dollars a month on his or her premiums on average compared to a driver who parks his car in a metered parking space. Considering that insurance companies tend to cut slack to motorists who maintain clean driving records, it’s no surprise that drivers who prefer to store their cars within enclosed structures would save money on their insurance. If you can afford a locked facility in which to store your car when you are not driving it, this is most probably all the better.
However, if you have no choice but to park on the street, choose an area and time where ample people gather, as thieves and vandals often become more inhibited when they believe others are watching. Also, avoid areas where objects may fall onto your car, and with that in mind, try to opt for a shady area, but be careful when parking underneath a tree.