Birch: High-value Car Insurance and Zero Risk Car Storage
The whole automotive industry is built on managing risk. Every policy offered by an insurer is, in effect, an analysis of the rick of theft or damage - accidental and environmental - to a vehicle.
But this risk equation is shifting; the likelihood of theft is increasing, the costs of repair are rocketing and overall values of luxury and performance cars are rising.
Insurers now, more than ever, are analysing their risk-reward calculations; how much is it to replace a 3D-printed suspension arm, or a carbon fibre wheel-arch, or a graphene-infused alloy wheel. And in some cases, the risk equation is so unbalanced for insurers that they’re refusing to insure certain customers and their cars at all.
In many cases this refusal decision hinges on where a car is kept. Perhaps the most widely publicised example is the inability for many Range Rover owners to insure their cars in London. For the insurers, there is simply not a price high enough that would cover their risk or these cars that are so highly prized by thieves and often targeted by vandals.
But it is becoming a much broader problem. High value supercars and rare classic cars are being very closely scrutinized by insurers for how they are stored, and not just for the risk of theft. If you had a £300,000 painting, for example, you wouldn’t keep it stored in a damp barn alongside your lawnmower and a few cardboard boxes, with just a padlock for security. And yet that’s how many valuable cars are stored.
Even in a secure home garage there’s a risk of fire, flooding, accidental paintwork damage from scrapes, bodywork damage from a falling ladder or a poorly balanced kid’s bicycle, as well as mould, rust or simply just decay from standing stationary for too long. These cars are engineered to fine tolerances – highly strung masterpieces of engineering – and even minimal damage can be expensive to fix. A dent in the bare carbon fibre bodywork of a hypercar could, for example, cost tens-of-thousands to fix
So insurance companies are increasingly requiring proper car storage solutions for high value vehicles, or offering more enticing premiums for those owners that do store their cars securely. It’s part of the reason why we created the world’s best car storage solution at Birch.
Birch: Zero-Risk Car Storage
At Birch, we have developed a storage facility for high value cars with the insight of leaders in the automotive insurance industry. It is the ultimate no-risk solution for vehicles.
- Climate and Humidity Control: Our facility maintains a stable environment to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations and humidity. This is crucial in preserving the integrity of sensitive materials and advanced electronics found in luxury vehicles.
- Fire Safety: Equipped with a modern fire sprinkler system, our facility ensures the highest level of fire safety, mitigating the risk of fire damage
- Security Measures: Our storage centre is fortified with advanced security systems, including 24/7 surveillance and restricted access, to protect against theft and vandalism.
- Armoured electricity supply: Our power supply is armoured to ensure a consistent supply to each vehicle throughout its time with us, reducing the risk of any degradation of the battery or electrical systems.
- Immediate access, in and out: Each car has its own dedicated bay, meaning no other vehicle has to move to get access in or out, removing the risk of accidental manoeuvring damage.
- Convenience and Peace of Mind: By choosing Birch, owners can rest assured that their vehicles are stored in the best possible conditions, which can help in obtaining favourable insurance terms and protecting their investment.
If you’re searching for a safer, more secure way to store your car you can get in touch with our team to explore your options at Birch. With our 40 on-site cameras, 24-hour security, fingerprint recognition and unique safety measures, storing your car at SHY Automotive, isn’t only for your peace-of-mind but may also help to reduce your insurance premiums. And with special rates for multi-car storage, as well as long-term customers, the ultimate car storage solution is more affordable than you might think.
