Storing your car while you travel overseas
Leaving a car for weeks or months while you travel is easier when you plan it. Here is what to organise before you fly.
Decide where the car will stay
Parking on the street or in a shared driveway for months invites damage, theft and parking notices. A secure storage facility keeps it safe and, for longer trips, usually costs less than the risk and hassle of leaving it at home.
Sort insurance and registration
- Tell your insurer how long you will be away and where the car will be, and check storage is covered. Ask about cheaper storage or reduced-use cover.
- Check when your registration is due. Rules differ by state, so ask your road authority whether you can pause or cancel it, and what happens on return.
- Make sure someone can deal with any renewal notices while you are away.
Prepare the car
Follow our preparation checklist: wash it, fill the tank and add a stabiliser for longer trips, check tyre pressure, look after the battery and use a breathable cover.
Keys and access
- Leave a key with the facility or a trusted person if the car needs to be moved.
- Write down who is allowed to access the car and how.
- Keep copies of the paperwork, storage agreement and insurance details somewhere you can reach from overseas.
Plan for your return
Ask the provider to charge the battery and check the tyres before your return, and to have the car ready for collection. Book the collection date as soon as you know your flight home.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book car storage?
Book as early as you can, ideally a few weeks before you travel, so you have time to compare options, sort insurance and prepare the car.
Can someone else collect my car while I am away?
Usually, if you give the facility written permission and the person's details. Ask how they handle authorised access.
What about parking fines and tolls?
If the car stays parked in a secure facility it will not collect fines or tolls. That is one more reason not to leave it on the street.