Covered parking is a parking arrangement that has a full or partial roof to shield vehicles parked there from exposure to weather or pollen that might dirty or damage them.
Covered parking arrangements can include parking garages or carports with some sort of roof structure. They can be completely enclosed, like in garages, or partially covered like many carports. Covered parking can be only for one or two cars, or to accommodate entire shopping plazas.
When searching for an apartment, renters consider a lot of factors. It’s easy, during your search, to forget about the parking situation and why you might need an apartment with covered parking. In larger cities especially, renters most commonly find apartments that have a garage nearby, street parking or an uncovered lot.
5 benefits of covered parking
Considered a luxury, covered parking protects your car and adds an element of protection. The benefits of covered parking aren’t glaringly obvious. However, it’s clear, aside from the small spike in your rent, that it pays for itself over the course of the lease.
1. Protection
Rain or shine, your prized possession remains protected. Covered parking provides protection from rain, snow and other weather conditions. This means you can keep your vehicle dry and free from damage easily caused by exposure to the elements. In addition to element protection, you’re assured guaranteed parking in weather, whether that be expected or unexpected.
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2. Security
Getting your car broken into is a nightmarish situation. Protected parking areas are often equipped with security cameras or have security guards monitoring the spot, making it less likely for your vehicle to be broken into or have anything stolen from it.
3. Convenience
Renters don’t fully understand the convenience of parking in a covered area until they experience it for themselves. Eliminating the need to park or worry about parking simplifies a person’s routine.
This often overlooked amenity is a time-saver, saving renters time when it comes to finding a spot and walking from the said spot. While these extra 5-10 minutes may not seem like much, getting even that short time back in your day helps simplify your routine over time.
4. Less stress
Covered parking offers assured security, ease of parking and car safety, all of which help reduce the stress associated with parking. While a small cost is added to rent to cover parking expenses, it’s a minuscule price to pay for the convenience and peace of mind it provides.
5. Reduce insurance cost
One of the most underestimated benefits of covered parking is the potential decrease in your car insurance deductible. By reducing the opportunity for vehicle damage, some insurance companies will actually lower your rate. Less risk equals higher reward (and more money back in your pocket).
Possible downsides
While the benefits seem to outweigh the downsides, covered parking may impose certain barriers on renters and buyers. The feature may make a property more attractive and, therefore, more sought after. In competitive markets, this means prospective tenants will have to act fast.
Pros
- Protects cars and other vehicles from poor weather
- More time between car washes
- Attractive feature that may boost property value
Cons
- Can raise prices on rent
- May increase market competition
Is covered parking right for you?
Covered parking is a great feature to consider looking for in your home. If you take special pride in your vehicles or hate getting caught in the rain or wind, you would likely appreciate a home with covered parking.
Take a look at our available apartments for rent, and filter for “covered parking” in your search to find your next home.
