Question for apt renters: private attached garage, is it worth the extra $$? (Grapevine: apartment complexes, car insurance)

[Alkonost]

Are apartments with private attached garages for 1 car worth it? Or is it overrated and would we be better off with a covered parking spot? How do you like it? Could you take it or leave it? Or is it something you couldn't live without? I'm just a Yankee without a car so I wouldn't know- I figured I'd ask the experts

Are there any car insurance benefits to having an attached garage?

We're going to be signing a lease in a couple of months. We're on the fence between going with covered parking or looking into an apartment with an attached garage (a little extra $$). We don't need the extra storage, but wouldn't mind having our car (once we buy one) more protected from the elements. Either way, garage is not a deal breaker and apartments are cheaper without it. Decisions, decisions... We're not used to having so many options for housing. The apartments we're thinking of renting are all very nice, but each complex has the same things to offer so we're literally having to nit-pick over details to pick a favorite...

[smartaz]

It's your preference. You might buy a very used car and not be too concerned about it so covered parking is fine. If you buy a new car then you might want it garaged. Depending on your insurance company, they may lower your rate for a garaged car. Detached garage for me and my insurance company lowered my rate a little.

[ChristieP]

Remember the hail storm a couple of weeks ago that damaged many cars in Lakewood? Although the size of that hail was unusual, we do get storms quite frequently here. I much prefer the peace of mind I have knowing my car is safely parked in a garage instead of sitting out in the elements.

[toastandjam]

I'd opt for the garage

[Falafelosophy]

This is DFW and having a garage is almost essential for many reasons i.e. safety, storage, hail, heat and insurance. However, only you can decide if it's worth spending extra money for you or not.

[Alkonost]

Thanks for the info on the environmental hazards to cars in DFW. We had no idea there was that much danger to cars by parking outside. From the sound of it covered parking isn't quite good enough.

We'll probably get an attached garage apartment if there's one available for a decent price. We can afford it but we like to live below our means, the apartments with garages have quite a price range on a 2br/2ba. We're seeing some for $1400, and others for $1600 in the 3 places we're checking out in Grapevine. If we can get one for $1300 we'd probably grab it. Apartments without attached garages for the same apartment complexes are in the 1k-1200 range.

Smartaz- was the insurance reduction enough to offset the extra cost of the garage?

[smartaz]

Originally Posted by Alkonost

Thanks for the info on the environmental hazards to cars in DFW. We had no idea there was that much danger to cars by parking outside. From the sound of it covered parking isn't quite good enough.

We'll probably get an attached garage apartment if there's one available for a decent price. We can afford it but we like to live below our means, the apartments with garages have quite a price range on a 2br/2ba. We're seeing some for $1400, and others for $1600 in the 3 places we're checking out in Grapevine. If we can get one for $1300 we'd probably grab it. Apartments without attached garages for the same apartment complexes are in the 1k-1200 range.

Smartaz- was the insurance reduction enough to offset the extra cost of the garage?

For a detached garage @ $75 extra/month? No. But I want to protect my new(ish) car (plus I like having a little room to store a couple things and all my car car/clearing items.

[lemonegg]

I paid the extra money for one and it was worth it. Not so much for the storage although that was a bonus. I wanted to protect my car from the heat and from everyone else. And I didn't have to worry about finding a parking space. Even if everyone has assigned parking, someone will still park in your space.

[toastandjam]

Originally Posted by lemonegg

I paid the extra money for one and it was worth it. Not so much for the storage although that was a bonus. I wanted to protect my car from the heat and from everyone else. And I didn't have to worry about finding a parking space. Even if everyone has assigned parking, someone will still park in your space.

This....especially the last part

[Willsson]

As you've indicated you don't need the storage then I's suggest the covered parking would be suitable. The auto would be protected from rain, hail, and heat to almost the extent a closed garage would offer. It's the direct contact by the hail and heat that makes outside parking less desirable. And being a self proclaimed Yankee, I doubt you would object to the mid-30's overnight cooling of the car.

The walls of a closed garage aren't going to offer much more protection from the elements that a canopy unless you get the direct west setting sun blasting it's daily furnace on the car windows. Save the bucks for a charity of your choice. Moderator cut: Off-Topic