Putting your stuff in storage is a smart, space-saving decision, but it’s also a gamble. Sure, it’s out of sight and out of mind, but that’s half the problem. If something happens, you might be the last to know about it.
Self storage insurance is a good idea for anyone with a locker. Whether you use it to help you move or as part of your business, it protects you from occurrences that the self-storage industry is all too familiar with.
From freak storms to vandalism, insurance gives you peace of mind – and protects your items.
Here’s why a good insurance policy isn’t just smart but necessary.
1. Insurance Protects You From Fire and Smoke
You don’t enter a storage unit thinking that it will burn down. But here’s the thing about storage facilities: not only are they lightweight constructions with collapse potential but most units don’t have any fire-detection or suppression systems.
In fact, an article in Fire Rescue Magazine tells firefighters: “If you haven’t had a fire incident in one of these storage facilities in your response area, it’s just a matter of time.”
When a storage facility burns, it’s a big problem. The fires are both fast-moving and man-power intensive. Then, you add in all the fuel and flammable items found in containers, and you can see why these spaces are such a boon to local fire stations.
Even if the fire doesn’t reach your unit, the smoke can, and it can be just as devastating.
The bottom line: if a fire starts in your facility, there’s a good chance that you’ll lose your stuff in the process.
Storage unit insurance protects you from what firefighters consider to be a probability rather than a freak event.
2. Protects You from Vandalism
A storage unit facility seems an unlikely place for vandalism, but they attract vandals like flies to honey.
Do a quick search of storage unit vandalism, and you’ll see page after page of local news stories of arrests after a string of vandalism and break-ins. You also note that victims in these stories never seem to have insurance.
But their storage unit contract doesn’t cover vandalism.
So if someone takes a sledgehammer to your door or boltcutters to your lock, you need insurance to protect you.
3. Protects You from Burglary
You have a lock and likely an entry code number, but is that enough to keep your stuff safe? Undercover investigations in Chicago found that storage units have real security weaknesses.
Storage unit insurance protects most of your contents and issues you a check to cover the actual cost of of the items stolen.
To protect your storage unit contents, all you need to do is take a photo of the items or receipts. Then, upload them to the free photo archive when you put them in your storage unit.
If someone takes a lock cutter to your locker in the middle of the night, all you need to do is submit a claim.
4. Protects You from Storm Damage
Mother nature is unpredictable. Protect your valued possessions from mother nature.
This is particularly important during hurricane season when wind and rain can breach your unit’s walls and ruin what’s inside. Even though many facilities in hurricane-prone areas use impact windows, onsite generators, and covered loading docks, today’s storms are breaking records left and right.
Whether you use a storage unit year-round or put your possessions there to protect them from hurricanes, you need insurance in case disaster strikes.
Note: Flood coverage is an additional coverage option. Named storms, like catastrophic hurricanes, are also an an additional option but this is worthwhile if you live in hurricane-prone areas.
5. Protects You from Riots or Civil Commotion
Riots and civil commotion aren’t frequent, but when they get out of control, some bad-faith actors use it as an opportunity to take what they can.
Unsecure storage facilities are an ideal target. Not only are they easy to get in and out of with a vehicle, but they are often hidden away in industrial estates where there’s little police presence.
If you don’t have insurance, and a riot or civil commotion makes its way to your storage unit, then you don’t have coverage. You risk losing everything, and it’s unlikely you’ll get it back in the chaos.
6. Protects You from Rodent Damage
All the reasons listed above tend to deal with catastrophes. Hurricanes, fires, and riots can all be devastating. But for many storage unit holders, the most significant loss may not be a thief in the night with a lock cutter, but something smaller. Even the addition of cameras, keypads, and state-of-the-art sprinkler systems can’t stop one of the smallest and mightiest forces of nature – rodents.
Storage units are safe havens for rats and mice. They’re dark, quiet, and usually full of places to hide, sleep, and have rodent babies. However, rodents also spread disease, and their less-than-cleanly lifestyles can ruin textiles in a day.
If you store extra inventory in your unit, you could roll up the shutters one day to find that your entire inventory is no longer usable.
You don’t need an infestation to have a risk. A single pregnant mouse can cost you thousands.
By insuring your contents against rodents, you add a layer of protection against forces big and small.
Not All Property Is Covered
Self-storage insurance covers the vast majority of items kept in units. But high-value items often aren’t covered.
These items rarely fall under policy coverage for self-storage:
- Money (cash and securities)
- Firearms
- Animals
- Jewelry
- Gold and silver items
- Furs and similar garments
- Fine art and antiques
So be wary about what you keep in a self-storage unit and seek out appropriate alternatives for your high-value items.
Do You Need Self Storage Insurance? Yes!
Self storage insurance is a smart move no matter where you live or how secure you think your unit is.
Even the addition of cameras, keypads, and state-of-the-art sprinkler systems can’t stop one of the smallest and mightiest forces of nature – rodents.
Does your existing policy protect your storage unit contents? Do you have one? Don’t let another day pass you buy. Click here for a free quote to find coverage that matches your needs.
