Self storage continues to be a popular service, with one in three people renting a storage unit in 2021. Furniture, clothing and appliances are some of the most popular items put in storage. At times, people choose to store more valuable items such as jewelry or family heirlooms. Whether you decide to store typical belongings, safety is a major concern. To help out in this sense, self storage insurance is a way to get coverage for your stored items in case of damage or theft.
Here are some common questions about self storage insurance that you might ask yourself before renting a unit:
1. Why do you need self storage insurance?
Self storage insurance, also called tenant insurance, protects your stored belongings from theft, burglary, fires, damage and more. Besides, a lot of storage facilities require you to have your items insured.
2. What does insurance typically cover?
While self storage insurance coverage varies, there is coverage in the event of some common types of loss and damage, such as:
- Smoke
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
3. What doesn’t insurance cover?
There are situations that a standard policy doesn’t cover. Floods, earthquakes and mudslides are some of the most common ones. Consider buying an additional policy that covers natural disasters.
4. How do you get coverage?
There are several ways you can get self storage insurance coverage. Here are the main ways to get your belongings covered while using self storage:
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
You can turn to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to check whether they also cover your belongings while in storage. Check with the storage company first to make sure they accept your policy. Then, check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to see what kind of coverage you get. Damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, mold and mildew or vermin is not typically reimbursed.
- Self storage company insurance
A lot of self storage companies offer in-house insurance. It’s typically an added cost that’s part of your monthly self storage rent. Inquire with the company of your choice about what sort of coverage they offer. Some policies may not cover water- or smoke-related damage. Then, decide whether you need additional insurance or not.
- Third-party self storage insurance
You can also turn to a third party to get coverage as a stand-alone policy. This is typically done when the self storage company can’t offer its own policy or when you store something valuable. However, you shouldn’t typically store extremely valuable items or important documents in a storage unit.
5. How much does self storage insurance cost?
If you use your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy, it covers up to 10% of the policy. For instance, a $25,000 policy results in about $2,500 of self storage coverage. If your stored belongings surpass this value, you’re better off seeking additional coverage.
When you choose a dedicated self storage policy, quotes begin at around $7/month, but you can pay between $11-$60/month depending on how much coverage you need. If the policy of your choice doesn’t cover the entire value of your stored possessions, you can also add endorsements. This is additional insurance that covers specific items that are rare or expensive, such as jewelry.
6. What else can I do to keep my items safe while in storage?
A self storage insurance policy gives you peace of mind, but there’s more you can do to make sure items are safe when kept in storage, such as:
Know all the facts about your self storage facility of choice
When you look for the perfect facility to put your belongings in, make sure they have basic security. Inquire whether they have a fenced-in facility, access by card, security guards and video surveillance in place. These are all basic security measures meant to prevent theft and break-ins.
If you plan on storing furniture, appliances or paper products, you will most likely need a climate-controlled unit. This is especially useful in cities where there are either high or low temperatures and humidity. For instance, renting a climate-controlled storage unit in Houston is the best option to keep your belongings undamaged if you live in Space City. Additionally, there’s an element of security when you rent a climate-controlled unit, as they’re usually indoor units.
Moreover, a clean facility is more likely to keep your items protected against natural pests. Check to see if the facility is clean and cleaned regularly.
Make an inventory of all your stored items
Before putting your belongings in storage, make a list of everything that you plan on keeping inside the unit. Update it every time you visit the unit and take out or bring more belongings. This way, you will have a good handle on everything that you have stored.
What else would you like to know about self storage insurance? Let us know in the comments section below.
Best Websites For Finding Storage Units (Without Overpaying)
If you’re looking for a storage unit, you likely want two things: to see what’s available near you and to avoid overpaying.
Small Apartment Storage Ideas: How to Maximize Space and Make It Feel Like Home
Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean settling for cramped or chaotic. With the right systems in place, even limited square footage can feel organized, functional and surprisingly comfortable.
10 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space
Your bathroom is one of the most frequently used areas in your home, which makes it especially prone to clutter. Toiletries build up quickly, towels multiply, and laundry bins can easily overwhelm the room, particularly in a compact layout. If you’re working with limited square footage, the right small bathroom ideas can help you stay organized without sacrificing style.
StorageCafe Now Has a Dedicated Car Storage Directory – Here’s Why That Matters
If you’ve ever searched for car storage and ended up wading through listings for 5×5 climate-controlled units, you know the problem. Most storage search tools are built for boxes, not vehicles – and filtering your way to relevant results takes more effort than it should.
How To Find the Right Storage Unit Fast: A Look at StorageCafe’s Search Experience
Whether you’re in the middle of a move, clearing out a garage, or just starting to shop around, finding the right storage unit doesn’t have to take long. StorageCafe’s search is built to take you from “I need storage near me” to a real decision – with filters, pricing, and direct contact options all in one place. Here’s how it works.
The 10 Largest Home Décor Brands in the U.S.
Home décor is more than a shopping category in America — it’s part of how people shape their everyday lives. From small seasonal updates to full living room makeovers, Americans continue to invest in their homes, and the country’s biggest home décor brands have grown alongside that demand.
2026 Self Storage Supply Report: Florida Leads A Strong National Expansion
Self storage development is stepping down from its boom-era highs and settling into a more deliberate rhythm. Roughly 55.4 million square feet of new space is expected to come online in 2026, closely mirroring 2025 and signaling a market that is no longer sprinting, but still far from standing still.
Interstate Moves Hit 10-Year Low As Affordability Bites: Which States Are Still Gaining Residents?
America’s pandemic-era relocation boom is officially cooling. Interstate migration fell to its lowest level in a decade in 2024, with just 7.15 million Americans moving across state lines — more than 1 million fewer than at the 2022 peak. That’s roughly a 13% drop in just two years.
Second Acts With Roll-Up Doors: The Most Unexpected Self Storage Conversions In The U.S.
You probably don’t expect to stash your holiday decorations in a former armory. Or tuck away old photo albums where moviegoers once lined up for popcorn. But across the country, some of the most unexpected buildings are getting a second act — as self storage facilities.