\u201cThe downspout gushed water into our unit, and the water froze overnight. Everything at the front of the unit was not only damaged, it was stuck to the ground in 3 inches of ice!\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to prepare for anything, and insuring your belongings while in storage is simply good practice. You want to make sure that getting your stuff damaged or lost won\u2019t leave you hurting financially, especially if you use your storage unit to keep stock for your business, for example.<\/p>\n
Most self storage facilities already require that renters have insurance for their storage units, but there are important distinctions that need to be made before you consider yourself \u2013 and your items \u2013 covered.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Don\u2019t I already have insurance?<\/span><\/h2>\nHomeowner\u2019s, renter\u2019s or business insurance can include (but may have caps for) storage unit insurance, but this isn\u2019t always the case. It\u2019s usually around 10%, which means that if your homeowner\u2019s insurance covers $10,000 in personal property, you may only get $1000 in coverage for the items you have in a storage unit.<\/p>\n
Always check your insurance contract and contact your insurance company, if needed, to get an accurate idea of your coverage.<\/p>\n
If your cap is too low for the items you have stored, you should consider getting additional storage unit insurance. Even though many storage facilities offer their own, it\u2019s best to shop around for options before committing to one.<\/p>\n
![\"young](\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_1091284376.jpg?w=770\")
<\/p>\n
<\/span>What does self storage insurance protect me against?<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you only have storage insurance as part of your homeowner\u2019s insurance, your storage unit is only insured against the same problems that your residence is. This usually covers things like fires, lightning strikes, theft and falling objects.<\/p>\n
There are, however, other problems that this insurance might not cover \u2013 things such as pests, mold or even larger scale incidents like flooding or earthquakes. Again, check the details of your insurance policy to see exactly which hazards are already covered and which might require extended coverage.<\/p>\n
<\/span>What does self storage insurance not protect me against?<\/span><\/h2>\nSome valuable items<\/a> may not be insured by default under a standard policy. Jewelry, in particular, is such an exception. For especially valuable items, you should look into endorsements, sometimes called floaters, in addition to your regular home or renter\u2019s insurance policy. These are perfect for insuring expensive or unique items like jewelry and antiques.<\/p>\n<\/span>How likely am I to use it?<\/span><\/h2>\nHopefully you\u2019ll never have to make an insurance claim, and your items will remain untouched by misfortune. With regards to likelihood, it\u2019s important to understand the risks associated with the area you live in \u2013 every place has its own particular hazards.<\/p>\n
Places like Seattle, New Madrid and the entire state of California are high-risk areas for earthquakes, so pay special attention to the specifics of your policy. Look at coverage for falling objects as well, as these two hazards often go hand in hand. In California, you\u2019re not only subjected to a high risk of earthquakes, but wildfires have become increasingly frequent and destructive. Insuring against these hazards is a must!<\/p>\n
Along the east coast and around the Gulf of Mexico, especially in southern Louisiana and Florida, the risk of hurricanes and floods is very high. Therefore, you should not only insure against these potential problems but also look for storage options that are better protected against them from the outset through location and construction.<\/p>\n
Pests can strike almost anywhere and so can thieves, and you never know what the latter will take. It may even be something of personal value. \u201cTwo years ago, there was a robbery incident in my storage facility,\u201d says Rinal Patel, founder of Suburbrealtor<\/a>. \u201cI lost my daughter\u2019s crib and my grandmother\u2019s flower vase was shattered on the floor [\u2026] it was as though they made it a point to destroy all the other stuff they couldn\u2019t take with them.\u201d<\/p>\nAlthough some of these items cannot be bought again, self storage insurance can really soften the blow of such unfortunate events.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Other tips about self storage insurance<\/span><\/h2>\nThe first step to insuring your storage unit takes place before you\u2019ve signed any contract. Choosing the right storage facility is paramount \u2013 look for gates, surveillance systems and on-site staff, and check the unit itself before renting. If you can\u2019t do that in person you can search for storage units by size and amenities here<\/a>.<\/p>\nIn the unlikely case that disaster does befall your belongings, arm yourself with patience. The claim process can be laborious and, at times, stressful. \u201cThose of you who have ever had to file a claim are aware that it\u2019s usually not a pleasant affair. People may become agitated, and their emotions may be heightened,\u201d Eva Tian, growth strategy manager at Mynd<\/a>, told us. \u201cGather all pertinent documentation. Make a note of the occasion\u2019s date and time, as well as each participant\u2019s full name and contact details. Particularly in cases involving injuries, incident reports are particularly helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"businessman](\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_755227627.jpg?w=770\")
<\/p>\n
And remember to take photos! This is especially true if you\u2019re the first person to witness the damage. \u201cI once had a self storage unit that was impacted by a flood [\u2026] I do recommend that customers take their own photos of the damage immediately before starting a claim. This makes it easier to have your own record of the damage in the event that there are any discrepancies,\u201d says Jon Stephens, director of operations at Snowshow Vacation Rentals<\/a>. \u201cTake a photo of your unit before you open it and take another photo of the contents as-is before moving anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nIf you only have storage insurance as part of your homeowner\u2019s insurance, your storage unit is only insured against the same problems that your residence is. This usually covers things like fires, lightning strikes, theft and falling objects.<\/p>\n
There are, however, other problems that this insurance might not cover \u2013 things such as pests, mold or even larger scale incidents like flooding or earthquakes. Again, check the details of your insurance policy to see exactly which hazards are already covered and which might require extended coverage.<\/p>\n
<\/span>What does self storage insurance not protect me against?<\/span><\/h2>\nSome valuable items<\/a> may not be insured by default under a standard policy. Jewelry, in particular, is such an exception. For especially valuable items, you should look into endorsements, sometimes called floaters, in addition to your regular home or renter\u2019s insurance policy. These are perfect for insuring expensive or unique items like jewelry and antiques.<\/p>\n<\/span>How likely am I to use it?<\/span><\/h2>\nHopefully you\u2019ll never have to make an insurance claim, and your items will remain untouched by misfortune. With regards to likelihood, it\u2019s important to understand the risks associated with the area you live in \u2013 every place has its own particular hazards.<\/p>\n
Places like Seattle, New Madrid and the entire state of California are high-risk areas for earthquakes, so pay special attention to the specifics of your policy. Look at coverage for falling objects as well, as these two hazards often go hand in hand. In California, you\u2019re not only subjected to a high risk of earthquakes, but wildfires have become increasingly frequent and destructive. Insuring against these hazards is a must!<\/p>\n
Along the east coast and around the Gulf of Mexico, especially in southern Louisiana and Florida, the risk of hurricanes and floods is very high. Therefore, you should not only insure against these potential problems but also look for storage options that are better protected against them from the outset through location and construction.<\/p>\n
Pests can strike almost anywhere and so can thieves, and you never know what the latter will take. It may even be something of personal value. \u201cTwo years ago, there was a robbery incident in my storage facility,\u201d says Rinal Patel, founder of Suburbrealtor<\/a>. \u201cI lost my daughter\u2019s crib and my grandmother\u2019s flower vase was shattered on the floor [\u2026] it was as though they made it a point to destroy all the other stuff they couldn\u2019t take with them.\u201d<\/p>\nAlthough some of these items cannot be bought again, self storage insurance can really soften the blow of such unfortunate events.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Other tips about self storage insurance<\/span><\/h2>\nThe first step to insuring your storage unit takes place before you\u2019ve signed any contract. Choosing the right storage facility is paramount \u2013 look for gates, surveillance systems and on-site staff, and check the unit itself before renting. If you can\u2019t do that in person you can search for storage units by size and amenities here<\/a>.<\/p>\nIn the unlikely case that disaster does befall your belongings, arm yourself with patience. The claim process can be laborious and, at times, stressful. \u201cThose of you who have ever had to file a claim are aware that it\u2019s usually not a pleasant affair. People may become agitated, and their emotions may be heightened,\u201d Eva Tian, growth strategy manager at Mynd<\/a>, told us. \u201cGather all pertinent documentation. Make a note of the occasion\u2019s date and time, as well as each participant\u2019s full name and contact details. Particularly in cases involving injuries, incident reports are particularly helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
And remember to take photos! This is especially true if you\u2019re the first person to witness the damage. \u201cI once had a self storage unit that was impacted by a flood [\u2026] I do recommend that customers take their own photos of the damage immediately before starting a claim. This makes it easier to have your own record of the damage in the event that there are any discrepancies,\u201d says Jon Stephens, director of operations at Snowshow Vacation Rentals<\/a>. \u201cTake a photo of your unit before you open it and take another photo of the contents as-is before moving anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/span>How likely am I to use it?<\/span><\/h2>\nHopefully you\u2019ll never have to make an insurance claim, and your items will remain untouched by misfortune. With regards to likelihood, it\u2019s important to understand the risks associated with the area you live in \u2013 every place has its own particular hazards.<\/p>\n
Places like Seattle, New Madrid and the entire state of California are high-risk areas for earthquakes, so pay special attention to the specifics of your policy. Look at coverage for falling objects as well, as these two hazards often go hand in hand. In California, you\u2019re not only subjected to a high risk of earthquakes, but wildfires have become increasingly frequent and destructive. Insuring against these hazards is a must!<\/p>\n
Along the east coast and around the Gulf of Mexico, especially in southern Louisiana and Florida, the risk of hurricanes and floods is very high. Therefore, you should not only insure against these potential problems but also look for storage options that are better protected against them from the outset through location and construction.<\/p>\n
Pests can strike almost anywhere and so can thieves, and you never know what the latter will take. It may even be something of personal value. \u201cTwo years ago, there was a robbery incident in my storage facility,\u201d says Rinal Patel, founder of Suburbrealtor<\/a>. \u201cI lost my daughter\u2019s crib and my grandmother\u2019s flower vase was shattered on the floor [\u2026] it was as though they made it a point to destroy all the other stuff they couldn\u2019t take with them.\u201d<\/p>\nAlthough some of these items cannot be bought again, self storage insurance can really soften the blow of such unfortunate events.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Other tips about self storage insurance<\/span><\/h2>\nThe first step to insuring your storage unit takes place before you\u2019ve signed any contract. Choosing the right storage facility is paramount \u2013 look for gates, surveillance systems and on-site staff, and check the unit itself before renting. If you can\u2019t do that in person you can search for storage units by size and amenities here<\/a>.<\/p>\nIn the unlikely case that disaster does befall your belongings, arm yourself with patience. The claim process can be laborious and, at times, stressful. \u201cThose of you who have ever had to file a claim are aware that it\u2019s usually not a pleasant affair. People may become agitated, and their emotions may be heightened,\u201d Eva Tian, growth strategy manager at Mynd<\/a>, told us. \u201cGather all pertinent documentation. Make a note of the occasion\u2019s date and time, as well as each participant\u2019s full name and contact details. Particularly in cases involving injuries, incident reports are particularly helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
And remember to take photos! This is especially true if you\u2019re the first person to witness the damage. \u201cI once had a self storage unit that was impacted by a flood [\u2026] I do recommend that customers take their own photos of the damage immediately before starting a claim. This makes it easier to have your own record of the damage in the event that there are any discrepancies,\u201d says Jon Stephens, director of operations at Snowshow Vacation Rentals<\/a>. \u201cTake a photo of your unit before you open it and take another photo of the contents as-is before moving anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although some of these items cannot be bought again, self storage insurance can really soften the blow of such unfortunate events.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Other tips about self storage insurance<\/span><\/h2>\nThe first step to insuring your storage unit takes place before you\u2019ve signed any contract. Choosing the right storage facility is paramount \u2013 look for gates, surveillance systems and on-site staff, and check the unit itself before renting. If you can\u2019t do that in person you can search for storage units by size and amenities here<\/a>.<\/p>\nIn the unlikely case that disaster does befall your belongings, arm yourself with patience. The claim process can be laborious and, at times, stressful. \u201cThose of you who have ever had to file a claim are aware that it\u2019s usually not a pleasant affair. People may become agitated, and their emotions may be heightened,\u201d Eva Tian, growth strategy manager at Mynd<\/a>, told us. \u201cGather all pertinent documentation. Make a note of the occasion\u2019s date and time, as well as each participant\u2019s full name and contact details. Particularly in cases involving injuries, incident reports are particularly helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
And remember to take photos! This is especially true if you\u2019re the first person to witness the damage. \u201cI once had a self storage unit that was impacted by a flood [\u2026] I do recommend that customers take their own photos of the damage immediately before starting a claim. This makes it easier to have your own record of the damage in the event that there are any discrepancies,\u201d says Jon Stephens, director of operations at Snowshow Vacation Rentals<\/a>. \u201cTake a photo of your unit before you open it and take another photo of the contents as-is before moving anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the unlikely case that disaster does befall your belongings, arm yourself with patience. The claim process can be laborious and, at times, stressful. \u201cThose of you who have ever had to file a claim are aware that it\u2019s usually not a pleasant affair. People may become agitated, and their emotions may be heightened,\u201d Eva Tian, growth strategy manager at Mynd<\/a>, told us. \u201cGather all pertinent documentation. Make a note of the occasion\u2019s date and time, as well as each participant\u2019s full name and contact details. Particularly in cases involving injuries, incident reports are particularly helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n And remember to take photos! This is especially true if you\u2019re the first person to witness the damage. \u201cI once had a self storage unit that was impacted by a flood [\u2026] I do recommend that customers take their own photos of the damage immediately before starting a claim. This makes it easier to have your own record of the damage in the event that there are any discrepancies,\u201d says Jon Stephens, director of operations at Snowshow Vacation Rentals<\/a>. \u201cTake a photo of your unit before you open it and take another photo of the contents as-is before moving anything.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n