Storage facilities have become essential for millions of Americans who need extra space for their belongings. With tens of thousands of self-storage facilities operating across the country and occupancy rates staying consistently high, these units serve people during moves, downsizing, or long-term storage needs.
While storage facilities provide secure environments for personal items, unexpected events like fires, theft, or natural disasters can still occur. Understanding storage unit insurance options becomes crucial before renting a unit, as renters need to know how their belongings will be protected if something goes wrong.
How Does Insurance Work for Items in Storage Units? Understanding Your Coverage Options
Storage Unit Insurance Coverage
Dedicated storage unit insurance policies often cost less than $250 per year. These plans protect items against the same risks that standard home or rental policies cover. These policies provide protection when a unit faces burglary, vandalism, or natural events like fires and lightning. They represent the most complete protection available for people who need long-term storage solution
A Storage unit insurance policy covers your items if your storage unit is:
- Burglarized
- Vandalized
- Beset by acts of nature like fires and lightning strikes
Policy holders should read their contracts carefully. Not every plan includes protection against floods or earthquakes. These specific natural disasters may require additional coverage.
What Gets Covered:
-
Theft and burglary
- Vandalism and malicious damage
- Fire and lightning strikes
- Wind and hail damage
What Doesn’t Get Covered:
-
Pest infestations
- Damage from overloading
- Poor maintenance issues
- Intentional damage
The policy excludes preventable problems. Damage from pests, overloading a unit, or failing to maintain stored items properly won’t receive payment through the claims process.
Homeowners’ or Renters’ Insurance
Always check your existing homeowners’ or renters’ insurance coverage before investing in a separate storage unit policy. Many policies include personal property coverage for belongings stored off-premises, but not entirely.
It’s common to get coverage for 10 percent of the value of the items you put in storage. Or, your coverage limits may be up to a specific value. That level of coverage leaves you with no more than $100 for items worth $1,000. With $10,000 worth of belongings in storage, you won’t get more than $1,000.
That may be enough insurance for you, depending on how valuable your stored belongings are and how long you plan to use the unit.
Storage Unit Liability
The storage firm itself has to carry limited liability insurance as well. This offers unit renters some level of protection against damage caused by the company’s neglect.
You can usually expect some plans to cover in cases of fire, theft, vandalism, and certain natural disasters. Floods and pest damage typically do not receive coverage, and any damage caused by personal neglect also gets excluded. That includes personal neglect on the part of people renting adjacent units.
Don’t simply assume you’re covered and believe your items are safe. Any payouts you can reasonably expect are likely to be symbolic. Check the details before you rent a unit, and shop around for the storage facility with the best coverage.
What Is Your Best Option for Insurance for Items in Storage Units?
The best storage insurance option depends on what gets stored and for how long. Low-value items without sentimental attachment need less protection. Existing tenant insurance or homeowners coverage may provide enough security.
Valuable items stored long-term require dedicated self-storage insurance. These affordable policies offer complete protection against unexpected events.
Decision factors include:
-
Total value of stored items
- Storage duration
- Item replaceability
- Sentimental value
Storage units always carry some risk. Items sit out of sight and face potential tampering or natural events. People storing irreplaceable items with emotional value should consider alternatives. Keeping these items at home or with trusted family members reduces risk.
Protect Your Belongings with Clark Storage – Best and Most Secured Storage Units in the Area
Your belongings deserve a secure and reliable place to stay. At Clark Storage, we combine safety, accessibility, and personalized service to give you confidence that your items are in good hands. Our storage units in Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Nebraska City, and Pacific Junction, Iowa, are equipped with strong security features and maintained to the highest standards.
Whether you’re storing personal items, furniture, or business inventory, we’ll help you find the right space and guide you on insurance for storage units that fits your needs. Ask about our Move-In Referral Program and see why local residents trust Clark Storage for secure, stress-free storage solutions.
Contact us today to reserve your unit or learn more about our available storage options.
