Storing your belongings in a secure storage unit is a great way to declutter, move house, or free up space – but what happens if the unexpected occurs?
Many people assume their home insurance will automatically cover items in storage, but that’s not always the case.
So, before you pack everything away, let’s unpack the realities of home insurance and self storage coverage – ensuring your valuables are properly protected.
Does Your Home Insurance Cover Items in Storage?
Most home insurance policies include some level of off-premises coverage, which means your belongings might be covered even when they’re outside your home.
This usually applies to things like luggage while travelling or items in storage units, but there’s a catch – it’s often limited.
💡 Example: If your contents insurance covers £50,000 in total, your off-premises coverage might only protect up to 10% (£5,000) of that amount. If your belongings in storage exceed this limit, you could be underinsured.
At blue self storage, we offer secure and affordable self storage units starting from £17.31 per week, giving you peace of mind that your belongings are safe – but ensuring they’re properly covered is just as important.
What’s Covered and What’s Not Under Home Insurance?
✅ Typical Perils Covered:
- Fire
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Storm damage (depends on policy and storage unit location)
- Some water damage (policy-dependent)
❌ Common Exclusions:
- Pest damage (rodents, insects, etc.)
- Damp and mould
- Pre-existing damage
- High-value items (e.g., jewellery, antiques, art – often require extra cover)
Even with coverage, it’s essential to check the fine print of your policy to understand exactly what’s protected and whether it’s enough for your stored items.
Unit Sizes Matter – How Much Space Do You Really Need?
Before thinking about storage insurance, consider how much space you need. At blue self storage, we offer unit sizes ranging from 48sqft to 320sqft, meaning you can store anything from a few boxes to the entire contents of your home.
- 48sqft – Perfect for storing smaller personal items, a few boxes, or excess business stock.
- 80sqft – 160sqft – Great for furniture, seasonal items, or household storage during renovations.
- 320sqft – Ideal for large-scale storage, full house moves, or commercial use.
👉🏼 Watch our SIZE DOES MATTER video
When considering insurance, the more valuable the contents, the more protection you may need – so factor in your stored items’ worth when choosing a policy.
Should You Extend Your Home Insurance or Get Standalone Storage Contents Cover?
If your home insurance doesn’t offer enough protection, you have two options:
1️⃣ Extend Your Home Insurance – Some insurers allow you to increase off-premises coverage for an extra premium.
2️⃣ Take Out Standalone Storage Insurance – Designed specifically for storage units, this can provide higher coverage limits and protection against more risks.
💡 When is standalone storage contents cover a good idea?
✔️ If you’re storing high-value items (e.g., antiques, electronics).
✔️ If your home insurance excludes key perils (e.g., pest damage).
✔️ If your stored items are worth more than your off-premises limit.
💡 How Much Does Contents Cover Cost?
✔️ Cover starts from £8 per month for £1,000 worth of goods
✔️ Increases by £2 for every additional £1,000 worth of cover
What Affects Your Insurance & Claim Process?
✅ The Type of Storage Unit – A secure storage facility (like blue self storage!) with 24/7 CCTV, gated access, and robust security measures is viewed more favourably by insurers. Climate-controlled units may also offer extra protection for sensitive items.
✅ Keeping a Detailed Inventory – List and photograph everything in your storage unit – especially high-value items. This speeds up claims and ensures you get the right coverage.
✅ Understanding Deductibles – Just like home insurance, storage insurance policies come with a deductible – the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Make sure you know what yours is.
✅ Reading the Fine Print – Not all policies are created equal. Check exclusions and sub-limits to avoid surprises when making a claim.
Top Tips for Protecting Your Stored Belongings
✔️ Choose a Secure Storage Facility – Look for CCTV, gated access, and on-site staff (like ours at blue self storage!).
✔️ Use a High-Quality Lock – Invest in a sturdy, insurance-approved lock.
✔️ Keep Fragile & Valuable Items Off the Floor – Store electronics, furniture, and paperwork in waterproof containers or raised shelving.
✔️ Protect Against Moisture & Pests – Use moisture absorbers and avoid storing perishable goods to prevent damp and unwanted visitors.
✔️ Review Your Cover Regularly – Whether extending your home insurance or choosing standalone storage insurance, make sure your coverage stays up to date.
Peace of Mind Starts Here
Storing your belongings should be stress-free – and with the right insurance in place, it can be. Whether you’re looking for secure storage with top-tier protection or need advice on insuring your stored items, blue self storage has you covered.
Got questions? Our team is happy to help.
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#StorageMadeSimple
Looking for top tips to maximise your space? Explore our #StorageMadeSimple series with our experts:
- How to wrap furniture for storage: Top tips and techniques
- Moving house? 20 essential tips for when you’re packing
- Decluttering: Your key to a stress-free house move
- How to choose the right size storage unit when you’re moving house
