Do You Need Self Storage Insurance? Here’s What to Know

Whether you’re downsizing, between homes, or simply short on space, using a self-storage facility is a smart solution for keeping your personal belongings safe. But while your items may be locked up, they’re not immune to damage or loss. That’s where self storage insurance comes in.

There are over 52,300 self-storage facilities in operation, rented by approximately 11.1% of U.S. households—about 14.6 million households—across the country. Many of these storage facilities require tenants to have insurance coverage for their stored items, but while some offer in-house insurance options, others may require proof of coverage through homeowners or renters insurance policies.

Here, we dive into how a homeowners policy applies to personal property housed in a storage facility, offer tips on what to do if you’re not automatically covered, and explore the steps you can take today to strengthen your protection and minimize risk.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Self Storage?

In many cases, yes—but with limits.

Most standard homeowners policies automatically include off-premises personal property coverage, which extends to items stored in a self-storage unit. However, this protection is typically capped at 10% of your total personal property limit.

For Example: If your homeowners policy includes $200,000 in personal property coverage, only $20,000 would apply to belongings in a self-storage facility.

This is where dedicated self storage insurance or policy endorsements can help fill the gap.

When Should You Add More Coverage?

If the value of the items you’re storing exceeds your policy’s off-premises limit, you may want to enhance your coverage with an endorsement.

For instance, if you’re storing $25,000 worth of items, but your standard policy only covers $20,000, a $5,000 endorsement can bridge that gap and ensure all your stored property is protected.

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What Is an Enhanced Homeowners Policy?

Some insurance carriers offer enhanced homeowners policies that automatically increase the off-premises coverage limit—sometimes up to 25% of your total personal property coverage.

In the earlier example, that would mean $50,000 in self storage insurance coverage for your $200,000 personal property limit—no endorsement needed.

Why Self Storage Insurance Matters

Even in the most secure and well-maintained storage facilities, unexpected events can put your personal property at risk. That’s why having the right self storage insurance in place is so important.

Here are just a few of the potential threats your belongings could face in a self storage facility:

• Theft and vandalism: While many facilities have security measures like cameras and gated access, break-ins can and do happen. Thieves often target storage units in hopes of uncovering valuables like electronics, tools, or collectibles.
• Water damage: A burst pipe, leaking roof, or nearby unit mishap could expose your belongings to moisture—and many policies don’t automatically cover water damage in off-site locations.
• Mold and mildew: If your unit isn’t climate-controlled, fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can lead to mold growth on fabrics, wood, or paper goods.
• Pest infestations: Mice, insects, and other pests can enter even sealed units, damaging everything from furniture to boxes of important documents.
• Fire and smoke damage: Fires can start within the facility or from a neighboring unit, putting your property at risk of total loss.
• Temperature extremes: Without proper insulation, severe heat or cold can warp electronics, crack glassware, and degrade artwork or photographs.

Depending on your policy, not all of these events may be covered—or they may require additional endorsements or specialized self storage insurance to ensure full protection. That’s why it’s crucial not to assume your items are fully insured by default.

How to Make Sure You’re Covered

Before renting a storage unit—or if you’re already using one—it’s wise to take a proactive approach to reviewing your insurance coverage. Protecting your stored belongings starts with understanding how your current homeowners or renters policy responds and whether supplemental options are needed.

Your independent insurance agent can help you:

• Confirm your off-premises coverage limit: Most standard policies cover only 10% of your personal property limit for stored items. Knowing that number helps you gauge whether you’re underinsured.
• Add a self storage insurance endorsement: If your stored property exceeds that 10% limit, your agent can recommend an endorsement that increases coverage specifically for items in a storage unit.
• Explore enhanced policy options: Some homeowners policies come with built-in enhancements that offer more generous protection for stored belongings—sometimes up to 25% of your personal property limit.
• Review exclusions and special risks: Not every risk—like flooding, mold, or pests—is automatically covered. Your agent can help you identify and address those gaps before a loss occurs.

A short conversation now could save you significant stress and financial strain later. Self-storage is meant to give you peace of mind—make sure your insurance does the same.

The Central Difference

At Central, we understand that your belongings represent more than just dollar amounts—they’re memories, investments, and a reflection of your life’s journey. With more than 145 years of experience, we’ve helped families across the country protect what matters most for decades, whether those items are in their home or stored away for safekeeping.

When you work with Central, you’re backed by:

• Personalized service from experienced independent agents
• Flexible policy options and endorsements tailored to your needs
• A trusted claims team ready to respond when it matters most

Self-storage may be temporary—but your protection shouldn’t be. Let Central help you feel confident that what you store stays safe, no matter where you keep it. Get in touch with your local agent today to start the conversation.