Let’s face it; sometimes the things we own can pile up over time and we run out of room. If you have an attic or closet, but find they just aren’t cutting it anymore, many people opt to rent out a storage unit. Storage units are a great way of making sure your things are safe and sound while also being conveniently located in most major cities. However, many people might have some questions before storing their stuff away. Can you insure a storage space? What can I include in my unit? Luckily, isure has everything you need to know about storage unit insurance.
Can I insure a storage unit?
Like most things, the answer to this question is yes! Though not a by-law requirement, many storage unit companies actually recommend and require you to insure your storage unit in case anything occurs. This is where a standalone insurance policy for your storage unit comes into play. This is definitely a recommendation if you are travelling or plan on storing things for a long period of time (over 30 days.) Insuring your storage unit is a general is a good idea, even if not mandatory by the storage facility. You will have peace of mind knowing your things are safely protected, and you won’t have to rely on friends or family to watch your belongings. A good place to start is by looking into your current homeowner or renter insurance policy to see if you already have some coverage.
What coverage do I get when insuring a storage unit?
The truth is, you never know what may happen at your storage facility. So, it’s good to be prepared in case something occurs. Generally, storage unit insurance covers your belongings if they are damaged by things like:
- Fire
- Theft
- Weather damage
This may seem great, but it’s important to keep in mind that many storage unit insurance policies most likely do not cover a few certain things, such as:
- War
- Water damage and flooding
- Mold and mildew
- Pest damage and contamination
- Long-term exposure to elements in a storage unit
How can I protect the items in my unit?
Since insurance cannot cover many forms of damage, it is a good idea to make sure your items are properly and securely protected. This is especially important if you have many sentimental objects in storage, such as family photos or heirlooms. Here are a few tips on making sure the items in your storage unit stay safe:
- Wrap your items in old sheets, blankets or fabric (bubble wrap is a great alternative)
- Make sure your furniture protection doesn’t trap moisture
- Make sure glass items and breakables are wrapped properly
- Make sure there is no food, plants or perishable items in your unit
- If you can, try to raise things off the floor and keep them elevated (i.e. for flooding)
- Do not overload your unit
- Make sure the storage unit you choose is temperature-controlled
Remember, with insurance, you no longer have to worry about those items stored away, and you can rest easy knowing they are in safe hands! For all other insurance needs, contact isure for a no-obligation quote.
