Most self storage companies in the UK expect your goods to be insured while they are in a unit, and many will not let you move in without proof of cover. You usually have three routes: buy the cover the store offers, extend your home contents policy, or take out a specialist storage policy. Which one suits you depends on what you are storing, how much it is worth and what your existing insurance already does. This guide covers the basics so you can ask the right questions. It is general information only, so always read the actual policy wording before you rely on it.
Why storage insurance matters
A storage company's own liability for your belongings is usually limited by its terms and conditions. In plain terms, if something goes wrong, the store will not automatically pay to replace your things. The building will have its own insurance, but that protects the operator's property, not yours.
That is why most stores ask you to either buy their cover or show that you have your own. Before you sign, check what the contract says about liability and what evidence of insurance they need.
Your three main options
1. Cover offered by the storage company
Many stores sell goods protection or insurance at the counter, priced on the value you declare. It is quick and easy, and it is designed for goods in that specific building, so you know it applies. The downsides are that you cannot shop around as easily, and the cover limits and exclusions vary a lot between operators. Ask for the policy document, not just a leaflet.
2. Your home contents policy
Some home contents policies cover belongings temporarily kept away from home, sometimes including in a storage unit. Often there is a lower limit for items away from the home, a time limit, or a requirement to tell the insurer. Do not assume you are covered. Ring your insurer, explain that the goods will be in a self storage unit, give the address and how long, and ask them to confirm in writing.
3. A specialist storage policy
Some insurers offer standalone policies for goods in storage. These can suit people who are between homes and have no contents policy, or people storing high-value or business items. Compare the cover limits, excess and exclusions as carefully as you would for any other policy.
| Option | Good for | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Store's own cover | Speed and simplicity | Declared value limit, single-item limits, exclusions |
| Home contents extension | Short stays while you still have a home policy | Away-from-home limits, time limits, written confirmation |
| Specialist storage policy | Long stays, no current home, higher-value goods | Excess, valuation basis, whether business stock is included |
What is usually covered and excluded
Every policy is different, but these are the areas to look for in the wording.
Often covered:
- Fire, smoke and explosion
- Theft involving forced entry
- Escape of water, such as a burst pipe or sprinkler
- Storm and flood damage to the building
Often excluded or limited:
- Gradual damage such as damp, mould, rust or moth
- Pests and vermin
- Theft without signs of forced entry
- Cash, jewellery, documents and other valuables
- Items that are badly packed or broken during your own handling
- Goods you should not be storing in the first place - see what you can't put in storage
The gradual damage exclusion catches a lot of people out. Pack well, keep things off the floor and avoid storing anything damp to reduce that risk.
How to value your items
Under-valuing is the most common mistake. If you declare a low figure to keep the premium down, any claim may be reduced or capped. A simple approach:
- Make a list of everything going into the unit, room by room or box by box.
- Work out what it would cost to replace each item with a similar one today, not what you paid.
- Check whether the policy pays new-for-old or deducts for wear and tear, as that changes the figure you need.
- Note any single-item limit and list expensive pieces separately if needed.
- Take photos of your items and keep receipts where you have them.
Keep the inventory somewhere other than the unit, such as your phone or email, so you can find it if you ever need to claim.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Is insurance compulsory, and will the store accept my own policy?
- What proof do you need from my own insurer?
- What is the maximum value covered and is there a per-item limit?
- What is the excess on a claim?
- Is damp or mould covered?
- Does cover include business stock if I am a trader?
For a fuller list covering price, access and contracts, read our guide to questions to ask before renting storage. Insurance also affects your monthly bill, so factor it in when you look at how much self storage costs.
When you compare stores, ask each one what insurance it offers and how much it adds to the monthly price. Tell us what you need through Local Storage Quote and every suitable store near you can send you a price, so you can compare the full cost side by side.
