When you place your belongings in a storage unit, you expect them to be safe until you need them again. But, sometimes accidents happen. Fires, theft, or even severe weather can damage what you have in a storage unit.
That’s where storage insurance comes in. It’s a type of policy designed to protect the items you keep in a storage facility, and typically costs between $8 and $32 per month, though prices vary depending on coverage limits, location, and provider. Some facilities require you to carry it, while others leave it up to you. Either way, it’s worth knowing what’s at stake.
In this guide, we’ll explain what storage insurance is, what it covers, how much it costs, and whether your renters or homeowners policy might already provide protection. If you’re still deciding what size unit to rent, check out our guide on how big your storage unit should be.
What Is Storage Insurance?
Storage insurance is a policy that protects the belongings you keep in a storage unit. Think of it as a safeguard for the unexpected. If a fire breaks out, a thief breaks in, or a storm damages the facility, insurance can help cover the cost of replacing your things. Without it, you may have no financial protection at all.
Many storage facilities require customers to have insurance. From their perspective, it reduces liability if something goes wrong on-site. For customers, it’s a layer of security that makes storing valuable or sentimental items less risky.
How do I buy storage insurance?
There are a few ways to purchase storage insurance. Most facilities offer their own policies at the time you sign your rental agreement, which are easy to bundle with your monthly bill. If you prefer, you can also shop for third-party coverage, which may give you more options for deductibles, limits, or claims handling. Lastly, you can inquire with your current insurance company to see what your policy offers, or purchase appropriate insurance for self-storage.
“Storage units in areas prone to theft or severe weather may come with higher premiums. If you’re in a high-risk area, look for providers that specialize in covering those risks.”
It’s important to know that storage insurance is not the same as renters or homeowners coverage. While those policies sometimes extend limited protection to items in storage, they often come with restrictions and lower limits. A separate storage policy is built specifically for off-site belongings and may be required even if you already have another type of coverage.
Benefits of Storage Unit Insurance
- Peace of mind: Knowing your belongings are insured can make it easier to leave them in storage for months at a time.
- Convenience: Bundling a policy through the facility makes setup simple, while third-party providers may offer more flexibility.
- Faster claims: Some storage-specific insurers handle claims quickly, which means you’re not left waiting weeks to replace essential items.
What Storage Unit Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Most policies cover losses from theft, fire, vandalism, and certain weather events such as wind or hail. If these events damage your belongings, you can file a claim to help recover their value.
That said, there are common exclusions. Floods, earthquakes, pests, and mold are usually not covered. Policies also don’t cover damage caused by neglect or poor preparation. For example, if you don’t wrap or waterproof your furniture and it gets ruined by moisture, that claim is unlikely to be approved.
The fine print matters here. Every policy outlines its own limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Reading through the details before you sign ensures you know exactly when you’re protected — and when you’re not.
How Much Does Storage Insurance Cost?
Storage insurance usually isn’t expensive. As of 2025, most plans run between $8 and $32 a month, depending on how much coverage you need and who you buy it from. You can still find basic, no-frills policies, but most providers now give you choices. That might mean adding protection for floods or earthquakes, picking a deductible that fits your budget, or covering high-value items separately.
Many storage facilities will offer insurance when you rent your unit. U-Haul’s Safestor® program, for example, starts at $8.95 per month for $1,000 of coverage. If you want more flexibility, you can shop with third-party providers such as MiniCo or SafeStor. They cost about the same at the entry level, but often include higher limits, more coverage tiers, and quicker digital claims.
Here’s what a typical range of monthly premiums looks like at different coverage levels:
| Provider | $3,000 Coverage | $5,000 Coverage | $10,000 Coverage | Notes |
| U-Haul Safestor® | $9 ($1000 coverage) | $15 | $28 | Facility-based, covers more natural disasters than most competitors. |
| MiniCo | $12 | $17 | $27 | Independent provider with online claims support. |
| SafeStor | $8 ($1000 coverage) | $11 | $21 | Frequently bundled with storage rentals, simple to add. |
| StorSmart | $13 | $22 | $32 ($7500 coverage) | Covers a wide range of weather-related risks. |
Facility-offered policies win on convenience — you can set them up when signing your lease and keep payments bundled. Third-party providers, however, give more choices for deductibles, add-ons, and sometimes faster claims through apps and online platforms.
What Affects Storage Insurance Costs
Several things influence how much you’ll pay for storage insurance. Understanding these factors helps you pick coverage that makes sense for your budget and your belongings. Here are the main things to look at when shopping for insurance:
- Coverage limits: Higher coverage levels mean a bigger monthly premium. A quick inventory can help you choose the right amount so you’re not overpaying for protection you don’t need.
- Provider type: Facility plans are usually clear-cut and affordable, but may be limited. Third-party coverage can cost more but often gives you broader options. Compare both before you decide.
- Deductible: Picking a higher deductible lowers your monthly bill but increases what you’ll pay out of pocket if you file a claim. Choose a balance that fits your budget and comfort level.
- Location risk: Storage units in areas prone to theft or severe weather may come with higher premiums. If you’re in a high-risk area, look for providers that specialize in covering those risks.
- Type of items stored: High-value or fragile items like antiques or electronics may raise your premium. Consider whether they need separate coverage or special handling.
- Policy add-ons: Extras like flood or climate-control coverage add to the total cost. These can be worth it if you’re storing sensitive items or renting in an area where those risks are common.
Does My Renters Insurance Cover a Storage Unit?
In many cases, renters insurance extends some protection to belongings kept outside of your home, including items stored in a rented unit. That means your policy may help cover losses from theft, fire, or other covered events.
However, the coverage is usually limited. A common rule is that off-site belongings are covered up to 10% of your total personal property limit. For example, if your renters policy covers $30,000 in personal property, only about $3,000 may apply to items in storage.
It’s also important to look closely at exclusions. Many renters’ policies will not cover floods, earthquakes, or certain high-value items like jewelry or collectibles while they’re in storage. Because details vary, it’s best to check with your insurance provider and purchase appropriate coverage for items in storage.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover a Storage Unit?
Most homeowners policies give you some protection for belongings kept in a storage unit. It usually comes from the part of your policy that covers property away from your house. The limit is often about 10% of your personal property limit. So if your personal property limit is $60,000, you might only have $6,000 of coverage for storage.
This protection only goes so far, too. Fire, smoke, theft, and vandalism are often covered. Floods, earthquakes, mold, and pest damage usually are not. High-value items like jewelry or artwork may also be capped at a lower amount unless you’ve added extra coverage.
Policies can vary a lot, so the best way to know what’s included is to call your agent and ask. If you’re storing more than your policy will cover, or you need protection for risks it leaves out, a separate storage insurance plan can fill the gap.
How Do I Know If I Need Storage Unit Insurance if I Have Another Policy?
Even if you already carry renters or homeowners insurance, you may still need storage coverage. Most storage facilities want proof of insurance before you move in. If your current policy doesn’t meet their rules, they’ll ask you to buy a plan through them or a third party.
Limits are another issue. Many renters and homeowners policies only cover about 10% of your property when it’s kept off-site. That can leave you short if you’re storing a lot of furniture or boxes.
It’s also worth thinking about what you’re putting in storage. Antiques, electronics, or other fragile items may not be fully protected under your main policy. A storage-specific plan can give you better coverage and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your things are insured.
How to Choose the Right Storage Insurance Policy
The first step in picking storage insurance is figuring out how much coverage you actually need. Make a quick inventory of what you plan to store and estimate the value. Don’t forget items that would be expensive to replace, like electronics, furniture, or tools.
“It’s important to know that storage insurance is not the same as renters or homeowners coverage. While those policies sometimes extend limited protection to items in storage, they often come with restrictions and lower limits.”
Next, look at where you can get coverage. You usually have three options: buy a plan directly from the storage facility, shop with a third-party provider, or see if your renters or homeowners insurance can extend coverage. Facility plans are easy to add when you sign your lease, but while bundling with your existing policy can be convenient, coverage may be limited, and you’ll want to double-check the fine print. Third-party insurers may cost a little more but often provide higher limits and more choices.
No matter which option you’re considering, review all the details before you sign. Look at the deductible, what risks are included, and how the claims process works. If a company handles claims quickly online, that may be worth paying a little extra for. Choosing the right policy is about knowing your things are protected if something goes wrong.
Best Practices for Storing Your Stuff
A good insurance policy helps, but the way you pack and store your items matters just as much. These steps can protect your belongings and make it easier to get reimbursed if you ever need to file a claim:
- Wrap and cover furniture. Use moving blankets, plastic wrap, or covers to keep surfaces safe from scratches, dust, or moisture. For more detailed tips, see our guide on furniture storing.
- Pack boxes carefully. Put heavier items on the bottom (but not clustered in the center), fragile items on top, and use padding so things don’t shift.
- Label everything. Mark boxes clearly so you know what’s inside without having to dig through them later.
- Keep an inventory. Write down what you’re storing, its condition, and its value. An inventory sheet can be key evidence for an insurance claim. We even have a full guide on how to use inventory sheets.
- Visit your unit regularly. Checking in helps you spot issues like leaks, pests, or break-ins early.
- Use pallets or shelves. Lifting items off the floor can help protect them from water damage.
- Choose climate control when needed. Electronics, photos, or wood furniture last longer in a temperature-controlled unit.
- Lock up tight. Invest in a sturdy lock and keep keys or codes secure.
These small steps reduce the chance of damage and help you back up your claim if something goes wrong. And if you’re wondering about moving day itself, here’s what to know about whether movers will go to a storage unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of insurance do you need for a storage unit?
Most facilities ask you to have insurance that covers whatever you keep inside your unit. You can usually meet that requirement in a few ways: by adding the facility’s in-house policy to your lease, buying coverage from a third-party company, or using your renters or homeowners insurance if it applies. The important thing is being able to show proof of coverage when you sign your rental agreement.
Should I buy insurance for a storage unit?
Yes. Even if your current policy extends some protection, most facilities won’t let you rent without proof. Beyond that, having coverage means you’re not left paying out of pocket if something unexpected happens, like a fire, theft, or storm damage. For just a small monthly fee, many people find the peace of mind worth it.
Can I use my own insurance instead of the facility’s?
In many cases, yes. Facilities will often accept proof of renters or homeowners coverage, or even a third-party plan like MiniCo or SafeStor. Some facilities do try to steer renters toward their own program because it’s easier to manage and an extra source of income for them. Still, you’re usually free to choose the option that gives you the right level of coverage.