Not all of us think insurance is necessary when storing our possessions in a self storage unit. Sure, one would think that self storage facilities are safe and that would be a correct observation. After all, they have tight security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and secure perimeter fencing.
But if you are wondering whether ensuring your possessions in self storage is necessary, we answer that it is a good idea. But in the end, it’s a personal choice, and we are not all the same and we have different views on security matters.
As we will see, a storage facility does carry its insurance, which is detailed later. However, it’s important to establish the specific cover offered by the storage facility you choose as many self storage facilities may not cover losses or damages to your belongings in the event of theft, fire, flooding, or other disasters.
Stop & Store Penrith is part of a larger group of self storage facilities, and as a company, we take the matter of insurance seriously. Not only do we pride ourselves on our high levels of security at the Penrith storage facility, but we also provide adequate cover for the facility itself.
But in the end, it will be the renter’s choice, whether individual additional insurance is deemed necessary and what point of view they have. After reading this blog the pros and cons should be clear for you to make your own decision.
Insurance: It’s Personal Choice
Everyone’s attitude and approach to taking out insurance coverage for personal belongings is different and is influenced by personal experiences, their financial situation, and risk perception.
- If you are the proactive type, you may adopt a proactive stance towards insurance. You would recognise its importance in protecting your belongings against unanticipated events such as theft, accidents, or natural disasters.
- You are likely to explore different insurance options, comparing coverage and premiums, and then choose a cover tailored to your needs.
- You are more than likely the kind of person who likes peace of mind and financial security, looking at insurance more as a wise investment than an unnecessary expense.
- Alternately you may be more cautious only taking minimal coverage or you may delay purchasing insurance until there is a significant threat to your belongings.
- A more careless approach is to have an indifferent attitude towards insurance, which could be due to apathy or your belief you’re your possessions are not valuable enough to warrant coverage.
- By being careless it is easy to underestimate the potential risks of losing your possessions.
The fact is that insurance is there for a purpose. Whether you are being conservative or wise, the risk-averse approach will mean that you are more likely to opt for comprehensive insurance coverage to mitigate any potential losses.
By doing so you will prioritize security and stability, and by doing so you would prefer to transfer the financial risk associated with your belongings to an insurance provider.
If you belong in this category, you may even find that you may be willing to pay higher premiums for broader coverage and additional benefits, viewing insurance as a form of safety net against unforeseen circumstances.
The Insurance the Self Storage Facility May Carry.
A storage facility will have its insurance obligations when keeping the possessions of clients on their premises.
These insurance obligations are there to protect themselves and their client’s possessions from a host of risks. These are some common insurance obligations for self storage facilities:
- property insurance protects the storage facility buildings and structures from risks such as fire, vandalism, theft, and natural disasters.
- liability insurance must be taken to protect against claims of physical injury or property damage that could occur on the storage facility premises. Liability coverage is for medical expenses, legal fees, and settlements should an outsider be injured or experience damage to their possessions.
- If a self storage facility is temporarily unable to operate due to a covered loss, such as a fire or natural disaster, business interruption insurance can provide coverage for lost income and ongoing expenses during the restoration period.
- If the storage facility is in a low-lying area, flood insurance may be necessary. Standard property insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, so separate flood insurance may be required.
It is good practice for a storage facility to inform clients about the facility’s insurance policies and discuss the need to obtain additional coverage for their stored belongings.
Why You Should Take Insurance for Self Storage
As self storage facilities are designed to be responsible for providing a secure environment for their clients’ possessions, they often don’t assume liability for the actual contents of storage units.
Therefore, self storage facilities should encourage their clients to obtain insurance coverage for their stored belongings.
The reasons for this are as follows:
- Insurance gives coverage for your belongings in case of theft, damage, or loss due to unforeseen circumstances like fire or natural disasters.
- With the knowledge that your possessions are insured will provide you with peace of mind, considering valuable or sentimental items.
- Ask the storage facility about relatively affordable insurance options, providing coverage tailored to your needs and budget.
- If you have an existing policy, you may already have some coverage for items stored off-site. Note that it may have limitations or exclusions, so it’s important to review the policy and consider supplemental insurance if necessary.
What to Consider When Taking Insurance for Self Storage
There are several things to consider before buying insurance for your self storage unit:
- Calculate the value of the goods that you plan to store to ensure you have adequate coverage.
- Do a wide search for insurance options that may be offered by the self storage facility or third-party insurance providers. This will help you find the best coverage for your needs.
- Get a full understanding of the insurance policy to determine limitations or exclusions, as well as the claims process in case of loss or damage.
Use a trusted storage facility like Stop & Store Penrith, whose friendly staff will give you professional advice about insurance for your self storage unit.
Find us at https://www.stopandstore.co.uk/penrith-storage/
Or call us on 01768 800291.