Short answer: Often yes, with limits. Homeowners and renters policies usually cover belongings in a self-storage unit against covered perils like fire and theft, but some policies cap off-premises property or self-storage at a lower amount. Flood, mold, pests and gradual damage are typically excluded. Facilities may require proof of insurance or sell their own protection plan.
How coverage typically works
Personal property coverage generally applies to your belongings anywhere in the world, including a storage unit. But:
- Off-premises or self-storage limits: some insurers limit property away from the home, sometimes to a percentage of your personal property limit. Check your policy.
- Named perils: off-premises coverage is often for specific perils like fire, lightning, windstorm, theft and vandalism rather than broader "open perils."
- Theft conditions: some policies require signs of forced entry for theft from a storage unit.
- Deductible: applies to each claim.
Common exclusions
- Flood, including water from outside the building
- Mold, mildew and humidity damage
- Rodents and insects
- Gradual deterioration
- Business inventory and equipment, usually limited or excluded. See home-based business insurance.
- Earthquake
Storage facility requirements
Many facilities require tenants to carry insurance or buy the facility's tenant protection plan. Storage rental agreements often state that the facility isn't responsible for your belongings. California's self-service storage law (Business and Professions Code §21700 and following) governs facility liens and certain tenant rights. Read your rental agreement.
Facility protection plans aren't always insurance policies. Compare what they cover, the limit and the deductible with your own policy before buying.
High-value items
Jewelry, art, collectibles and other valuables may have special limits, and storing them off-site may affect coverage. Scheduling items can help. See how to insure jewelry, art and collectibles.
Moving and long-term storage
During a move, check whether your homeowners policy still applies to items in transit or storage. Moving companies have their own liability rules. If you've sold your home and canceled the policy, your stored items may not be covered. Renters policies at your new place can help. See selling your home insurance checklist.
Vehicles and boats in storage
Cars, RVs and boats in storage need their own auto, RV or boat policies, not homeowners coverage. See how much liability insurance do I need for a boat.
Common scenarios
A fire at the facility damages your unit. Typically covered under your personal property coverage, subject to limits and the deductible.
Your unit is broken into and furniture is stolen. Usually covered for theft, possibly requiring signs of forced entry and a police report.
Water seeps in during a storm and items mildew. Flood and mold exclusions may apply.
Mice damage stored clothing. Pest damage is typically excluded.
Protect stored items
- Choose a facility with good security, lighting and access control
- Consider climate-controlled units for sensitive items
- Use a quality lock
- Store items off the floor on pallets
- Keep an inventory with photos and values
- Visit periodically
Checklist
- ☐ Read your policy's off-premises and self-storage limits
- ☐ Check theft conditions
- ☐ Compare facility protection plans with your policy
- ☐ Schedule valuables
- ☐ Insure vehicles separately
- ☐ Keep an inventory
Questions to ask your broker
- Does my policy limit property in self-storage?
- Is theft from a storage unit covered without forced entry?
- Is the facility's protection plan insurance, and do I need it?
Key terms
- Off-premises coverage: protection for your belongings away from your home.
- Named perils: coverage only for the causes of loss listed in the policy.
- Tenant protection plan: a facility's own program, which may or may not be insurance.
- Deductible: the amount you pay before coverage applies to a claim.
Bottom line
Your own policy is often the best starting point for stored belongings, but storage changes the risks: limited perils, theft conditions and exclusions for water, mold and pests. Read the off-premises section of your policy before you sign a storage agreement, and compare it with any facility protection plan. Keeping a detailed inventory makes any claim much easier, whichever coverage applies.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See renters insurance and homeowners insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a storage unit?
Often yes, for covered perils like fire and theft, but some policies limit off-premises or self-storage property.
Does renters insurance cover a storage unit?
Usually, with similar limits and exclusions.
Do I need the storage facility's insurance?
Not always. Many facilities require proof of coverage, and you may be able to use your own policy instead of their plan.
Is flood or mold damage in a storage unit covered?
Usually not. Flood and mold are typically excluded.
Are cars in storage covered by homeowners insurance?
No. Vehicles need their own auto policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.