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Self-storage facilities: if it’s worth storing, it’s worth insuring

Self-storage units have become a popular way of finding extra space for possessions between house moves, during renovations, or just because there isn’t room for them at home. If you’re putting items into a self-storage unit, you’ll need an insurance policy to protect them.

Nearly all of the major storage companies offer their own form of storage insurance, and many make it compulsory to have insurance in place before the storage unit can be rented.

When you’re rushing through the paperwork and arranging a storage unit, it’s easy to just tick the box and set up the storage company’s own insurance policy. However, you need to be aware that this might not be your best option and you should take advice. Recently, MPs have raised concerns about the policies sold by storage companies as they may not be value for money or provide sufficient cover.

GETTING THE RIGHT COVER

Home insurance policies can provide cover for ‘items temporarily removed’ from your home, although you’d need to check as there may be a time limit, typically 30 to 90 days, and you will need to inform your insurer when you put items into storage.