Self-Storage Insurance: Do You Need It and What’s Covered?

More people than ever are turning to self-storage, whether it’s to declutter the house, keep business stock safe, or store furniture between moves. These facilities are built to be secure, with cameras, lighting, and locked gates, but one question often gets overlooked — what happens if something still goes wrong? That’s where self-storage insurance comes in.

What Is Storage Insurance?

Self-storage insurance is a specialist type of policy that protects the belongings you’ve placed in a storage unit. Even though most facilities take strong security measures such as CCTV and coded access, insurance adds an important extra layer of financial protection.

A lot of people assume their home contents policy covers stored items, but that’s rarely true for long-term storage. At Easy Store 24/7, we believe in transparency. Our storage facilities are gated and secured with a swipe key entry system, whilst also being monitored 24/7 by CCTV, but if you’re looking for that extra bit of protection then getting insurance is recommended.

Our facilities are secure, all day, every day.

Do You Really Need Storage Insurance?

In short, yes, you probably do. While your unit itself is locked and monitored, that doesn’t mean your personal insurance covers what’s inside. Many home policies exclude belongings kept away from your main address, particularly for long periods.

If you’re between homes, travelling abroad, or using a unit for stock storage, you could be left unprotected. Storage insurance coverage fills that gap. Should something unexpected happen, fire, theft, flood, or storm damage, you can claim for the value of your items instead of covering the cost yourself. Considering how much it might cost to replace everything, the premium is usually small in comparison.

What’s Typically Covered?

A good policy offers protection for a variety of storage sizes against a wide range of risks. Although every provider is slightly different, most cover:

• Fire, smoke, lightning, or explosion – standard protection for accidental or natural fire damage.
• Flooding and severe weather – covers water damage and storms that might affect your storage unit.
• Theft involving forced entry – compensation if someone breaks into your unit or damages the facility.
• Accidental or transit damage – some policies extend protection to items while they’re being moved.
• Replacement value – you’re reimbursed for what it costs to replace an item, not its resale value.

To make sure your claim goes smoothly, always provide an accurate total value of the items you’re storing. Under-valuing them can reduce your payout later. Whether you need storage locker insurance or have a larger unit, making sure you know what is and isn’t covered is vital.

What’s Not Covered and Why It Matters

Like any insurance policy, there are exclusions. Knowing them up front helps avoid nasty surprises:

• High-risk or prohibited goods – cash, fuel, firearms, perishable goods, or live animals are normally excluded.
• Self-inflicted damage – problems like mould or damp caused by poor packing aren’t covered.
• Unlocked or unsecured units – leaving your unit open can void your claim.
• Fine art, jewellery, or collectibles – often require separate, specialised insurance.

Always read the policy wording carefully and ask your storage provider if something isn’t clear. It’s better to check now than discover a gap later.

You could be using storage whilst moving in between University semesters, or for when you go travelling, so making sure you have the best policy for you is extremely important.

Secure Storage Facilities in East Anglia

At Easy Store 24/7, we operate secure self-storage facilities in Ipswich, Colchester, and Norwich. Each site features round-the-clock CCTV, bright floodlighting, and gated compounds for peace of mind. Our steel units are clean, dry, and built to protect against the elements.

Customers have 24-hour access via individual swipe keys, so you can reach your belongings whenever you need to, without sacrificing security. You store, we safeguard.

Want to see what we do at our locations? Take a look at our TikTok!

Still Unsure? Let’s Make It Simple

If you’re not sure what level of cover you need, don’t worry. Our friendly team is happy to recommend insurance companies and help you find the right balance of protection and cost. Whether you’re storing items for a few weeks or setting up a long-term unit, combining secure facilities with storage insurance means you can store your belongings with total confidence.

Protect what matters most. Store smart. Store safe. Store confidently with Easy Store 24/7.

Want to find out more about our storage facilities? Get in touch today.