If you’re looking at renting a storage unit in the UK for your home or business, you may be wondering what additional costs are essential versus optional. In this article, we’ll take a look at whether storage insurance really is needed when renting a unit.
Why rent a storage unit?
Storage units can be used for:
- Downsizing your home
- Moving house
- Renovating
- Students moving to university
- Trips abroad, either long-term or short-term
- Businesses, to store archives and excess equipment
- Keeping your belongings safe when you’re retired
What’s more, with storage units available in a range of sizes per square metre, there is normally an affordable option to suit every need.
Do You Need Insurance for Storage?
Yes, the majority of storage facilities will require you to have storage insurance as a mandatory part of your contract when renting a unit. However, you should know that you also have the (often more affordable) option to buy your storage insurance from third party providers like us at Surewise.
Why Do You Need Insurance for Storage?
You need insurance to rent a storage unit because despite many storage facilities having surveillance and security checks to keep your belongings safe, accidents and unexpected incidents can still happen. Fires wiping out entire blocks of storage units are, unfortunately, not uncommon.
Storage insurance will typically cover you for things such as:
- Theft
- Fire, floods, and other natural disasters
- Vandalism
- Vermin infestations
Such disasters are already devastating if you consider the sentimental value of many possessions stored within these units. Without insurance, the cost of replacing your belongings in the face of any of these incidents could be astronomical. Storage insurance gives you – and your storage provider – the peace of mind that should any natural disasters, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances occur, you’re covered.
How else can I protect my belongings when renting a storage unit?
While storage insurance covers the value of your belongings should anything go wrong, there are also things you can do to reduce the likelihood of anything going wrong while your items are stored in your unit.
Choosing a reputable storage facility is the best way to do this.
A high-quality storage provider will have:
- CCTV
- Manned surveillance
- A check-in book for people coming on site
- Fencing and locked gates
- Temperature controlled units
- Dry units with no signs of damp or mould
Remember, the cheapest quote is not always the best deal: make sure the facility you rent your storage unit from has adequate security that makes you feel comfortable leaving your possessions behind.
Did you know that Surewise were found to save customers money 9 times out of 10 when taking out storage insurance online than if you bought your policy with an in-house storage provider?
Save yourself money today and live life confidently by getting a quote for your storage insurance policy today.