Does Renters Insurance Cover Storage Units? A Detailed Guide

If you rent an apartment or home, you may already have renters insurance to protect your belongings. But what happens if you store some of your items in a storage unit? Will your renters insurance cover theft, damage, or loss of those belongings?

Many renters are surprised to learn that their insurance policy does offer some coverage for storage units, but there are important limitations and exclusions to consider. This guide will explain how renters insurance applies to storage units, what’s covered, what’s not, and how you can maximize your protection.

1. Does Renters Insurance Cover Storage Units?

Yes, renters insurance typically covers personal belongings stored in a storage unit, but the coverage is usually limited. Most policies extend protection to items in a storage unit up to 10% of your total personal property coverage limit.

Example of Coverage Limits:

• If your renters insurance policy covers $50,000 in personal property, items in storage may only be covered for up to $5,000.
• If your belongings in storage are worth more than this limit, you may need additional coverage.

2. What Does Renters Insurance Cover in a Storage Unit?

Renters insurance generally covers items in storage against specific risks, also known as covered perils.

Typical Covered Perils:

✔ Theft – If someone breaks into your storage unit and steals your belongings.
✔ Fire – If a fire damages or destroys the contents of your unit.
✔ Vandalism – If someone intentionally damages your stored items.
✔ Lightning – If a lightning strike causes fire or other damage.
✔ Smoke Damage – If smoke from a nearby fire ruins your items.
✔ Water Damage (Certain Types) – Damage from accidental leaks (not floods).
✔ Explosions – Rare but included in most policies.

These perils align with what your renters insurance covers for belongings inside your home.

3. What Is NOT Covered by Renters Insurance in a Storage Unit?

While renters insurance provides protection, there are important exclusions that you need to be aware of.

Common Exclusions:

❌ Flood Damage – Standard renters insurance does not cover flooding. If your storage unit is in a flood-prone area, you may need separate flood insurance.
❌ Earthquakes – Earthquake-related damage is usually excluded unless you purchase an add-on policy.
❌ Mold and Mildew – If humidity or poor ventilation causes mold or mildew, renters insurance will not cover the loss.
❌ Pest Damage – Losses caused by rodents, insects, or other pests are generally not covered.
❌ Neglect or Poor Maintenance – If your items are damaged due to improper storage (e.g., water damage from leaks that were ignored), the insurer may deny the claim.

High-Value Items May Have Limits

Even if theft or damage is covered, some high-value items have payout limits unless they are specifically insured. These may include:

• Jewelry
• Fine art
• Collectibles
• Antiques
• Musical instruments

If you have high-value items in storage, consider adding a rider or endorsement to your policy for extra protection.

4. How to Increase Your Storage Unit Insurance Coverage

If your renters insurance does not provide enough coverage for your stored items, here are some steps to improve your protection.

1. Increase Your Personal Property Limit

Since storage coverage is typically 10% of your total policy, increasing your personal property limit can automatically increase storage coverage.

Example:

• Standard policy: $50,000 total coverage → $5,000 for storage
• Increased policy: $75,000 total coverage → $7,500 for storage

2. Add Scheduled Coverage for High-Value Items

If you have expensive electronics, jewelry, or collectibles, ask your insurer about scheduling these items separately to ensure full coverage.

3. Consider a Separate Storage Insurance Policy

Some storage facilities offer their own storage insurance policies. This can provide additional coverage beyond renters insurance, especially for excluded perils like flood or mold damage.

4. Choose a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

While not a form of insurance, renting a climate-controlled unit can prevent issues like mold, mildew, and heat damage, reducing the risk of loss.

5. How to File a Renters Insurance Claim for Storage Unit Losses

If your items in storage are damaged or stolen, follow these steps to file a successful insurance claim:

Step 1: Document Your Belongings

• Keep a detailed inventory list of what you store, including photos and receipts.
• Store serial numbers for electronics or valuable items.

Step 2: Report Theft or Damage Immediately

• If theft occurs, file a police report and get a copy for your insurer.
• For other damages, document the issue with photos and a written description.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider

• Notify your insurer as soon as possible.
• Provide all necessary documents, including your policy number, proof of loss, and any police reports.

Step 4: Work with Your Adjuster

• Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage.
• Keep all receipts if you need to replace essential items before your claim is processed.

6. Should You Rely on Storage Facility Insurance Instead?

Some storage facilities offer their own insurance, but these policies may have limitations.

Pros of Storage Facility Insurance:

✔ Covers damages that renters insurance excludes (e.g., floods, mold)
✔ No impact on your renters insurance claims history

Cons of Storage Facility Insurance:

❌ Coverage limits may be low
❌ May not cover theft if no forced entry is involved
❌ Does not replace renters insurance—only supplements it

For full protection, many renters use both their renters insurance and storage facility insurance together.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Belongings in Storage Units

Renters insurance does cover items in storage units, but with limitations on coverage amounts and excluded perils. To ensure your belongings are fully protected:
✅ Review your policy limits and increase coverage if necessary
✅ Add scheduled endorsements for high-value items
✅ Consider storage facility insurance for additional protection
✅ Choose a secure, climate-controlled storage unit

If you’re looking for affordable renters insurance with strong storage coverage, Toby Hansen Agency can help. We compare nearly 100 carriers to find you the best policy at the lowest price.

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