How To Find The Right Self Storage Insurance
Finding the right self-storage insurance means finding a policy that protects your things from theft, fire and water damage while they are stored away.
When you’re storing your stuff away from home - whether it's for a house move, decluttering project, or business stock - insurance is one of those things that might not be top of mind… until something goes wrong.
That’s where self-storage insurance comes in. It gives you peace of mind that your things are protected from risks like fire, theft or water damage while they're out of sight.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about finding the right self-storage insurance, from costs and coverage to what to watch out for in a policy.
Is insurance mandatory for self-storage?
Legally? No. But practically? Often, yes.
While there’s no law meaning you have to have self-storage insurance, many storage providers willask you to have it as part of your rental agreement. This protects both you and them - meaning any loss or damage is covered without unnecessary disputes.
If you're using a storage facility that doesn’t include insurance, they’ll likely ask for proof of cover before you move anything in. But here’s the good news: when you store with The Box Co., you don’t need to worry about arranging it separately - we include £100 of insurance for every box, at no extra cost.
How much does storage insurance cost?
In the UK, storage insurance can cost anywhere from £5 to £20 per month, depending on your coverage level.
In some cases, like with The Box Co. insurance up to £100 is included on every box stored.
But the cost of storage insurance depends on a few key things:
- The total value of the items you're storing
- The type of goods (some high-value items may cost more to cover)
- The duration of storage
- The security and location of the storage facility
Some policies also include excess fees and admin charges, so it's always worth reading the fine print.
You can also lower your premium by choosing a smaller unit, using secure facilities, or choosing a company that has insurance included.
Do any self-storage providers include insurance?
Yes - and we’re proud to say The Box Co. is one of them.
We do storage differently: instead of charging you for space you don’t use, we offer storage by the box, with collection and delivery included.
And for extra peace of mind, each box comes with £100 of insurance as standard. That means you’re automatically covered for unexpected events like fire, theft or water damage - without paying a penny more.
If you need extra coverage for high-value items, we’ve got options to upgrade your insurance too.
Does my contents insurance cover items in storage?
Sometimes - but not always.
Most home contents insurance policies offer limited coverage for items stored outside your home. Off-premises storage might only be covered up to 10% of your total contents limit, and some policies only cover short periods (like during a move). Theft, water damage and other risks may also be excluded unless you’ve bought extra coverage.
In short: always check with your insurer before assuming you’re covered. And if you’re storing anything long-term or particularly valuable, a specialist storage insurance policy - or a provider like The Box Co. that includes cover - is the safer bet.
What should I look for when comparing self-storage insurance policies?
If you’re shopping around for self-storage insurance, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Coverage limits
Make sure the policy covers the full replacement value of your stored items - not just a capped or depreciated value.
What’s covered
Most good policies cover fire, theft, flood, vandalism, and storm damage. But be aware of any exclusions (like cash, perishables, or hazardous materials).
Excess fees
Check if there’s an excess (the amount you have to pay if you make a claim). Some low-cost policies come with surprisingly high excesses.
Flexibility
Can you increase coverage for specific items? Are there options for short-term or long-term storage?
Facility rules
Make sure your storage provider meets the security standards your insurer asks for - things like CCTV, access control, and fire alarms.
Or, save yourself the hassle and go with a provider that takes care of it for you - like The Box Co.
Self-Storage Insurance: What To Look For
Storage insurance might not be the most exciting part of moving or decluttering, but it’s definitely one of the most important. It only takes one unexpected event - a burst pipe, a break-in, a fire - for the value of insurance to become crystal clear.
At The Box Co., we believe peace of mind should be part of the package. That’s why we include £100 insurance per box on every booking - no paperwork, no surprise fees, no stress.
Store smart. Store safe. And let us handle the heavy lifting (and the insurance).
To explore storage by the box from just £3.56 per month, including £100 of insurance per box, get in touch with The Box Co. at hello@theboxco.co.uk.
