Compare Self Storage Insurance
In most UK storage facilities, storage insurance for your stored goods is a contractual requirement — and buying from a specialist insurer is often significantly cheaper than the facility's own cover. Compare the leading providers here.
Compare providers
Surewise Storage
- Theft, fire, flood, pests and more
- Instant certificate via email
- No hidden fees and no excess
Cover 4 Storage
- Up to £1,000 per item coverage
- Cover for theft, fire, vandalism and more
- Instant cover, no hidden fees
Quote Monkey
- Flexible cover durations with pro-rata refunds
- Personal and business storage
- Most storage sites accepted
Big Yellow Self Storage
- Theft, fire and flood cover
- Malicious damage
- Enhanced liability service
Prices and availability correct at time of last update. Always check directly with the provider.
Provider details, prices and availability are correct at the time of writing and subject to change without notice. Always verify current terms and pricing directly with the provider before purchasing.
What you need to know about storage insurance
Is it mandatory?
Almost certainly yes. The vast majority of reputable UK self storage facilities — including Big Yellow and Safestore — require insurance as part of your storage contract.
Why not just use home insurance?
Standard home contents policies typically only cover items temporarily removed from home for a short period and up to a low value limit. For long-term storage, a dedicated policy is the safer and often cheaper choice.
What's covered?
A good policy covers fire, flood and storm, theft with evidence of forced entry, vandalism and malicious damage, and escape of water. Check your specific policy for vermin and pest cover.
Common exclusions
Cash and bank notes, high-value single items like jewellery (check single-item limits), motor vehicles, and damage from damp or mould are typically excluded.
Common questions
What should I look for in a policy?
The total insured value (make sure it covers the full replacement cost of everything stored), whether it covers personal or business goods, the excess amount, policy duration flexibility, and whether goods in transit are covered.
Does home insurance cover items in a storage unit?
Most home insurance policies do not cover items stored off-site. Even if they do, the cover is usually limited to a small percentage of your sum insured. Specialist self-storage insurance is more reliable and often cheaper.
What is the maximum value I can store?
Cover limits vary by provider — typically from £5,000 to £50,000 or more. Check the policy schedule carefully, particularly if you are storing high-value items such as antiques, electronics, or business stock.
Is there a waiting period before I can claim?
Most storage insurance policies have no waiting period and cover starts from the date you take out the policy. However, some policies exclude pre-existing damage — inspect your belongings carefully when putting them in storage.
Does storage insurance cover business stock or equipment?
Some providers, including Surewise and Insurastore, offer cover for business goods stored in self-storage units. Check the policy wording carefully for exclusions around commercial stock.
How does specialist cover compare to the facility's own?
Buying from a specialist insurer is typically cheaper than the facility's in-house policy (sometimes called "Enhanced Liability Service" or "StoreProtect"). It's worth getting a quote from a specialist before defaulting to the facility's option.
Can I get cover for business goods?
Yes — several providers offer specific business goods cover. Check the policy wording to confirm your type of goods is included.
What to check before you store
Facility's own insurance
Storage facilities carry their own insurance — but this covers the building, not your belongings. You need your own policy for the contents.
Declare accurately
Under-insuring your belongings can mean a reduced payout. Make a list of everything you're storing and get an accurate total value before you buy.
Check exclusions
Most policies exclude cash, jewellery over a certain value, and certain fragile items. Read the policy wording before you sign.
Further reading: Your Essential Guide to Self Storage Insurance — and Using Shipping Containers for Secure Storage, and The 2024 UK Self Storage Report.