Homeowners insurance covers personal belongings in off-site storage units under specific conditions. It falls under your policy's "off-premises personal property" provision, which caps at 10% of your total personal property coverage limit. Coverage terms and limits vary by insurer and state regulations, so review your specific policy for exact details.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storage Units?
Updated: December 1, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Most homeowners insurance policies include limited off-premises coverage, insuring items stored in units for up to 10% of your total personal property limit.
Covered events include fire, theft and vandalism. Natural disasters like floods or earthquakes are excluded.
Certain exclusions apply: damage from mold, pests or general wear and tear isn't covered, and business items may require separate insurance.
Insurance for Items in Storage Units
Understanding the 10% Coverage Limit
The 10% off-premises coverage limit means your storage unit items are insured for only a fraction of your total personal property coverage. If your policy includes $100,000 in personal property coverage, items in storage are covered up to $10,000.
This limit applies to all off-premises items combined, not just storage units. Items temporarily away from home, like belongings in your car, at a hotel or at a friend's house, share this 10% cap.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storage Unit Items?
Items stored off your property are covered if they're damaged or stolen due to:
- Fire or smoke damage
- Theft with evidence of forced entry
- Vandalism
- Windstorms or hail
- Water damage from burst pipes (not flooding)
Your coverage depends on two factors: your policy's off-premises limit and any sub-limits for specific item categories. If artwork worth $2,000 is stolen from your storage unit, you'll face two potential restrictions. First, your claim can't exceed 10% of your total personal property coverage. Second, your policy's sub-limit for art (typically $1,500–$2,500) caps reimbursement regardless of your total limit.
Scheduled personal property coverage removes these sub-limits and covers items at their appraised value. You'll pay higher premiums, but valuable items receive full protection.
When Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Items in Storage Units?
Your homeowners insurance policy won't cover everything. Common exclusions include:
- Flood or earthquake damage (unless you've added specific riders)
- Mold and mildew due to poor ventilation
- Damage from pests or vermin
- Theft without forced entry
- Business-related items, unless specifically insured
For example, if water seeps into your ground-floor unit during heavy rain and damages your furniture, your policy won't cover it as it's considered flood damage, which requires separate flood insurance. Similarly, if you store a laptop in your unit and it's stolen without signs of forced entry, your claim will likely be denied because you can't prove theft occurred.
Review your policy for complete exclusion details. Coverage exclusions vary by state law and individual policy terms.
Tips for Filing a Claim on Storage Unit Items
If your belongings in a storage unit are stolen or damaged, handling the claims process correctly determines whether you get a smooth payout or a frustrating denial. Follow MoneyGeek's steps to strengthen your claim and protect your coverage:
- 1Document Your Belongings Beforehand
Keep a detailed inventory of items in your storage. Photos or videos of your belongings, along with receipts for higher-value items, prove ownership and value when your insurer asks.
- 2Contact the Police and Storage Facility Management
As soon as you discover theft or damage, notify the storage facility and file a police report if necessary. Take photos of the unit and affected items for a clear record of the loss.
- 3Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
Contact your homeowners or renters insurance provider immediately. Have your policy number, storage unit details and supporting documents ready.
- 4Be Proactive During the Claims Process
Respond quickly when your insurer requests information or clarification. Providing accurate details and keeping copies of all communications helps your adjuster process your claim.
- 5Follow Up and Track Your Claim
Stay in regular contact with your adjuster until your claim is resolved. If part of your claim is denied, ask for an explanation and provide any additional documentation requested.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
If the loss is minor, compare the cost of replacing items yourself with the impact of filing a claim, since frequent small claims can affect your premiums over time.
How to Protect Your Belongings in Storage Units
Your homeowners insurance provides some protection, but preventing incidents works better than filing claims. These tips help keep your stored items safe from damage or theft.
Make Sure the Key is Safe
Secure your storage key to prevent theft. Lock or hide it somewhere only you know. If you give it to someone else, make sure you trust them completely.
Choose a Unit on the Higher Level
Floods aren't covered by homeowners insurance, so choose an elevated unit, especially when you have water-sensitive items. If you're storing a stamp collection, choose a spot farthest from the ground floor.
Pack Your Things Properly
Organized, properly packed items are easier to track. Categorize items in boxes and close them securely. This way, you'll notice if someone has opened them without permission.
Install a High-Quality Lock
Replace the storage facility's standard lock with a disc lock or heavy-duty padlock. Disc locks resist bolt cutters, making forced entry more difficult. Your homeowners insurance only covers theft with evidence of forced entry, so a sturdy lock creates clear proof if someone breaks in. Keep photos of your lock and any damage after a theft to support your insurance claim.
Visit Your Unit Regularly
Check your storage unit every few months to spot problems early. Regular visits help you identify pest activity, water leaks or security issues before they cause extensive damage. Document each visit with photos showing your belongings remain intact and properly stored. These records strengthen insurance claims if you need to file one later.
Where to Buy Homeowners Insurance That Covers Storage Units
The best home insurance providers like State Farm and Hippo offer homeowners insurance that includes personal property coverage. You can compare the most affordable insurance companies to get the best rates.
Homeowners insurance costs $175 per month on average, according to MoneyGeek's analysis of industry data. Your policy price depends on how much personal property you own. Our personal property calculator below can estimate how much coverage you might need.
Personal Property Coverage Calculator
When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.
clothing & accessories
Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.
Do Insurance Policies Protect Items in Storage Units: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance offers limited protection for items in storage units, covering up to 10% of your personal property limit. Review your policy's off-premises terms, consider scheduling high-value items and explore standalone storage insurance when necessary.
Off-Premises Coverage in Homeowners Insurance: FAQ
Have questions about how homeowners insurance protects items in storage? Our FAQ clarifies what's covered, what's not and how to boost your protection.
Are vehicles in storage units covered by homeowners insurance?
No, vehicles require their own auto insurance coverage, even when stored in storage units.
Can I increase my off-premises coverage limit?
Yes, you can increase your off-premises coverage through endorsements or riders. Contact your insurance agent to request higher limits. Some insurers raise the percentage from 10% to 20% or 30% of your personal property coverage. You'll pay additional premiums based on the increased coverage amount and the types of items you're protecting.
Do storage facilities require proof of insurance?
Some storage facilities require proof of insurance before renting a unit. You can typically satisfy this requirement with a certificate of insurance from your homeowners insurance provider. If your policy doesn't meet facility requirements, most facilities offer tenant insurance at the time of rental, though it's often more expensive and less comprehensive than homeowners coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover items in PODS or moving containers?
Yes, off-premises coverage typically applies to portable storage containers like PODS. But coverage follows the same limits and exclusions as regular storage units, so review your policy to confirm covered perils and protection limits.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage from rodents or pests in a storage unit?
No, homeowner insurance excludes infestations, vermin and pest-related damage. To prevent losses, pack items in sealed plastic bins and check the storage facility's pest-control practices before renting.
Homeowners Insurance Storage Unit Coverage: Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What Is Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance?." Accessed May 24, 2022.