Homeowners insurance covers personal belongings in off-site storage units under specific conditions. This coverage 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. Check your specific policy for exact details.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storage Units?
Updated: September 15, 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
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storage Unit Items?
Items stored off your property are covered if they're damaged or stolen due to a covered event:
- Fire or smoke damage
- Theft with evidence of forced entry
- Vandalism
- Windstorms or hail
- Water damage from burst pipes (not flooding)
Personal property coverage depends on your policy limit and the item's value. For example, if artwork worth $2,000 is stolen from your storage unit and your limit for high-value items is only $1,500, your insurance won't fully cover the artwork's value, even if your total personal property limit is higher. Adding scheduled personal property coverage can increase your limits.
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
Review your policy to understand what is and isn't protected.
Coverage exclusions may vary by state law and individual policy terms. Consult your specific policy and local regulations for complete details.
Tips for Filing a Claim on Storage Unit Items
If your belongings in a storage unit are stolen or damaged, knowing how to handle the claims process can make the difference between a smooth payout and a frustrating denial. Follow MoneyGeek's steps to strengthen your claim and protect your coverage:
- 1
Document Your Belongings Beforehand
Before you ever need to file a claim, keep a detailed inventory of the items you place in storage. Photos or videos of your belongings, along with receipts for higher-value items, provide proof of both ownership and value when your insurer asks.
- 2
Contact 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 the affected items right away so you have a clear record of the loss.
- 3
Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
Reach out to your homeowners or renters insurance provider as soon as possible. Have your policy number, storage unit details and supporting documents ready to speed up the process and avoid delays.
- 4
Be Proactive During the Claims Process
Be responsive when your insurer requests information or clarification. Providing accurate details and keeping copies of all communications ensures the claims adjuster has what they need to move your claim forward.
- 5
Follow 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, as sometimes additional documentation can change the outcome.
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.
Where to Buy Homeowners Insurance That Covers Storage Units
Most insurance companies like State Farm and Hippo offer homeowners insurance that includes personal property coverage. You can compare 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 and only for covered events. Review your policy's off-premises terms, consider scheduling high-value items and explore standalone storage insurance if needed to avoid unexpected losses.
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.
Does renters insurance cover storage units too?
Yes, renters insurance policies include 10% coverage for off-premises belongings, similar to homeowner insurance off-premises coverage.
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, many insurers offer endorsements or policy add-ons to raise your off-premises coverage limit.
Do storage facilities require proof of insurance?
Many storage facilities require proof of insurance. If your homeowner policy doesn't provide adequate coverage, storage facilities may offer their own insurance options.
Can I store business inventory under my homeowners policy?
Most homeowner policies exclude business-related property or cover business inventory only up to very small limits. If you're storing inventory or equipment for work, you'll likely need separate business insurance or a commercial endorsement.
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.
Is theft by employees of the storage facility covered?
Theft is usually covered only with clear evidence of forced entry. Employee theft may not leave break-in signs, so insurers often deny these claims. The storage company's insurance or liability policy might apply instead.
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.
Personal Property Insurance for Storage Units: Our Review Methodology
We analyzed quotes from multiple insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. We compared different locations and companies to provide reliable estimates and show why comparing rates matters.
Homeowner Profile Our analysis used a sample homeowner with these characteristics:
- Good credit score (769–792)
- Home built in 2000
- Wood-frame construction
- Composite shingle roof
Coverage Details We used these coverage limits to collect quotes:
- $250,000 dwelling coverage
- $125,000 personal property coverage
- $200,000 personal liability coverage
- $1,000 deductible
We also analyzed policies with higher coverage for expensive homes: $1 million dwelling coverage, $500,000 personal property coverage and $1 million liability coverage.
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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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What Is Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance?." Accessed May 24, 2022.