Yes, you absolutely do.
A recent survey of storage customers found that insurance ranked near the bottom of requested features, far behind extras like lighting or keyless access. They’re convenient, sure, but won’t save you potentially thousands of pounds if disaster strikes.
Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about self-storage insurance, including what it is, what it covers, what it costs, and how to arrange it.
what is Self Storage Insurance and Why It Matters
If you’re using storage, it’s because your items matter to you. And while storage is generally secure, accidents can still happen. Fires, floods, theft or even a burst pipe are rare but possible, and they can cause serious damage or destroy items completely.
That’s where self storage insurance steps in.
It covers the replacement cost of your items, so you don’t end up footing the entire bill. For many people, that amount can quickly run into the thousands, or even tens of thousands.
At most storage companies, including ours, self storage insurance is mandatory. If you choose a facility where it isn’t required, you may be asked to sign a waiver that leaves you fully responsible for any loss or damage.
What Does Self Storage Insurance Cover?
Self storage insurance covers the main risks that can damage items in storage. At Henfield Storage, this includes:
- Fire and explosions
- Flooding or water damage from burst or leaking pipes
- Natural disasters like strong storms and earthquakes
- Theft with forced entry or exit
- Riots, strikes, or civil commotion
- Malicious damage or vandalism
- Impact from vehicles or aircraft
- Infestations such as moths, insects, or vermin from an external cause
Some items are excluded, such as money, jewellery over set limits, and hazardous materials. There is also a £50 policy excess, which means you pay the first £50 of any claim.
How Much Does Self Storage Insurance Cost?
The cost of self storage insurance depends on how much cover you need. Higher-value items, like antique furniture, mean a higher monthly payment. Even so, the rates are low when you compare them to the risk of losing everything.
Our insurance starts from just £1.32 a week for £1,000 worth of cover. Even if you need higher protection, the cost stays competitive. For example:
- £2,000 cover → £2.91/week
- £5,000 cover → £5.80/week
- £10,000 cover → £8.44/week
- £20,000 cover → £11.09/week
- £30,000 cover → £13.71/week
You can see the full breakdown on our insurance prices page or call us directly at 020 8450 8602 for more information.
How to arrange insurance for Self Storage
Henfield Storage offers a simple, competitively priced insurance policy designed specifically for goods kept in our units. Most of our customers choose this option as it saves the time hunting for your own online.
If you would rather use your own policy, that is fine too. You just need to send us proof before moving in. Your cover must list Henfield Storage, the branch address, and the total value of your goods.
Either way, insurance is mandatory before you can move in. It is the only way to make sure your items are properly protected.
You can find full details on our self storage insurance page.
Can I Use My Own Insurance?
Yes, you can. At Henfield Storage, most people choose our in-house policy because it is simple, affordable and quick to set up. But if you prefer, you are welcome to use your own insurance.
If you go down that route, you will need to email us a copy of your policy before moving in. The policy must clearly show:
- Henfield Storage listed by name
- The full address of the branch you are storing at
- The total value of the goods you are insuring
This way we can check that your cover meets the same standards. As long as it does, you are good to go.
Some storage companies make using your own insurance difficult or even refuse to accept it. We keep things flexible, so you are free to choose whichever option suits you best.
Best Self Storage Insurance Providers in the UK
If you’d rather arrange your own insurance, there are a few recognised providers in the UK:
Surewise – well-known for standalone self storage insurance, good if you only need cover without a unit.
Store Insure – well-known for wide ranging cover with both external and internal storage types covered.
Protect Your Bubble – sometimes used for smaller, personal storage needs, though less common.
These providers are fine if you want to keep insurance separate. But most of our customers prefer the simpler option of arranging both storage and insurance with us. Our experts make it easy by helping you choose the right unit and the right level of cover in one go.
When to avoid paying Self Storage Insurance
Self storage insurance is worth having in almost every case. But if coverage isn’t required, there are a few times when it may not be worth the cost or hassle:
- Items with little resale value that are easy to replace
- Goods already covered under another policy
- Short-term storage, for example a week or two up to a month
Even if your situation fits one of the above, most people still find insurance worth the small monthly payment. It is about peace of mind, knowing that if the unexpected happens you won’t be left footing the bill.
What Self Storage Insurance Included in Your Rental Costs?
UK storage providers often roll the cost of insurance into your monthly bill, even though it is technically an optional extra. The issue with this approach is that it makes it harder to see how much you are paying purely for the storage space.
At Henfield, we keep things clear. Insurance is calculated separately from your storage costs, so you always know exactly what you are paying for the unit and what you are paying for cover. Since insurance is optional, we do not think it should be bundled into your base rental price.
Get Affordable Coverage with Henfield Storage
Insurance isn’t the most exciting part of renting a storage unit, but it matters a great deal. With Henfield Storage, we’ll help you choose a simple, affordable policy that protects your items properly and keeps costs transparent.
To learn about our insurance terms and conditions, read our full summary. Or, if you’re ready to get started, explore our self storage insurance options today or contact us to talk through the best cover for your needs.
