What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for My Storage Unit?

September 3, 2025

blog post

If you’re renting a storage unit to store your personal belongings, business inventory, furniture, or even valuable items like electronics or documents, you may be wondering: what kind of insurance do I need for my storage unit?

The answer is simple: you need storage insurance.

While many people assume that their home or business insurance will automatically cover items in a storage unit, the reality is quite different. Without the proper storage insurance, you could be left completely unprotected in the event of theft, fire, flood, vandalism, or other unexpected damages.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what storage insurance is, what it covers, and why it’s a smart investment for anyone using self-storage. We’ll also share how SSIA Self Storage Insurance Australia can help you protect your stored possessions with tailored, affordable coverage.

What Is Storage Insurance?

Storage insurance is a specialised insurance policy that protects the contents of your storage unit. It provides financial coverage against a range of risks such as fire, theft, water damage, storms, and natural disasters that could damage or destroy your stored items.

Unlike general contents insurance or home insurance, storage insurance is specifically designed for items kept off-site in a self-storage facility. This type of policy ensures that if the worst happens, you’re not left out of pocket trying to replace your belongings.

Why You Need Storage Insurance

You might think that your belongings are safe because they’re stored in a secure facility with cameras, alarms, and access control. But while storage facilities do a great job of minimising risk, no place is completely immune to accidents, natural disasters, or human error.

Here’s why storage insurance is a must-have:

1. Protection Against Theft and Break-ins

Even in secure storage facilities, theft can occur. Thieves often target storage units because they know valuable items are kept there. Without storage insurance, you could be forced to replace stolen goods out of your own pocket.

2. Coverage for Fire and Water Damage

Storage facilities can experience fires, pipe bursts, or flooding just like any other building. A single incident could destroy everything in your unit. Storage insurance helps you recover the value of your items, even if they are completely lost.

3. Peace of Mind for Long-Term Storage

Many people store items for months, sometimes years without checking on them regularly. With a proper storage insurance policy, you don’t have to worry about what might be happening when you're not there. You can rest easy knowing your items are protected.

4. Business Protection

If you store business inventory, tools, documents, or equipment, an unexpected loss could interrupt your operations. Storage insurance can ensure business continuity by covering the cost of replacing damaged or stolen assets.

What Does Storage Insurance Cover?

Coverage may vary depending on your provider and the policy you choose, but a standard storage insurance policy typically includes protection against:

  • Fire and smoke damage
  • Theft and vandalism
  • Storm and hail damage
  • Flooding or water leakage
  • Earthquake or natural disaster
  • Vehicle impact or accidental damage

At SSIA, our storage insurance policies are comprehensive and customisable. We work closely with both storage providers and customers to ensure that your coverage fits your needs and the value of the items stored.

What Items Can Be Covered by Storage Insurance?

Storage insurance is suitable for both personal and commercial belongings. You can insure:

  • Furniture and home appliances
  • Electronics and entertainment systems
  • Clothing and personal items
  • Business inventory and office equipment
  • Tools and machinery
  • Collectibles and antiques (some limits may apply)
  • Documents and files

It’s important to accurately assess the value of your items before securing your policy. Underestimating could leave you underinsured, while overestimating could increase your premium unnecessarily.

Does Home Insurance Cover Storage Units?

Some homeowners or renters insurance policies offer limited coverage for belongings stored off-site but this usually comes with strict conditions, low claim limits, or exclusions.

In most cases, these policies:

  • Only cover a small portion (e.g. 10%) of your home contents
  • Don’t provide cover for business goods
  • Exclude damage caused by weather or rodents
  • Require you to list the storage location in your policy

Because of these limitations, relying solely on your home insurance could leave you exposed to unnecessary risk. That’s why a standalone storage insurance policy from a trusted provider like SSIA is the better choice.

How Much Does Storage Insurance Cost?

The cost of storage insurance depends on several factors, including:

  • The value of the items being stored
  • The type of goods stored
  • The location of the storage facility
  • The level of security at the facility
  • The length of time you’ll be using storage

At SSIA, our storage insurance policies start from just a few dollars per month, offering affordable protection tailored to your needs. With flexible options and transparent pricing, there’s no reason to leave your belongings uninsured.

How to Get the Right Storage Insurance

Here are a few quick steps to make sure you get the right policy for your needs:

  1. Take Inventory – List the items you’re storing and calculate their estimated value.
  2. Choose a Trusted Provider – Look for insurers who specialise in storage-specific policies, like SSIA.
  3. Check Coverage Details – Understand what is and isn’t covered. Ask about exclusions.
  4. Get a Quote – Request a personalized quote based on your storage size and item value.
  5. Keep Your Policy Updated – If you add or remove items, make sure your insurance reflects the changes.

Why Choose SSIA for Your Storage Insurance?

At SSIA, Self Storage Insurance Australia, we focus exclusively on providing storage insurance that gives you complete peace of mind. We understand the risks involved with self-storage and have tailored our policies to meet those exact needs.

When you choose SSIA, you get:

  • Comprehensive coverage against theft, damage, and natural disasters
  • Fast and easy claims process
  • Affordable premiums tailored to your situation
  • Policies backed by leading Australian insurers
  • Expert customer support whenever you need it

Whether you're storing household goods, business items, or seasonal equipment, our storage insurance helps you protect what matters most.

Final Thoughts

So, what kind of insurance do you need for your storage unit? The answer is simple: dedicated storage insurance. Don't assume your items are covered by default. Self-storage comes with risks, and if you’re not prepared, an unexpected event could cost you far more than the monthly premium for proper coverage. With a trusted provider like SSIA, you can ensure your belongings are fully protected  affordably and reliably.