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.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storage Units?
Updated: June 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
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. Adding scheduled personal property coverage can increase your limits.
When Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Items in Storage Units?
Your 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.
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. 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 policies include 10% coverage for off-premises belongings, similar to homeowners insurance.
Are vehicles in storage units covered by homeowners insurance?
No, vehicles require their own auto insurance, even when stored.
Can I increase my off-premises coverage limit?
Yes, many insurers offer endorsements or policy add-ons to raise this limit.
Do storage facilities require proof of insurance?
Many facilities do require proof. If your homeowners policy doesn't apply, they may offer their own insurance options.
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.