Your Guide to Insurance for Self Storage

When you’re choosing self storage, it’s easy to focus on size, location, and price – but insurance costs are just as important to consider, as most reputable storage companies will insist your belongings are covered. 

Insurance protects you from the unexpected and gives you peace of mind while your items are in storage. Here’s a simple guide to how self storage insurance works, why it matters, and how we make it easy at The Space Program.

Do I Need Insurance For My Self Storage Container?

Yes – if you store belongings in self storage, they need to be insured, no matter whether you’re a personal storage or business storage customer.

Even with the unbeatable security we provide at our Space Program facilities, you’re still protecting valuable items that matter to you – So, storage insurance is there for those rare “just in case” moments that none of us plan for. The Self Storage Association recommends that storage providers require customer insurance, and many companies can refuse storage if goods aren’t covered.

A good rule of thumb is: if your things are worth keeping, they’re worth insuring.

Does The Space Program Offer Insurance?

Yes – and this is where we’re a bit different to most storage providers.

At The Space Program, our prices include insurance for up to £25,000 of contents at no extra cost. That means:

• no hunting around for separate cover
• no surprise add-ons
• one clear price with everything included

When you sign up, we’ll give you an Insurance Manifest to fill in with what you’re storing and its replacement value. This is essential, because until it’s returned your cover may be limited. Once completed, your items are fully protected up to the declared amount.

A quick but important note: don’t undervalue your contents.

If your goods are worth more than what you declare, any payout could be reduced. For example, if you only insure 25% of their true value, insurers may only pay 25% of a claim. This isn’t unique to self storage – it’s how most insurance works, including home insurance.

If your contents are worth more than £25,000, speak to our team. We may be able to increase cover so you don’t need to find extra insurance elsewhere.

Is The Insurance For The Container Or Its Contents?

Insurance is for the contents inside your container, not the container itself.

Your household or business insurance usually only covers your goods while they’re at home or at your premises. Once they’re in self storage, you need cover specifically for stored items.

That’s why it’s always important to confirm what insurance is included (if any), and whether you need to arrange extra cover yourself when hiring a self storage unit.

Self Storage Insurance FAQs

Is insurance always included in self storage prices?
No. Some companies include it, some charge extra, and some provide no cover at all. Always ask upfront so you can compare like with like.

Can I use my own home or business insurance instead?
Sometimes – but often not. Most home and business policies don’t cover items while they’re stored off-site. Check the wording of your policy and get confirmation in writing.

What happens if I don’t insure my items?
Most storage companies won’t allow you to store without insurance, and you’d be unprotected if something unexpected happened.

Why is under-insuring a problem?
Because insurers may reduce your payout in line with how much of the true value you declared. It’s always best to insure for realistic replacement value.

What if my contents are worth more than £25,000?
Let us know. We can usually help arrange additional cover.

Ready to store with confidence?

With The Space Program, insurance is one less thing to worry about. Your price includes up to £25,000 cover, a high-security padlock and keys, and 24/7 access – no hidden extras.

If you’d like a quote or want to talk through what cover you need, just get in touch with your local Space Program facility. We’ll be happy to help you get set up safely and securely.