The short answer is “Yes.” There’s no law saying you have to have insurance to rent a storage unit in Paso Robles or anywhere in California, but it is the smart thing to do. Furthermore, there is the chance that a storage facility you rent may require you to carry insurance. You can usually buy insurance when you sign the agreement, but it may be more expensive and have some limitations.
Let’s look at the things that are normally stored at a storage facility:
- Personal possessions
- Professional tools and equipment
- Tax and other important business and personal records
- Family keepsakes
- RVs, boats and other vehicles
Insurance provides protection in two important ways, it:
- Replaces, repairs or compensates you for a loss
- Protects you from financial liability in the event someone is injured (or even killed) in a variety of circumstances
Basically, if you care enough about something to pay to store it, you are going to want to insure it. The insurance you already have most likely covers what you have in storage. The most common insurance policies people carry include:
- Homeowner/renters insurance
- Business insurance
- RV, boat and vehicle insurance
- Liability
- Insurance from the storage facility
Homeowner or renter insurance
Items in storage are usually covered by these policies, but to be safe check first. Make that call or visit to your agent and ask the following questions:
- Are my possessions covered while in storage and what is the coverage limit?
- Is anything not covered?
- Does the liability clause protect if someone is injured while visiting my storage unit?
- Does the policy cover fire, earthquake, flooding or other disasters?
- What circumstances are not covered?
- Are expensive items such as jewelry, art or book collections covered?
- Do you need to provide an inventory?
- Do you need a supplemental rider for storage?
When you are storing items because of a move, make sure the policy remains in effect while you are between addresses.
Provide the agent with as much information as possible about the storage facility you have chosen. Strong security, such as the state-of-the-art security at the Paso Robles storage facility, lowers your risk and may also lower insurance premiums.
Business insurance
Business insurance usually covers the tools and equipment that are necessary for conducting business. Check with your insurance agent before moving business-related items into storage, including business records.
RV, boat or vehicle insurance
The insurance your already carry for the RV, boat or other vehicle you may be storing most likely protect you in the event the vehicle is damage or totaled, but always check. Accidents can happen, another guest of the storage facility could accidentally dent your vehicle or you could do the same. Your agent will explain the coverage and suggest any additional coverage you may need while the vehicle is in storage.
Also, mention how you are storing it. For example, the Paso Robles Mars Mega Storage has covered storage available as well as completely enclosed drive-through storage units. The higher the level of protection for your vehicle, the lower the risk. Lowered risk might mean lower insurance premiums.
Liability insurance
Most of the policies discussed include liability protection, but since you are storing items at an address that is not the home or business address, there may be some restrictions, or your agent may recommend some temporary additional liability coverage.
Insurance from the storage facility
Storage unit insurance can also be purchased. Most storage facilities work with specific insurance companies to offer insurance to their guests. Check with the management to find out if insurance is available through the office. Ask about:
- The name of the insurance company
- The coverage amounts and rates
- What items are covered and not covered
- The kinds of loss or damage that are covered or not
- What is your liability protection?
The more you know
The more you know about the insurance you need while your possessions are in storage the better decisions can be made. Everyone needs different coverage and protection. The best coverage for you is what is going to give you the best peace of mind.
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