Let me tell you a story about my neighbor, Sarah. She stored her grandmother’s vintage china in a “secure” storage facility for six months while moving. Came back to find water damage from a roof leak had ruined everything. No insurance. $8,000 gone. Poof. Just like that.

That’s why we’re having this real talk today.

The Cold Hard Facts About Storage Facilities

Listen – I run a storage business, so I know the dirty little secret: even the fanciest facilities with 24/7 surveillance can’t prevent every disaster. We’ve seen:

• The “climate-controlled” unit where the AC failed during a heatwave
• The break-in where thieves cut through a back fence
• The sprinkler system that malfunctioned and soaked 20 units

Here’s what no one tells you: Your rental agreement almost certainly says we’re NOT responsible for damage. Those cameras? Mostly to protect our property, not yours.

What Your Home Insurance Won’t Tell You?

“Don’t worry,” your insurance agent says, “you’re covered.” Bull. Here’s what really happens:

• Most policies only cover 10% of your contents value for off-premises storage
• Many exclude specific perils like mold or vermin damage
• That $500 deductible? Applies to each claim

I had a client last year whose $15,000 comic book collection got ruined by humidity. His homeowners policy? Covered $1,500. He cried in our office. Don’t be that guy.

The Shady Insurance Tricks to Watch For

Not all storage insurance is equal. Watch out for:

• “Replacement cost” policies that actually pay depreciated value
• Exclusions buried in page 8 of the contract
• Companies that make claims nearly impossible to file

At County Line Storage, we work with reputable insurers who actually pay claims. We’ve seen too many fly-by-night operations screw people over.

What Smart Renters Do Differently?

1. They take photos of everything going into storage
2. They keep receipts for high-value items
3. They spring for the extra $12/month for full replacement coverage
4. They actually read their policy (shocking, I know)

The Bottom Line

Can you afford to lose everything in that unit? If not, get proper coverage. Not the cheapo $5/month junk – real insurance from a reputable provider.

We’re not saying this to upsell you (though yes, we do offer insurance options). We’re saying it because we’ve seen too many good people get screwed.

Still think you don’t need it? Go ahead, roll the dice. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.

County Line Storage offers transparent insurance options starting at $11/month. No fine print BS. Come talk to our managers – they’ll give it to you straight.