Stores make cover a condition of rental, then sell it at the desk. Surewise case studies found store-sold cover from 7.15 to 18 GBP per 1,000 GBP of declared value a month. On a 5,000 GBP declaration that is 35 to 90 GBP a month, sometimes more than the unit's rent.
Check your home policy first
Many home contents policies cover belongings temporarily away from home, including in storage. Two catches, straight from the insurers' own guidance: some policies cap away-from-home cover at 30 to 90 days, and most cap the value well below your full contents sum. Safestore's guidance makes the time-limit point itself.
What to actually do
- Ring your home insurer and ask two questions: is storage covered, and for how long.
- If covered, bring the policy schedule; stores accept proof of your own cover.
- If not, declare an honest value. Cover priced per 1,000 GBP punishes round-number guessing.
- Photograph the load before sealing. Claims die on proof, not on premiums.
Collection services price cover differently: BoxSpeed includes £100 per item as standard, with extra cover to £500 per item at £1 a box a month.