label Storage
Insurance for stored goods depends on the policy, so read the wording: covered risks, exclusions, how value is worked out, the deductible and claim proof. Don't assume home insurance covers storage. We can help arrange coverage options through our insurance partners. An inventory with photos helps with any claim.
When you put household goods into storage, it's natural to ask what happens if something is damaged. Insurance for stored goods can help, but the cover depends on the policy, not on the storage facility. This guide explains the basics in plain terms so you know what to ask before you sign anything.
We can help arrange insurance coverage options through our insurance partners. The policy terms, cost and claims process are set by the insurer.
What does insurance for stored goods usually cover?
Every policy is different, so read the wording. These are common questions to ask:
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which risks are covered? | Policies may list risks such as fire, theft or water damage. Anything not listed may not be covered. |
| What is excluded? | Exclusions often cover items like cash, jewellery or certain electronics, and damage from poor packing. |
| How is value worked out? | Some policies pay the declared value; others reduce it for age or wear. |
| Is there a deductible? | You may pay part of each claim yourself. |
| What proof is needed for a claim? | Insurers often ask for an inventory, photos and bills. |
| When does cover start and end? | Make sure the dates match your storage period. |
Does home insurance cover goods in storage?
Some home contents policies may extend to goods kept away from home, and some may not. Ask your insurer directly and get the answer in writing. Don't assume you're covered.
How do you work out what your goods are worth?
- List each item or box, with a short description.
- Note purchase bills where you have them.
- Take dated photos of furniture, appliances and their condition.
- Be realistic: declare what the items are worth, not what they cost new, unless the policy says otherwise.
Our guide to booking a storage unit online covers the other steps before move-in.
What kinds of cover might apply to stored goods?
There's no single standard product, and terms vary between insurers. In general, people storing goods in India look at a few options:
| Option | What to check |
|---|---|
| Cover arranged through the storage provider | What risks it covers, the sum insured, exclusions and how claims work. Self Storage India can facilitate insurance coverage options through its insurance partners. |
| Your existing home contents policy | Whether it extends to goods kept away from home, and any limits on that |
| A separate policy from an insurer | Whether it's designed for stored goods, and how the value is set |
| Business stock or property policy | Whether it covers stock at a location other than your shop or office |
| Transit cover for the move | Whether goods are covered while being moved to and from storage |
Ask each insurer the questions in the table above, and compare the answers in writing.
Are goods covered while they're being moved?
Storage cover and transit cover are often separate. Goods can be damaged while being loaded, driven or unloaded, so ask:
- Does my policy cover goods in transit to the storage facility?
- Does the mover or pickup partner have its own cover, and what are its limits?
- Is damage from packing covered if the mover packs, but not if I pack myself?
- What proof will I need, such as photos before and after the move?
Partner pickup, packing and transport are available across Delhi NCR at an additional cost. Ask about cover when you book. See how pickup works.
How does a claim usually work?
- Report quickly. Tell the facility and the insurer as soon as you find damage or loss. Policies often have time limits.
- Don't throw anything away. Keep damaged items and packaging until the insurer says otherwise.
- Take photos. Photograph the damage, the boxes and the unit.
- Gather proof. Your inventory, photos from before storage and purchase bills help support the claim.
- Fill in the claim form fully and keep copies of everything you send.
- Follow up in writing. Keep a record of calls and emails.
Which records should you keep?
- A full inventory of what's stored. See our storage inventory template.
- Dated photos of furniture, appliances and valuable items before storage.
- Bills or invoices for higher-value items.
- A copy of your storage agreement.
- A copy of the policy and schedule.
Keep these at home and in a cloud folder, not in the storage unit.
What is often not covered?
Exclusions differ, but many policies exclude or limit cover for:
- Cash, jewellery, documents and items of sentimental value only.
- Prohibited items that weren't allowed in storage in the first place.
- Gradual damage such as wear, fading or slow deterioration.
- Damage caused by poor packing.
- Electrical or mechanical breakdown of appliances.
Jewellery, cash and priceless items are discouraged in self storage anyway. Keep them at home or in a bank locker.
What should businesses ask?
- Is stock covered at the storage address, and up to what value?
- How is stock value calculated: cost price or sale price?
- Do I need to tell the insurer each time stock levels change significantly?
- Are fixtures, display items and marketing material covered?
See questions to ask a storage facility about security for the wider checks.
What are common insurance mistakes?
- Assuming home insurance covers stored goods without checking.
- Declaring a value much higher or lower than the goods are worth.
- Not keeping an inventory or photos.
- Letting cover lapse while goods are still in storage.
- Waiting too long to report damage.
How much cover do you need?
A simple way to estimate is to add up what it would cost to replace or repair the stored items at today's prices, then check whether the policy pays that amount or reduces it for age. Group items to make it easier:
- Furniture: beds, sofas, wardrobes, tables, chairs.
- Appliances: fridge, washing machine, TV, AC units.
- Boxed household goods: kitchenware, clothes, books, linen.
- Higher-value items: listed one by one with bills or photos.
Under-insuring can reduce what you receive on a claim, while over-insuring means paying for cover you can't claim. Ask the insurer how they handle both.
What should you check at renewal or when storage changes?
- Renewal dates line up with how long you'll keep the unit.
- The declared value still matches what's stored after you add or remove items.
- The address of the facility is correct on the policy, especially if you move to a different unit or location.
- Cancel or adjust cover when you move out, after checking the terms.
How can you reduce the risk of damage in the first place?
- Clean and fully dry items before packing.
- Use sturdy boxes and pack heavy items low.
- Don't store flammables such as gas cylinders, or food.
- Keep jewellery, cash and priceless items with you rather than in storage.
Our units are private, lockable rooms with 24/7 CCTV and regular pest control, on monthly plans with no lock-in. Facilities are in Noida, Delhi and Gurugram. Estimate space with the storage calculator, then click "Get Free Quote" and ask about insurance options.
Storage insurance checklist
- Asked our team about insurance options
- Read the policy wording
- Checked covered risks and exclusions
- Checked how value is worked out
- Checked the deductible
- Matched cover dates to storage dates
- Asked if home insurance already covers stored goods
- Made an inventory with photos
- Kept bills for valuable items
- Kept jewellery and cash out of storage
Disclaimer: this article is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Policy terms vary, so read the policy wording and ask the insurer before buying.
For claim records, see how to make a storage inventory list.
For businesses, see access and security questions to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
We can help arrange insurance coverage options through our insurance partners. Ask our team for details.
It depends on your policy. Ask your insurer and get the answer in writing.
An inventory, dated photos and bills where you have them.
Policies often exclude them, and we discourage storing jewellery, cash and priceless items.
No. Plans are monthly with no lock-in.
Click Get Free Quote for a callback, or call +91-9090206090.
Sources and notes
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
- Insurance partner coverage, unit features, plans, locations and storage rules: Self Storage India home page FAQs and city pages.
- Check that an insurer is registered: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
