Storage insurance: why Cobalt Box requires it

You put your sofa, moving boxes or business stock into a storage unit because you want to use them again later. The last thing you need is an unexpected financial setback if something is damaged or stolen.

That is why insurance for your stored belongings is compulsory at Cobalt Box. Arrange cover for the entire storage period. This means considering protection before something goes wrong.

Why insurance belongs with your storage unit

Add up what you are putting into your unit. A dining table, chairs, a bed, kitchenware and boxes of clothes may seem like ordinary possessions individually, but together they can represent a considerable sum.

Security helps reduce risks. However, damage and theft can never be ruled out entirely. Insurance provides financial protection for events covered by the policy. The policy sets out which losses are covered and under what conditions.

At Cobalt Box, your goods must be insured for their full value against loss, theft and damage throughout the agreement. You can find this requirement in Article 11 of our terms and conditions.

Does your home contents insurance cover your storage unit?

Do not assume that the insurance for your home also covers belongings at another address. Ask your insurer specifically whether your goods are covered in an external storage unit.

Ask for confirmation of:

• The storage address covered by the policy.
• The goods and events that are insured.
• The maximum amount payable.
• Any excess: the part of a claim you pay yourself.
• How long cover for external storage lasts.

Simply confirming that you have home contents insurance is not enough. The policy must suit what you store and where you store it.

How do you arrange the required insurance?

You can arrange insurance through Cobalt Box or take out suitable insurance yourself that meets our requirements.

Using your own policy? It must also include a waiver of subrogation in favour of Cobalt Box and its insurers. This means your insurer waives its right to recover claim payments from those parties. Have your insurer check this in advance.

If you arrange your own insurance, provide Cobalt Box with an insurance certificate showing that you are adequately insured before receiving your access credentials. Everything is then in place before you start storing your belongings.

Make an inventory of what you store

Suitable insurance starts with knowing what is in your unit. Before loading it, make a simple inventory and record the value of your belongings.

Look beyond the large pieces of furniture. Tools, clothes, household appliances and the contents of small boxes all count towards the total.

Take overview photos and keep digital copies of any purchase receipts you still have. These can help substantiate your belongings and their value if you need to make a claim. How the insurer calculates value and any payment depends on the policy terms.

Adding more items later? Check whether your insured amount is still sufficient.

Being insured does not mean every loss is covered

Insurance has conditions, limits and exclusions. Ask in advance how the policy treats fragile items, moisture, theft and damage during transport to your storage unit, for example.

Also check whether your goods are allowed in the unit in the first place. Insurance does not change the storage rules. Read more in our frequently asked questions.

Continue to pack and stack your belongings carefully. Put heavy boxes at the bottom, protect fragile items and only store dry belongings. Our tips for packing moving boxes so you can find everything will help you get started.

Book your unit and arrange insurance in advance

A storage unit gives you extra space. Suitable insurance helps you deal with the financial consequences of unexpected events too.

Before you start, decide what you are storing, how much it is worth and how you will insure it. Unsure about Cobalt Box’s insurance requirements? Contact our team before bringing your belongings in.

Ready to make space? Use the storage calculator to estimate your space requirements or book your storage unit at Cobalt Box.