Will my home or business insurance cover goods stored off-site, or do I need separate storage insurance?

It depends on your policy, so the only safe answer is to ask your insurer. Some home contents policies cover goods kept away from home, but many limit how much is covered, cap the time, or don't cover self storage at all. Business policies vary just as much. Don't assume you are covered.

When you call your insurer, ask these questions. Are my goods covered while stored in a shipping container at a self storage yard? What is the limit? Does it cover theft, storm, flood and fire? Is there a time limit? Do you need a list of what I am storing? Get the answer in writing.

If your policy doesn't cover it, specialist storage insurance is the simple fix. Self Storage Insurance Australia (ssia.au, 1300 477 662) is one option.

Under our standard SSAA storage agreement, insurance is up to you. You store at your own risk, and you should not assume any insurance we have covers your goods. Irreplaceable items, or goods worth more than $1,000 in total, can only be stored if they are itemised and specifically insured.

Our part is a secure yard: high fences, a card-access gate, your own access card and alarm code, anti-theft lockboxes, and alarms and cameras monitored 24/7.

Sunshine Self Storage is located in Albion. Call us 03 9010 6147.