Renters often find themselves needing extra space beyond their apartments or homes. Whether you’re storing seasonal decorations, old furniture, or military gear, storage units are a convenient solution. But here’s the big question: does USAA renters insurance cover storage units? The answer is yes, but with certain conditions, limits, and considerations you need to understand.
In this article, we’ll break everything down in plain language—no confusing jargon—so you know exactly what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to get the most from your USAA renters insurance policy.
Understanding How USAA Renters Insurance Works
Before diving into storage coverage, it’s essential to understand the basics of renters insurance. At its core, renters insurance protects your personal belongings, provides liability protection, and covers additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable.
- Personal Property Coverage: This is the part of your policy that pays to replace or repair your belongings if they’re damaged by a covered event (also called a “peril”), like theft, fire, or vandalism.
- Liability Coverage: Protects you if someone gets hurt in your rental and decides to sue you.
- Loss of Use Coverage: Helps with temporary housing and expenses if your place is unlivable due to a covered claim.
USAA renters insurance is well-known for its comprehensive policies, especially designed with military members and their families in mind. That’s why it’s often a top choice for people who move frequently or need extra protection for their gear.
Does USAA Renters Insurance Cover Storage Units?
Here’s the short answer: Yes, USAA renters insurance typically covers belongings stored in storage units—but with coverage limits.
When your items are in a storage facility, they’re usually protected under the “off-premises coverage” portion of your personal property insurance. However, this coverage often comes with restrictions compared to items kept inside your home or apartment.
- Coverage Limits: Most policies limit off-premises coverage to about 10% of your total personal property coverage. For example, if your policy covers $50,000 worth of belongings, storage unit coverage may be capped at $5,000.
- Covered Perils: Your items are protected against the same risks as if they were inside your rental, including fire, theft, and vandalism.
- Worldwide Coverage: One of USAA’s strengths is its global reach. If you’re stationed overseas or moving around frequently, your stored items can still be protected.
So yes, storage unit coverage exists—but it’s not unlimited, and that’s where careful planning comes in.
What’s Covered in a Storage Unit?
The types of items covered in a storage unit by USAA renters insurance are broad, as long as they fall under your personal property. Common examples include:
- Furniture (couches, beds, tables)
- Clothing and shoes
- Electronics (TVs, laptops, game consoles)
- Appliances (microwaves, vacuums, small fridges)
- Sporting equipment
- Military gear and uniforms
These items are generally covered against perils such as:
- Fire or smoke damage
- Theft and vandalism
- Windstorms and hail
- Water damage from burst pipes (not flooding)
- Certain natural disasters, depending on the policy
Key Tip: Always check the specific list of covered perils in your policy, since exclusions may vary.
What’s Not Covered in a Storage Unit?
Not everything is protected by USAA renters insurance in a storage unit. Some exclusions apply, and it’s important to know them before you rely on your policy.
- Flooding: Damage from floods or surface water isn’t typically covered without additional flood insurance.
- Earthquakes: You may need separate coverage if you’re in a high-risk area.
- Mold or Pest Infestation: If your unit gets infested with rats, termites, or develops mold, your policy likely won’t cover it.
- High-Value Items: Expensive jewelry, collectibles, or rare art may not be fully protected unless you purchase extra riders or scheduled coverage.
For example, if you store a $10,000 engagement ring in a unit and it gets stolen, your standard policy might only reimburse a fraction of its value unless you’ve scheduled it separately.
The Importance of Coverage Limits
The coverage limit is the biggest catch when it comes to storage units. Many renters mistakenly believe their belongings are covered dollar-for-dollar, but that’s rarely the case.
Imagine this scenario:
- You have $40,000 in personal property coverage with USAA.
- Your storage unit is broken into, and $8,000 worth of items are stolen.
- Off-premises coverage caps at 10%, meaning you’re only covered for up to $4,000.
This leaves you with $4,000 in uncovered losses. That’s why it’s crucial to review your policy and increase coverage or add riders if necessary.
Tips to Maximize Your Storage Unit Coverage
If you’re relying on USAA renters insurance for storage units, here are some expert strategies to ensure you’re properly protected:
- Create a Detailed Inventory: Keep a written or digital list of everything in your unit. Include photos and receipts when possible.
- Check Coverage Limits: Review your policy to understand the maximum off-premises coverage amount.
- Consider Scheduled Personal Property: Add extra protection for high-value items like jewelry, firearms, or collectibles.
- Enhance Security: Choose a storage facility with surveillance cameras, gated access, and good lighting. Using a heavy-duty lock can also deter theft.
- Ask About Policy Riders: USAA may offer endorsements for broader coverage, especially for military gear or expensive electronics.
By being proactive, you can avoid nasty surprises when it comes time to file a claim.
Military Families and Storage Units
One of the biggest advantages of USAA is its military focus. For service members, frequent moves are part of life, and storage units often become a necessity.
USAA recognizes this reality and typically provides broader protections compared to other insurers. For example, coverage often extends worldwide, making it easier for military families stationed abroad to know their belongings are still protected back home.
If you’re deploying, USAA also allows you to make adjustments to your policy to reflect changes in risk or location. This flexibility is something many mainstream insurers don’t offer.
How to File a Claim with USAA for Storage Unit Losses
If you experience damage or theft at your storage unit, filing a claim with USAA is straightforward:
- Document the Loss: Take photos of the damage or missing items. Gather receipts if available.
- Report to the Facility & Police: For theft or vandalism, file a police report and notify the storage company.
- Submit Your Claim: Log in to your USAA account online or through the mobile app to start the claims process.
- Work with the Adjuster: USAA will assign a claims adjuster who will assess the situation and determine payout eligibility.
The key is preparation—having a detailed inventory beforehand can significantly speed up the process.
Final Thoughts: Is USAA Renters Insurance Enough for Storage Units?
So, does USAA renters insurance cover storage units? Yes, it does—but with limits. For most everyday items, the protection is sufficient. But if you’re storing expensive or irreplaceable items, you may need additional coverage to avoid gaps.
Ultimately, the peace of mind USAA provides—especially for military families—makes it a strong option for renters who rely on storage units. By reviewing your policy, understanding coverage limits, and taking extra steps for protection, you can ensure that your belongings remain safe, no matter where they’re stored.