When we talk about self-storage security, we often think about putting a padlock on the door, functioning CCTV, manned perimeters, and good lighting. However, have you ever considered how easy it might be for thieves to break into your unit via the roof?
This year, we’ve seen an uptick in would-be thieves targeting self-storage units via the roof of the unit. Alarmingly, some storage facilities have tiled roofing that can be simply lifted away for extremely easy access to the units below.
Even more concerning, the fact that thieves do not have to force entry into units in this way may bring your storage insurance policy into question when making a claim – which is why it’s crucial to make sure that your unit is secure from all angles, including the roof!
How To Check If My Unit’s Roof Is Secure?
It can be difficult to check how secure your self-storage unit’s roof is without climbing on top and testing it yourself, but here are a few options to make sure this is a consideration your storage facility has taken into account:
- Check The Ceiling Yourself: What does the ceiling of your unit look like? Are there large tiles that could easily be lifted away?
- Ask Your Facility: Ask your storage facility if they have considered how secure their roof is, and what steps they’ve taken to deter thieves. For example, do they have CCTV monitoring their roof space? Have they taken steps to secure units from above?
- Assess Other Security Features: A sign of a good storage facility is having good security measures in place across the board. If you find the presence of CCTV, manned perimeters, motion lighting, and more, it’s more likely that you’ve found a facility that is conscious about protecting your unit from break-ins.
Keeping Your Unit Secure
The first step to protecting your belongings when in storage is to choose a high-quality facility (even if that does mean paying a slightly higher premium when comparing storage prices).
However, what more can you do to protect your belongings when they’re out of sight? Let’s assess:
- Storage Insurance: Self-storage insurance covers the replacement or repair value of items should they be lost or damaged due to fires, theft, and more* (*always check the T&C’s of your policy). At Surewise, independent research found that our policies are cheaper than others 9 times out of 10.
- Padlock Your Unit: Many storage units require you to bring your own padlock, so don’t scrimp on quality here! Opt for a heavy-duty padlock that will deter thieves by how hard it would be to force open.
- Don’t Put Your Items At Risk: Be informed about what items could put your storage unit at risk – either to fire, mould, vermin, or another hazard. Check this list of over 12 things you should never keep in your storage unit.
Storage Insurance
Cover includes:
- Theft, Fire, Flood, Pests & More
- Instant Certificate via Email
- No Hidden Fees & No Excess
- 90% of Customers Save With Us
What Else To Consider?
In addition to keeping your storage unit secure, other things to consider include:
- What size unit do you need?
- Do you need climate controlled storage?
- Do you need long-term storage or short-term?
Self-storage units are an essential tool for many people in different circumstances – from moving home to excess business storage – but the financial cost to replace lost, damaged, or stolen goods can be devastating if you don’t have the correct cover in place.
While your first step should always be to ensure your facility is as secure and safe as possible, your next step should always be to ensure you have the correct insurance policy in place to protect your belongings.
