Shipping container storage is a popular and often cheaper alternative to indoor self-storage. The units are robust, weatherproof, and widely available across the UK. But when it comes to insurance, there are some important differences between a container and an indoor facility — and not every policy covers both in the same way.
Does cover4storage insure container storage?
Yes. cover4storage offers a dedicated Container policy (alongside the standard Facility policy for indoor units). The Container policy covers belongings stored in shipping containers at purpose-built storage sites with CCTV and fire alarms.
One important eligibility point: wooden crates are excluded. The Container policy applies to metal shipping containers only.
What does the Container policy cover?
The Container policy covers the following perils:
- Fire, lightning, and explosion
- Theft and attempted theft — where entry or exit was by forcible and violent means
- Impact by vehicle, aircraft, or animal
- Riot, civil commotion, and malicious damage
- Falling trees, telegraph poles, and lamp posts
- Subsidence and structural collapse
- Smoke
How does it differ from the Facility policy?
The Facility policy — for belongings in indoor storage units — covers a wider range of perils. The differences reflect the different risk profile of an outdoor metal container compared to a climate-controlled indoor building.
| Peril | Facility policy | Container policy |
|---|---|---|
| Fire, lightning, explosion | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Theft (forced entry) | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Malicious damage, riot | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Vehicle or aircraft impact | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Falling trees, subsidence | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Smoke | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Storm, flood, weight of snow | ✓ Covered | ✗ Not included |
| Escape of water from pipes/tanks | ✓ Covered | ✗ Not included |
| Moths, insects, or vermin | ✓ Covered | ✗ Not included |
Storm and flood cover matters. If your container is in an exposed location or a low-lying area, the absence of storm and flood cover under the Container policy is worth considering. An indoor facility with a Facility policy includes this cover as standard.
Why isn't flood cover included on the Container policy?
A metal shipping container is inherently more exposed to the elements than an indoor facility. Flood cover for container storage raises complex questions around water ingress, container condition, and site drainage that make it impractical to include as a standard peril on a specialist policy of this type.
If water damage is a significant concern for what you're storing — antiques, documents, electronics — an indoor facility with a Facility policy is the more appropriate choice.
Are the cover limits the same?
Yes. The sub-limits on the Container policy are identical to the Facility policy:
- Any single item — up to £7,500
- Valuables (jewellery, watches, art, etc.) — up to £3,000 in total
- Pedal cycles — up to £2,000 in total
- Personal documents and deeds — up to £1,000 in total
- Collections — up to 30% of your sum insured
As with the Facility policy, receipts, valuations, and proof of ownership will be required for claims involving valuables, cycles, or collections.
Does my container site qualify?
To be eligible for the Container policy, your storage site must be:
- Purpose-built for storage (not a private yard, barn, or domestic outbuilding)
- Located within England, Wales, or Scotland
- Equipped with CCTV and fire alarms
- Accessible either by staff on site or by secure key code for paying customers
Wooden crates are not covered under either policy. The Container policy applies to metal shipping containers only.
How do I know which policy to choose?
When you get a quote through cover4storage, you'll be asked whether you're storing in an indoor room or lock-up, or a shipping container (sited internally or externally). The correct policy is automatically applied based on your answer -- cover is the same whether your container is sited internally or externally.
See our dedicated container storage insurance page for pricing and full cover details.
If you're unsure, call us on 01268 200 060 (Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–4pm) and we'll help you confirm which policy applies to your situation.
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Find out more on our storage unit insurance page, including cover for container storage specifically.