Imagine that you are in your ministorage (迷你倉) unit and you see a box with the words “fragile—handle with care” on it. You can’t help but think, “What if something bad happens?” Is your things really safe from theft, water damage, or fire? Will the storage company’s insurance cover your belongings? Read this for more information!

The truth is that most storage companies don’t automatically cover your things. Surprise! You are usually the one who has to protect yourself. You will normally need to provide proof of insurance before you can rent a car. Most places will sell you a policy on the spot if you don’t have one. This isn’t a sly upsell; it’s just conventional protocol to protect both you and the business in case something goes wrong.

Not all insurance for storage is the same. You should expect to spend between $8 and $20 a month for coverage that usually covers $2,000 to $5,000. Want more protection? Most of the time, you can get upgraded plans, but they cost more. But don’t get me wrong: there are a lot of things that aren’t covered. You won’t receive your money back if you lose cash, jewelry, precious metals, illegal commodities, or cars. Damage from earthquakes, pests, or mold is also not always covered. Always verify the facts again before making a decision.

What about your current renters’ or homeowners’ policy? Sometimes these will give limited coverage to things that are in storage, but only up to about 10% of the entire insured value of your home. If your coverage covers $25,000, you might only get $2,500 for things you keep somewhere else. When it comes to storing valuable or sentimental goods, storage-specific insurance is usually the safest option.

People don’t think about storage insurance until they need it. It’s like an umbrella: you only appreciate it when the rain comes. You may save a lot of worry for a tiny monthly price. So look over your choices, study every word, and make sure your fragile things and your peace of mind are safe.