Storage Guide
Your homeowner's policy probably doesn't cover your boat in storage. Here's what does - and what doesn't.
Most standard homeowner's and auto insurance policies do NOT adequately cover vehicles in storage. You likely need separate coverage - and the type depends on what you're storing, where, and for how long.
Common Misconception
"My homeowner's policy covers my boat." - It usually covers only $1,000-$1,500, and often excludes theft, vandalism, and weather damage while in off-premises storage.
Boat insurance with storage coverage runs 1-2% of the boat's value annually. A $50,000 boat costs roughly $500-$1,000/year to insure. Many insurers offer a "lay-up" discount of 10-25% for months the boat is in storage and not being used.
Key Difference
RVs are motor vehicles, so they need auto-style insurance - not homeowner's. But standard auto insurance often has storage gaps.
RV insurance averages $1,000-$3,000/year for full coverage. Storage-mode comprehensive-only coverage runs $300-$800/year. The savings from switching to storage mode during off-months can pay for several months of facility storage.
Critical
Standard auto insurance values your classic car at depreciated market value. A 1967 Mustang might be "worth" $2,000 to a standard insurer. You need agreed-value coverage.
Classic car insurance through a specialist runs $200-$600/year for a $50,000-$100,000 vehicle. Much less than standard auto because classic cars are driven fewer miles and stored carefully. Storage-only policies can be even less.
Important
Most storage facility contracts explicitly state they are NOT responsible for damage, theft, or loss of your vehicle. Their insurance covers the building, not your stuff.
Bottom line: The facility provides a space. You insure what goes in that space. Always read the storage agreement before signing - look for the liability limitation clause.
Facilities with better security can lower your insurance costs. Use our tools to find the right fit.
Storage contracts almost universally require proof of insurance covering theft, fire, and weather damage at minimum. Many also require comprehensive coverage with the facility named as additional insured (this protects the facility against owner-driven liability claims, like if your boat catches fire and damages adjacent units). Required coverage levels vary: $300,000 single-occurrence is typical for indoor facilities, $100,000 for outdoor lots, and up to $1M+ for high-end climate-controlled vault storage.
Most storage contracts have a "use at owner's risk" clause that disclaims facility liability except for documented negligence. This means damage from facility roof failure, fire, theft, weather, vandalism, or pest intrusion is between you and your insurance carrier - the facility is not a backstop. Read the liability section before signing and adjust your insurance accordingly.
Most major insurance carriers offer "in storage" or "lay-up" discounts on comprehensive-only coverage when a vehicle is not being driven. The discount typically runs 30-60% off the in-use premium. To activate the discount: notify your carrier when storage begins, switch from full coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive) to comprehensive-only (covers theft, fire, weather), and remember to switch back before driving again. Most carriers handle this with a single phone call or online form. Hagerty and Grundy specialize in classic-car policies designed around storage cycles. Progressive RV and Foremost handle RV layup discounts for travel trailers and motorhomes. National General and Markel cover specialty vehicle classes (collector boats, vintage motorcycles).