Who is Responsible if a Storage Unit Gets Broken Into?

Whether you’re packing up your most prized possessions or even just your favorite clothes, expensive furniture, a motorcycle, or anything in between, you want to feel confident your goods are safe. The last thing you should be stressing about is theft.

Unfortunately, though, even partnering with the best storage unit companies won’t alleviate this anxiety for everyone. So, who is responsible if a storage unit gets broken into?

It all depends on who you’ve rented your unit from and the specific contract you signed. While sometimes the company is liable, other times, you’ll have to file an insurance claim on your own. We’ll talk more about what to do if your storage unit gets broken into below.

But just to be clear, how safe is self storage? When you partner with WheeKeep, it’s as safe as it gets. We have 24/7 CCTV footage, on-site guards, and state-of-the-art alarm systems. Plus, since you provide your own lock you’re the only one with the keys!

The security protocols we have in place are just one of the reasons we’re the #1 choice for self storage in Saudi Arabia. Get in touch today to learn more and book your unit with peace of mind!

Do You Really Need to Worry About Your Storage Unit Getting Broken Into?

Before we get into what happens if your storage unit gets broken into, we want to calm your nerves a bit and help you realize that break-ins are incredibly rare, especially here in Saudi Arabia.

We’re fortunate enough to have one of the lowest crime rates in the world. That means the chances you’ll be a victim of theft are low.

Storage units in general are far more difficult to break into than vehicles and homes, too, which means the odds of your unit being targeted are even slimmer.

When you use a tamper-resistant lock, the only way someone could break into your unit is if they somehow got the keys.

Factors That Increase Risk

In general, there are a few factors that increase the risk of theft. Understanding these allows you to take extra precautions for peace of mind:

Location of the Facility: High-crime areas or facilities that are not well-lit or isolated may be more vulnerable to break-ins since thieves target locations they believe they’re less likely to be caught in.
Visibility and Accessibility: Storage units that are easily visible from main roads or accessible without multiple security barriers are more likely to be targeted. Units on the ground floor or near entrances are particularly at risk.
Lack of Security Measures: Facilities that don’t have 24/7 surveillance, gated access, or on-site personnel, are more attractive to thieves.

Contents of the Unit: If it’s obvious a storage unit contains valuable items, it’s far more likely to become a target. Thieves seek out units with easy-to-sell items like electronics, tools, or antiques.

Commonly Stolen Items

Speaking of the contents of your unit, there are a few types of items that are most commonly stolen, as they have more value.

This is to say that if you’re just storing some furniture and clothes you likely won’t have anyone steal your stuff even if they break in! Here are the most at-risk items:

Electronics: Laptops, televisions, and gaming consoles are valuable and easy to sell.
Tools and Equipment: Power tools and construction equipment are often targeted due to their resale value.
Furniture and Antiques: These aren’t just valuable but also relatively easy for thieves to sell.
Personal Documents: Although less common, thieves sometimes target personal documents for identity theft.
Collectibles and Art: These can be tempting for thieves looking to make a quick profit.

We don’t want you to think that storing these items in your unit is unsafe. Remember that most of these are traceable – and keeping these goods in a secure storage unit with a trusted company is actually much safer than keeping them in your own home, even!

That being said, who is responsible if a storage unit gets broken into?

Who is Responsible if a Storage Unit Gets Broken Into?

In the extremely unlikely event that your storage unit is broken into, you want to know whether the company will cover the cost of any goods you’ve lost or not. It all depends. Here’s what you need to know…

Understanding the Storage Facility’s Liability

The storage facility’s liability in the event of a break-in is often limited. The contract you sign at the start of your engagement with the company typically states they are not responsible for the contents of your unit. This means that if your unit is broken into and items are stolen, they’re not required to compensate you for your losses.

BUT – the facility is responsible for maintaining basic security measures, such as providing secure perimeter, functioning gates, surveillance cameras, and adequate lighting.

If you discover the facility failed to meet these basic security obligations, there may be grounds for holding them accountable on the basis of negligence.

Some examples of this include a broken gate that wasn’t repaired in a timely manner, non-functioning security cameras, or an employee/security guard gone rogue.

Just be aware that proving negligence can be challenging, and may cost you more in court than the cost of your losses.

Your Responsibility as a Renter

Ultimately, the responsibility to prevent theft will fall on the renter. This involves doing your due diligence in choosing a trustworthy rental provider and using a tamper resistant lock.

You could also take things a step further by getting an insurance policy for your storage unit contents. This protects you from theft, fire, or other damages.

Your rental provider might offer it, and if they do, it’s a great investment in peace of mind. Otherwise, you might be able to use your renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance.

Reviewing Your Rental Agreement

So, who is responsible if a storage unit gets broken into? The only way to know for sure is to ask the company you’re partnering with from the start of your engagement. Your rental contract will also include this information.

The agreement will also detail the process for reporting a break-in and any time limits for filing a claim with the facility or your insurance provider. Understanding these terms beforehand can help you respond quickly and effectively if a break-in does occur.

So, let’s get into what to do if your storage unit is broken into.

What to Do if Your Storage Unit is Broken Into

If you arrive at your storage to discover it’s been compromised or get the call from the provider about a break in, your gut reaction as your heart drops might be to panic. But quick, calculated action is essential to try and recover the lost goods. Here’s what to do if your storage unit is broken into.

Immediate Actions to Take

The first thing to do is contact the storage facility’s management as soon as you notice the break-in if you’re the one that discovers it. This will give them a chance to check the security footage, guest access log, and notify other tenants if there’s a wider issue.

If the storage company doesn’t do it for you (they should), you’ll then need to contact the local authorities to report the theft. Give them as much detail as you can, including a list of stolen items, their approximate value, and any other relevant information that could assist in the investigation.

At this point it’s worth seeing what was left behind in your storage unit, if anything, and considering if you want to pull your items out of storage or get a new lock (assuming it was tampered with).

Documenting the Damage and Loss

Now it’s time to start documenting the damage and loss, which will help you as you start navigating an insurance claim or pursue legal action against the company for negligence.

Start by taking clear photographs of the unit, focusing on points of entry, any damage, and the condition of the items inside. If possible, take pictures from multiple angles to capture the full extent of the damage.

Create a detailed list of the stolen or damaged items, including their estimated value and any identifying information, such as serial numbers or unique markings. Better yet, gather the receipts if you have them, appraisals, or previous photographs of the items.

Document the timeline of events as well. Record when you last accessed the unit, when you discovered the break-in, and the steps you took following the discovery.

Filing Insurance Claims

If you have insurance covering your unit, great! Now is the time to contact your provider and inform them of the issue and provide all relevant information. Time is of the essence since many policies have strict deadlines for filing claims after a loss.

Be prepared to answer questions about the circumstances of the break-in, your storage unit’s security measures, and any additional details that can support your claim.

Understand that this can be a lengthy, frustrating, convoluted process – but hopefully, you’ll be approved for reimbursement of the total amount you’ve lost.

Just remember, though, all this can be avoided by partnering with the most trusted professionals for self-storage in Saudi Arabia – WheeKeep.

Enjoy Peace of Mind Knowing Your Goods are Protected With WheeKeep!

We’re on a mission to transform the storage experience for the better, making it more convenient and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for a moving storage unit, on site storage unit, or portable storage unit, you can rest assured your goods are safe with us.

What Makes Us the Most Trusted Choice in Saudi Arabia?

Your items are safeguarded in our secure facility through 24/7 CCTV monitoring, on-site security personnel, and state-of-the-art alarm systems.

Plus, you’re the only person with the key to your lock, which you provide – that means as long as YOU keep the keys safe, you’ve got nothing to worry about! We have tips on choosing your storage unit lock in our blog, and we sell some ourselves if you’re interested.

So, how does self storage work with WheeKeep? Beyond the security measures, though, you’ll love how easy we make packing a self storage unit. It’s delivered to your property so you can load it up at your convenience.

Then, we can transport it back to our facility for safekeeping (which you can access when you need), move it to your next destination, or even leave it on your property for the ultimate convenience. It’s entirely up to you.

You don’t have to stress about sizing a storage unit, either. Our intuitive storage space calculator eliminates all the guesswork. Our customer service team is always available to help you out as well.

Get in touch today to take the next step or learn more about our security protocols. We have a few more tips on preventing storage unit theft below before we wrap this guide up.

More Tips on Preventing Storage Unit Theft

Even though the chances of your storage unit being broken into are slim to none with WheeKeep, it’s not a bad idea to implement some of this advice, if for no other reason than peace of mind:

Invest in a High-Quality Lock: Disc locks or cylinder locks are generally more secure than traditional padlocks. They’re resistant to cutting, picking, and drilling, making them a strong deterrent against theft. It should be made from hardened steel.
Store Valuables Strategically: Avoid placing valuables near the front of the unit or in plain sight when the door is opened. Instead, store them towards the back, hidden behind larger, less valuable items. This makes it harder for thieves to quickly grab valuable items if they do manage to break in.
Use Unmarked Boxes and Containers: To reduce the likelihood of your most important items being singled out, store them in unmarked boxes or containers. Avoid using original boxes for high-value items, as these can easily indicate the contents inside. Choose uniform storage bins that don’t reveal the nature of their contents, keeping your goods discreet.
Visit Your Unit Regularly: If possible, we suggest you visit your unit at least once a month. Check the lock, door, and surrounding areas for any signs of forced entry or suspicious activity.
Consider an Alarm System: If your storage unit offers this, it’s worth the investment. These are triggered when someone attempts to access the unit without authorization, alerting the facility and possibly scaring off the intruder.
Get Insurance: Find out if your provider offers this. Review your policy to ensure it fully covers the value of the items stored and understand the process for filing a claim.

Taking these measures while partnering with WheeKeep will just about eliminate any likelihood you’ll experience storage unit theft. So, don’t settle for less than the best when it comes to the security of your goods – get started with us today!

Parting Thoughts on What Happens if Your Storage Unit Gets Broken Into

So, who is responsible if a storage unit gets broken into? We hope this guide has cleared up not just who is liable, but also what to do if your storage unit gets broken into.

The company will likely not be liable unless you can prove negligence. The onus is on you to pick a trustworthy company, invest in a premium lock, and follow our tips above to reduce the chances of storage unit theft.

You can find additional storage tips in our blog, like how to store furniture in a storage unit, how to organize your storage unit, how to store clothes in a storage unit, how to store washer and dryer in storage unit, moving out of storage unit, how to keep insects out of storage unit,

portable storage unit cost, what can you store in a storage unit, and more.

Now that you know what happens if your storage unit gets broken into, protect your belongings with confidence. Contact WheeKeep today to learn how we can provide the secure storage solution you need. Peace of mind is just a few clicks away!

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Who is Responsible if a Storage Unit Gets Broken Into?