As a new college student, starting this chapter is an exciting experience. If you’re a freshman, this may be the first time you’ve been away from home. No one will be watching to make sure you attend class, eat healthy meals, study diligently, and stay out of trouble.
Learning to be independent isn’t easy, and the endless distractions don’t help. It takes time to successfully navigate the world of being a college student. Finding that precarious balance between school work and social activities is a challenge.
There is one simple solution that can help – lease a self storage unit. With limited dorm room space and the need to store items during breaks, self storage has become an increasingly popular solution.
Using self storage will give you more dorm room space, and your belongings will be easily accessible and safe. Most reliable self storage facilities use advanced security features. These include video surveillance, entry gates with keypad access, and perimeter fencing with professional lighting. Some facilities offer keyless entry with Bluetooth technology.
As an added level of security, many facilities offer an optional tenant protection plan. These plans protect against loss from fire, water, and so much more.
Why Use a Tenant Protection Plan
To minimize the chance of experiencing any financial setbacks, most storage facilities require either self storage insurance or “off-premises” home insurance. To further enhance the level of protection offered, many of these facilities provide optional tenant protection plans.
A prime example of these plans is Storage Shield, a StorSuite partner. A Storage Shield tenant protection plan goes above and beyond standard insurance policies. This type of plan offers coverage for specific losses that may not be included otherwise.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowner’s insurance policies typically include coverage for personal property that is kept off-premises. These policies usually protect items stored in a storage unit against damage caused by fire, lightning, theft, and vandalism.
Self-storage insurance offers compensation for losses after the deductible, including damage from various sources:
- Fire
- Theft,
- Hurricanes and Tornadoes
- Wind,
- Hail,
- Lightning,
- Leaking Water (excluding flooding)
- Smoke
- Earthquakes
- A tenant protection plan, however, offers advantages that you won’t find in a conventional insurance policy.
The Storage Shield Difference: Tenant Protection
A tenant protection plan is a contractual agreement between the storage facility and the tenant. With this plan, the facility agrees to compensate customers for any damages to their belongings up to a specified dollar amount. Belongings must be stored in a locked storage unit.
Customers are reimbursed at replacement cost for their damaged or stolen property (clothing and household linens are subject to depreciation). Protection plan fees are conveniently collected with the monthly rent, and there are no deductibles.
The claims process is straightforward, and we’re always happy to help.
The following events are covered by a Storage Shield tenant protection plan:
- Theft due to forcible entry
- Fire, smoke, lightning, or explosion
- Windstorms
- Water damage from a leaking roof or broken pipe (up to protection plan limits)
- Furs, antiques, works of art, and consumer electronics
Certain protection plans also cover:
- Cars, boats, jet skis, RVs, motorcycles, and quads stored inside units
- Document re-creation costs (up to protection plan limits)
- Moth, insect, rodent, or vermin damage up to $500
- Jewelry up to $500
Tenant protection plans do not cover:
- Loss due to flood damage
- Damage caused by dropping or moving property in and out of a storage room
- An improperly packed room resulting in damaged belongings
- Mysterious disappearance
- Any property stored outside a locked storage room, including RVs, cars, boats
Conclusion
As a college student, navigating the challenges of self storage can be daunting, but with a Storage Shield tenant protection plan, you can have the peace of mind you need to focus on your studies and enjoy your college experience.
To learn more about how a tenant protection plan can safeguard your belongings and provide valuable coverage, contact Storage Shield today. Our team of experts will work with you to find the right solution that fits your specific storage needs and budget. Don’t let the risks of self storage weigh you down. Invest in a tenant protection plan and protect your college experience.
