Storage Company Insurance

rachelm776

Hi Everyone, this is my first ever post so hope I've done it ok!?!


In January 2010 I needed to use a storage company for my house contents while I was moving house. I chose Access Self Storage as this was the only company local to me that offered 24 hour access. Now they sold me insurance (Brit Insurance Ltd). I did not want it but they said I could not have the unit without insurance. I asked if I could shop around and they said no I had to take this insurance. Now under the bit you sign for insurance on the storage licence agreement there is a space that says "insurance not required" which you can sign but the guy wrote n/a on it and said you have to have their insurance. So my question is, was this policy mis-sold and if so what can I do about it?


Thank you in advance for any advice!

dunstonh

So my question is, was this policy mis-sold and if so what can I do about it?

As this is a 2010 sale, what does the statement of demands and needs say?

rachelm776

What is that?

rachelm776

I have all the paperwork and can not see one of those

dunstonh

Since 2005, all advised insurance sales have had to have a statement of demands and needs. It is not a requirement for non-advised.

It effectively lists what your needs and requirements (demands) are. It then says how the policy sold fits them. It is the key document looked at on any complaint.

I did not want it but they said I could not have the unit without insurance.

That is a common requirement with storage companies and allowed. So, that bit is not a mis-sale.

I asked if I could shop around and they said no I had to take this insurance.

You are allowed to shop around but its a notoriously hard thing to prove you were told that. Do you have any evidence?

rachelm776

No it was verbal, while I was filling in form I saw that bit about sign here if not required and said it wasn't required (I had nothing of real value just sentimental). He said that you have to have insurance so I said can I get some quotes then and he said no this is the insurance company Access use.

flyforfun

Hi,

My local storage unit recently sent me, by registered post no less, a letter and form saying the Self-Storage Association UK recently passed a condition of all its members saying all goods must be insured at all times. This is a new requirement affecting all licences from now.

They have updated their T&Cs to include this, but my contract isn't up for renewal just yet so have not sent anything back in while I investigate further.

They have quoted me £40 for £1000 worth of cover. They say in their letter you can get it elsewhere, but must show them the certificate. I did a quick search and can get it for £38 iirc.

As in your case, most of the stuff is sentimental items or items that if the place burnt down, I wouldn't replace anyway. How I'd fill in a claim form for items of clothing that are over 20 years old I don't know!!

http://www.ssauk.com/useful-information/faqs-for-self-storage-users/

That is a link to their website, but it has contradictory information.

Will I need to insure my items?

Yes. The goods in your storage unit remain your responsibility. You will be required to have insurance cover against loss or damage to your goods during the period of storage. Most operators will be able to offer you insurance and all will be able to assist you; it is normally the case that your home contents insurance will not cover your goods in storage. If your goods are worth storing, they should be insured!

My highlighting of the word should. No mention that it is compulsory.

If a statement of need was ever to be done on this in my case, the n it would show that I don't need insurance. I think I'll send this to Which? to see if they can shed any light.

rachelm776

I have now finally had a letter back from Brit Insurance. They say that I would need to take my complaint up with Access as they were the acting agent.

I have all the original documentation and there is definitely no statement of needs.
I just remember that the price of insurance was in bands dependant on the value of your goods.

What now then?

lincroft1710

How much did you pay for the insurance?

Nicola888

Hi, my monthly invoice from store first requires a payment of £60.00. The invoice is broken down into 2 parts ,cost of unit £28 and insurance £32. I shopped around and found I can get insurance for £28 for the whole year so I emailed store firstfirst and explained I had found insurance at a considerably lower cost and if they would send me a revised bill minus the insurance. Their reply " the cost of £60 would remain the same whether I had my own insurance or not and that the insurance on the invoice is detailed in a way for the assistance of finance ( whatever that means)? I emailed back saying I didn't understand. I'm waiting for a reply now. Any advice anyone please . thankyou

[Deleted User]

If insurance is included in the price quoted then trying to purchase elsewhere sounds like you will be purchasing additional insurance rather than alternative. However, if their insurance is optional, then they shouldn't charge the same fee if you buy elsewhere..