Annual insurance reviews are more important than ever for self-storage operators. With turbulence in the property insurance market and new exposures emerging, agents need to ask the right questions to uncover risks, negotiate favorable terms with underwriters, and fully protect their clients’ operations.
Why Are Annual Insurance Reviews Critical for Self-Storage Operators?
The property insurance market is entering a period of heightened scrutiny. According to the Swiss Re Institute, U.S. property and casualty insurers are facing slowing premium growth, concerns about reserve adequacy, and significant uncertainties related to tariffs and catastrophe losses. While return on equity is projected to hold at 10% through 2026, insurers are tightening terms and becoming more selective about risk.
For self-storage operators, this means annual coverage reviews are not optional. The more detail you as the agent can provide to an underwriter, the more leverage you have to secure favorable pricing, deductibles, limits, and policy terms for your client. So get curious and put on your investigator’s hat. It’s time to dig.
Key Questions to Ask Self-Storage Operators
Annual reviews work best when they’re structured around the realities of running a storage business. By asking operators about growth, staffing, maintenance, and contracts, you can uncover changes that directly affect risk profiles. Each of these questions not only helps you identify exposures but also provides valuable details to share with underwriters that can make the difference in securing competitive coverage terms.
What development or expansion plans are underway?
- Purchases of vacant land or new facility locations.
- Construction projects planned, in progress, or recently completed.
- Changes in rentable square footage, whether new buildings or expansions.
- Addition of a cell tower or telecom antenna.
While this last option can generate passive income and boost property value, it also brings new exposures in valuation, aesthetics, and zoning compliance.
How have staffing and training practices changed?
- Has the facility added or reduced staff in the past year?
- Do employees have documented training in risk management, maintenance, and incident response for property damage or bodily injury?
What maintenance and security upgrades have been made?
- Roof replacements or upgrades, with inspection reports to support them.
- Automatic gate inspections to ensure proper functionality.
- Installation or upgrades to security systems, including lighting, gates, cameras, and keypads.
Have there been any changes to contracts or lease agreements?
- Updates to tenant lease agreements.
- New or modified third-party contracts for trucks, landscaping, or snow/ice removal.
The operation’s attorney should also review these documents for legal compliance.
Are tenant protection plans being used effectively?
- Review the master policy or CLIP annually to confirm terms are up to date.
- Tenant protection plans continue to grow in popularity, providing an added layer of value for operators and tenants alike.
Checklist for Agents: Triggers That Signal Policy Adjustments
Annual reviews are about catching changes before they become coverage gaps. Use this checklist to quickly spot the types of changes that should trigger a fresh look at your client’s insurance program.
- Expansion or Renovation: Document new construction, additional square footage, or facility upgrades.
- Staffing Changes: Note increases, reductions, or turnover that could affect liability exposures.
- Security Enhancements: Capture details of newly installed gates, cameras, lighting, or access systems.
- New Revenue Streams: Flag added services, such as cell tower leases or third-party partnerships.
- Contract Updates: Review any new tenant lease language or vendor agreements.
- Tenant Protection Plans: Verify current plan terms to confirm they align with the operator’s master policy.
Gather as much information as possible and present it clearly to the underwriter. This will give you a much better chance to secure the best possible terms for your client.
FAQs About Self-Storage Insurance Reviews
Why shouldn’t facility operators just renew their policies without changes?
Because exposures evolve. New operations, expansions, or contracts can create blind spots if coverage isn’t updated annually.
How does sharing more detail with underwriters impact pricing?
The more information you provide, the better positioned you are to negotiate favorable deductibles, premiums, and terms.
Do tenant protection plans replace traditional insurance?
No. They complement traditional commercial insurance coverage (BOP, property, GL, umbrella, etc.) by offering protection options for tenants’ stored property.
What if an operator adds a cell tower to their property?
Cell towers or telecom antennas can provide passive income and increase property value, but they also change exposures. Disclosure during annual reviews is essential to avoid coverage gaps.
Work With an Expert Partner in Self-Storage Insurance
MiniCo’s expertise is unmatched in the industry, with exclusive programs designed specifically for self-storage businesses. From our exclusive Commercial Self-Storage and Self-Storage Tenant Protection Plan programs to our Wind/Hail Deductible Buyback program and more, MiniCo offers agents the flexibility in coverage they need to protect their clients and strengthen relationships. Reach out today to learn more and discover how MiniCo can help your self-storage clients’ coverage keep pace with their evolving operations.
