I keep my best bottles at a high-end “wine fortress” storage facility. It’s climate-controlled and has biometric security. But last week, a sophisticated crew cut through the roof and cleaned out Locker 402—my locker. I assumed the facility’s insurance would write me a check. I was wrong. Their contract said: “Liability limited to $1 per bottle.”
Key Takeaways
- Facilities Limit Liability: Read the storage contract. Almost all professional wine storage facilities limit their liability to a nominal amount ($1 or $10 per bottle) unless you buy their extra insurance.
- “Self-Insured” is the Standard: They expect you to carry the primary insurance on your goods.
- Extension of Coverage: Your home insurance might cover items at a storage facility, but often only up to 10% of your total “Contents” limit.
- The “Mysterious Disappearance” Gap: If the facility says “It’s just missing, we don’t know why,” and there is no sign of a break-in, standard policies might deny it.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is the Warehouseman’s Legal Liability. The facility is only liable if they were negligent (e.g., they left the door unlocked). If a master thief breaks in despite good security, the facility was not negligent, and they don’t have to pay.
You are relying on “Bailment”, but the contract you signed likely waived your rights to sue them for anything beyond nominal damages.
The Investigation (I Called Them)
I called two major storage facilities (names withheld) and my own insurer.
Storage Facility A
- Policy: “We offer an insurance program you can add to your monthly bill. It costs $0.75 per $100 of value.”
- My Analysis: This is expensive, but it’s “primary” coverage. If you claim, your home rates don’t go up.
Storage Facility B
- Policy: “You must provide proof of your own insurance to rent a locker.”
- The Trap: If you let your home policy lapse, you are in breach of contract and uninsured.
Chubb (Home Policy)
- Policy: “We cover your property anywhere in the world. If it’s in a storage locker, it’s covered just like it’s in your basement.”
- The Win: This is usually the cheapest way. Just ensure the storage address is listed on the policy if the value exceeds $10,000.
Comparison Table
| Insurance Source | Cost | Deductible | Coverage Limit |
| Facility “Add-On” Insurance | High ( 0.75/0.75/ 100) | Low/None | Fixed Amount |
| Your Homeowners (Endorsement) | Low ( 0.40/0.40/ 100) | Your Policy Deductible | Policy Limit |
| Facility Liability (Default) | Free | N/A | $1 per bottle |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Read Your Storage Lease: Look for the “Limitation of Liability” clause. It’s there.
- Add the Address to Your Policy: Call your agent. “I am storing $50,000 of wine at [Address]. Please add this location to my Valuable Articles Floater.”
- [IMAGE: Screenshot of an insurance declaration page showing a ‘Secondary Location’ listed]
- Inspect the Facility: Don’t trust the website. Go there. If the “biometric security” is a sleepy guard and a padlock, your insurer might deny a theft claim due to “unsecured premises.”
- Keep Your Own Inventory: Do not rely on the facility’s inventory. If they get hacked or burn down, you need your own record of what was in Locker 402.
FAQ
If the facility burns down, do they pay?
Only if they were negligent (e.g., faulty wiring). If it was lightning, they don’t pay. You need your own policy.
What if they lose my wine (move it to the wrong locker)?
That is “Misplacement.” A good “All-Risk” policy covers this. A standard policy might not.
Does “Earthquake” cover off-site storage?
Only if the storage facility is in a non-earthquake zone or if your policy includes EQ coverage for that specific zip code.