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Important Facts on Self Storage Insurance

A lot of homeowners and people in general assume that companies that provide self storage automatically offer insurance for the goods and possession in storage. However, it may come as a surprise but this is not necessarily the case. In fact, there are only a handful of service providers that offer full and comprehensive self-storage insurance that is well within the rental charges that you have paid. And if you do find a company that offers just that, you will probably find out that you are actually paying extra on rental charges to cover for such cost. Although there may be some companies that offer the basic coverage usually based on the package rates. This becomes a major concern if you plan to store some highly valuable possessions in storage such as antique pieces. If this is the case, then it is highly recommended that you conduct some background check on the self storage insurance options available before contracting any service.

The very first logical step that you would want to do is to contact your home insurer to discuss what items that you plan to place in the storage facility that can be covered in the domestic contents policy. It is possible that all your possessions can be covered or you may have to pay extra premium just to avail of such coverage. If this would be the case, then you may save a considerable amount instead of getting a self storage insurance. Just be aware that for such circumstance, your service provider may require to see your policy to ensure your possessions are adequately covered.

There are some companies that offer insurance coverage and others already have them in place and may even insist that you get their policy before you can be able to rent a unit. In such circumstances, you are required to give your service provider to give the full inventory of the valuables that need to be insured or create one that would best suit your requirements and specifications. So the key factor that you need to keep in mind here is your insurance will need necessary changes should you decide to remove or add from the self storage facility. Insurance are definitely not something that you need to overlook and making extra arrangements is key to providing you peace of mind. Insurance coverage include flood, theft, fire, and even insect infestation.

While storage facilities are fairly secure, the companies do not take full responsibility for the safety of your possessions. So make sure to require and make arrangements for self storage insurance.

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Tips on Avoiding Moving Scams

Spring has been known to be the busiest season for moving companies since most people prefers to relocate during this time. If you are seriously contemplating on moving and ready to face the all the hassles that comes with it, then its best to do your homework before you become part of the statistics and fall victim to moving scams.

Yes, fly by night service contractors do abound in this industry, and the best way to avoid moving scams is to be well informed to easily identify warning signs. Read on and find out what are the things you need to look out for.

The Fine Art of Choosing a Moving Company

Prepare a list of companies you want to consider and interview at least three service providers for cost estimates. Although we would all look for an affordable estimate, be more suspicious if the moving quote is abnormally low. If it sounds to good to be true, chances are, it is. Rather than playing Russian roulette with your choice, don’t hesitate to ask for referrals from you realtors and friends who have recently moved.

Evaluate the Company’s Representative

When conducting your routine background check, do not simply rely on phone calls or online communication. By all means, insist on an ocular visit and discuss with the moving representative the whole process. You naturally have some questions that you need answers to and this is the best way to avoid surprises once you get your bill.
All cost estimates are based on the weight of the shipment and not the amount of space it takes up in the truck. If they use the cubic feet as the basis for their quote, then suspect a scam.

Question Any Required Deposits

In general, most professional movers do not require any cash deposits prior to the move, unless there are special arrangements that need to be made. Most scammers have been known to ask for a significant deposit before the move. If this is the case, it should be enough to send a ref flag warning, and move on the next moving company on your list.

Don’t Pay Cash

Before signing the dotted signs, be sure to ask what mode of payment they require. It is best to choose a company that does not insist on paying cash. Should some problems arise during the moving process, you may not be able to require charges if you pay in cash. Worse yet, the company may simply take of with all your belongings  and your cash without making any delivery.

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Moving Insurance 101

With all the details that you need to attend to when moving, there are probably some things that you may overlooked. While most of us have had some experience in relocation, moving insurance is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on.

During the course of the pre-moving preparations, you may probably realize that you are practically entrusting all your belongings to one company. Sure, you have done your homework and found a reliable company that will transport all your stuff from point A to point B, but you will still need insurance coverage to deal with the possible loss of your possessions. This moving insurance guide will help you better understand the intricacies that come with securing insurance:

Basic Released Value Coverage

All professional moving companies are required by law to carry a certain degree of liability for possible loss or damage. This is known as the Released Value Liability, which basically covers every pound of goods. However, you need to remember that such liability is only offered for a long distance moving service and such rules do not apply to truck rentals.

Carrier Provided Optional Coverage

It is also important to note that moving companies also offer extra levels of coverage, or otherwise known as the Declared Value Protection. In essence, your service provider will offer this coverage based on any amount you declare for value of your goods. This type of coverage incurs a fee of 1.25 for every pound of good.

Full Coverage

Another type of coverage that moving companies offer is the full insurance coverage at the option of the client. This will make sure that there is enough insurance to cover the total cost of the goods. Such type of insurance is subject to charges that is usually more than the declared value of the coverage.

Outside Insurance

Another alternative that you can consider is getting an outside insurance company. You can check with your homeowner’s insurance if this is included in the coverage. This can help you save a significant amount of money if options include allowing you coverage for possessions while they are in transit. You may have this coverage already, so make sure to double check.

While most people would simply consider getting insurance as just an added expense, there are many things that can happen during the move. Loss of goods can be due to a natural disaster or accident, a very devastating possibility for you and your family especially if you are starting anew. So before you decide on whether to get one or not, make sure to cover all the bases and consider all possibilities to make a smart decision.

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ISS Humanitarian Service Award: Self-storage owners orchestrate a Grand Ball

Mike and Linda McDaniel, owners of Preferred Self Storage in Highland Village, Texas, are one of four winners of the Inside Self-Storage 2009 Humanitarian Service Award. The honor recognizes self-storage companies and professionals who support charitable causes. A $2,000 grant was given to the nonprofit organizations, projects, events or programs …(493 words)

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Get in Great Economic Shape at the ISS Expo!

The Inside Self-Storage World Expo hits the East Coast this fall with a powerful educational program that puts your business needs first. The Washington, D.C., event not only provides 27 educational seminars and five premier networking events, it offers four intensive workshops covering critical facets of the self-storage business.Whether your …(535 words)

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Using Yellow Pages Coupons to Promote Self-Storage

In spite of what you may be hearing from some bloggers and Internet-marketing providers (people who think the Web is the only way to get information), 65 percent of new customers to self-storage still use the Yellow Pages (YP) to help them choose the right facility for their belongings. When …(686 words)

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No-Computer Disaster Plan: Operating Self-Storage Without Technology

“Get out your pencil!” I can still remember how much I hated hearing the teacher say those words because it usually meant a pop quiz. Well, I don’t want to disappoint you, so here is your one-question test: How would you operate your facility for an extended period of time—two …(1039 words)

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Got Dirt? Adding Space to an Existing Self-Storage Facility

In this economic climate, many self-storage owners are looking to increase income by maximizing available space, often adding new buildings to existing facilities. As with most projects, it’s not always as easy as it appears. One of my favorite, worn out, “old guy” construction axioms is, “Building is the easy …(1226 words)

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Capture Self-Storage Tenants With Low-Cost Curb Appeal

Great self-storage curb appeal can draw new customers, while poor curb appeal will likely drive them to your competition. Consumers relate well-maintained, clean properties with safer, more secure facilities. Think about how prospective tenants look at your facility. Many will size up a property within seconds of viewing it. Does …(759 words)

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The Eco-Friendly Self-Storage Office: Tips!

Here are some quick and easy steps you can take to ensure your self-storage office is doing its part for Mother Earth:Exchange regular light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs. Add motion lighting, timers and dimmers wherever possible.Recycle cans and plastic bottles.When looking for new office equipment, check consignment stores. …(346 words)

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