Our contents protection covers sudden water damage, such as a burst pipe or a water leak. It doesn’t pay for damp that builds up slowly from the air, or for the damage that kind of damp does over time, such as mould. The good news is that slow damp is the kind you can do the most about, and packing everything clean and fully dry goes a long way.
What the cover includes
Our contents protection covers loss or damage caused by burst pipes or water leakage. It also covers fire, storm, theft involving forcible entry or exit, and damage from moths, insects or vermin that come in from outside. So if water gets into your unit because something has burst or leaked, that’s the kind of event the cover is there for.
What it doesn’t cover is atmospheric or climatic damage. That’s the gradual damp that comes from humid air and condensation, or from things that were slightly damp when they went in. It happens slowly, inside boxes and fabrics, which is why the way you pack matters so much.
If you use your own insurance instead of ours, ask your insurer the same question about damp and mould before you rely on it.
Keeping damp out
A few simple habits make a real difference:
- make sure everything is completely dry before it goes in, including washing, bedding, garden furniture and anything that holds water, such as a fridge or freezer, which should be defrosted and dried first;
- use sturdy boxes and breathable furniture covers or blankets, and avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mould;
- leave a little space between your things and the walls so air can move;
- look in now and then, especially over winter, so you’d spot anything early.
Our units are standard self storage rather than climate-controlled, so if you’re storing something that’s sensitive to temperature or humidity, give us a call and we’ll talk through the best way to store it.
If you’ve found damp or mould
We’re sorry, it’s upsetting to open your unit and find things damaged. Take photographs first, of the items and of the unit’s floor, walls and ceiling, before you move anything. Then move anything wet away from the dry things.
Let us know straight away on 0800 2545585: if water is getting in, we need to know. If the damage came from a leak or burst pipe and you have our cover, email hello@wigwamstorage.co.uk asking us to start a claim, with your photographs. Our guide to making a claim takes you through the rest.
Any questions about the cover before you book, call us on 0800 2545585 or get a price online.
Related questions