When you think of a power outage, you probably picture a stormy night, lightning flashing, and the lights suddenly going dark. But here’s the catch—weather isn’t always to blame. In fact, a 2023 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that nearly 25% of outages were caused by equipment failure, animals, or human error.
If you own or rent storage space, understanding these risks matters. A sudden blackout can put your inventory, appliances, or personal items at risk. That’s where power outage insurance for storage units comes into play.
Let’s break down the lesser-known reasons for outages—and why the right insurance still matters, even on a clear, sunny day.
- Equipment Failure Happens More Than You Think
Aging infrastructure is a major problem. Transformers, underground cables, and circuit breakers don’t last forever. If a component fails in the system, it can cut power to entire blocks—or even an entire commercial area.
For storage facilities, that means no lighting, no HVAC systems, and no alarms. That’s a big risk if your unit contains temperature-sensitive items or valuable goods.
Power outage insurance for storage units can help offset losses caused by system failure, not just weather damage.
- Construction and Accidental Cuts
Here’s one people forget: nearby construction sites. A backhoe digging in the wrong spot can slice through underground power lines. In cities growing as fast as many in the U.S., these accidents are more common than you’d think.
If your storage facility is affected, your items could sit in a powerless unit for hours or days until repairs are complete. In some cases, stored electronics or temperature-controlled items can get damaged.
Having the right storage facility insurance coverage means you won’t have to pay out of pocket to replace damaged property.
- Small Animals, Big Problems
Squirrels, raccoons, and even birds have been known to cause major blackouts. They chew through wires or get trapped inside transformers, shorting out the system. It’s bizarre—but it happens. In fact, the American Public Power Association has reported animal interference as a top cause of unexpected outages.
If your storage unit is in an area where animal activity is common, don’t assume the risk is low just because it’s a “minor” threat. The damage can still be serious.
- Human Error and Grid Overload
Sometimes, all it takes is one flipped switch. Maintenance crews, substation workers, or even software malfunctions can lead to unplanned shutdowns. On top of that, the increased use of electric vehicles, air conditioning, and high-powered appliances means grids are working harder than ever.
In extreme cases, power companies will initiate rolling blackouts to avoid full system collapse.
That’s bad news for storage units that rely on constant power to protect their contents. That’s why power outage insurance is essential—it offers support when outages are not caused by weather.
- Fires in Substations and Transformers
When substations catch fire, the outage can last far longer than a few hours. Electrical fires require special equipment to control and repair, which often delays recovery. Even if your storage facility wasn’t physically damaged, a long power loss could lead to spoilage, security breaches, or loss of use.
It’s another reminder that storage facility insurance coverage shouldn’t be limited to flood or storm scenarios.
Why Insurance Still Matters on Sunny Days
Many people think insurance only kicks in when a disaster is dramatic—a flood, a tornado, a hurricane. But the real value lies in the quiet chaos: the power flickering off due to an animal chewing a wire or a construction worker hitting the wrong utility line.
It’s not dramatic, but the damage is real.
If your storage unit is climate-controlled, it could become unsafe for your items within a few hours. Even non-sensitive goods can become vulnerable to theft or tampering when lights or alarms are down.
With proper power outage insurance for storage units, you have backup protection. It helps you cover repair or replacement costs without draining your wallet.
Additional Misconception: It Won’t Happen to Me
Some people believe their facility is too modern or their unit too basic to be affected. But outages don’t discriminate. Whether you’re storing sports gear or company records, all it takes is one sudden blackout to make damage possible.
Additional Misconception: Only Businesses Need This Coverage
Power outages affect everyone. Whether you’re a homeowner storing tools or a business owner with inventory in a unit, loss is loss. Storage protection matters across the board.
Final Takeaway
You don’t need a storm to knock the power out. Animals, equipment, accidents, or overloaded systems can do it just as easily. And when they do, the losses can add up fast.
Storage facility insurance coverage that includes power outage insurance is a smart layer of protection—one that helps you breathe easier, even when the lights go out for reasons no one saw coming.
