How does it work?

What is Contactless Self Storage?

Have you heard the words, “Contactless Self Storage” and wondered what it is and how does it work? Imagine renting a self storage unit from the comfort of your home or from your vehicle in the parking lot of the self storage facility! With the increased usage of the Internet and the ever growing popularity of online shopping, why not utilize both and make online self storage rentals that are easy to navigate and completely safe! Recently with the pandemic it became increasingly evident that contactless self storage rentals were not only needed but necessary to protect our tenants in Bangor, Brewer and Ellsworth, Maine!

How do you rent without any in person contact?

We offer a website that integrates with our in house rental software. This means our inventory is accurate and current prices are always displayed. The process is simple and easy to complete online. Three simple steps and you gain instant access to your self storage unit. There are several payment options available which offer further no contact during your tenancy. When it comes time to end your self storage rental we offer an online “Move Out” form or you can email the office of your intentions to vacate in the next ten days. From start to finish you never need to have contact with any staff unless you choose to subject yourself to their professional and courteous personalities!

How Does The Process Look Online?

Once you have accessed our website at www.BomarcSelfStorage.com choose the location nearest you be it Bangor, Maine, Brewer, Maine or our Ellsworth, Maine location. Search the inventory and choose the appropriate size. Not sure what size you need, use our Size Guide or Space Estimator tool to assist you. Once you choose a self storage unit that fits your need you can continue with the online process.

Fill in all the required information (Name, Address, phone number, Email and alternate contact.) We also offer self storage insurance if your homeowner’s or renter’s policy does not cover off site storage. Select the Next button and choose from our many payment options. Auto pay is our most popular option and available later if you decide to utilize this option in the future! Once completed you will receive an E-sign document with our lease agreement. Verify your information is correct, read the rules and regulations then E-sign the lease agreement. It has two required items and two optional items.

First required item is near the top. List of contents as required by law, (ie: Household, Vehicle, tools, building materials) Next are the two optional pieces and if they do not apply just scroll past. These are military or lien holder information on items in self storage please complete this section if you owe money on the items in storage.

Last required section is your signature agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in our lease agreement. Once the lease agreement is completed by confirming your signature, you will receive an email notification of the completion and giving you the unique code and procedure needed to access our facility. You now have instant access to your self storage unit.

Contactless begins here and can continue throughout the duration of your tenancy. Our staff is on hand to answer any questions via phone or email. During off hours the staff at our on call center will assist you. We diligently disinfect keypads, carts, doors and touch surfaces for your continued safety. Nearing the end of your tenancy? Easy, use our simple online “Move Out” form or email the office with your intended date of vacancy. Our aim is to provide an easy, safe and secure online rental process that protects you from unnecessary exposure from start to finish!.

Don’t Like Putting Your Information Online, But Still Want Contactless Self Storage?

We can assist you with a simple phone call to the location of your choice be it Bangor, ME, Brewer, ME or Ellsworth, ME! Provide us with the same basic information and we will happily rent you the perfect unit for your needs. We will also offer you the same great rates and contactless rental.  As always, if you would like to experience our professional, friendly staff our office is open for you. Contactless Self Storage Rentals offer the best protection against exposure, plus are simple and secure!

Do I Need Self Storage Insurance in Bangor, Maine?

What is Self Storage Insurance?

 Self storage insurance provides financial protection for your stored property especially in Bangor, Maine. It also gives you peace of mind knowing these items will be protected while being stored. Some homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies will cover possessions stored off-premises and others do not. You can purchase extra insurance to cover property in self storage.

Why Do I Need Self Storage Insurance?

Your property is stored at your sole risk while it is in self storage. It is a common misconception that your self storage unit is covered by the storage facility. Most storage facilities do not insure your personal belongings and have no responsibility to provide insurance. Some locations may require you to have self storage insurance to store your property with them. That is why it’s important to check on insurance coverage for your property before you decide to store your items. Also, look for other security measures at the facility that will help protect your property such as security cameras, gated entry, outside lights and someone who is on premise during part of the day. 

What to do if the storage facility requires insurance coverage to store your property with them. First, inquire about the type of proof they will accept that you have insurance coverage for self storage purposes. Ask; If you aren’t covered through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, do they offer their own insurance plan or do they have a recommendation for a good insurance company. Most places will require a copy of the “Declaration” page of your policy. A declaration page is an outline of the coverage your policy has including if that coverage extends to off-premise locations like self storage. This page can easily be obtained from your agent if you can’t find your copy to provide the proof of coverage needed. 

The next step in seeking protection for your stored items is to contact your insurance company. Ask your agent if your policy protects items in self storage and if not is there an option to add this coverage to your policy. It may require an insurance rider to your current policy to provide you with the financial protection you will need for your property in storage. This rider can be dropped once you have removed your property from self storage. 

If your policy covers off-premise storage ask your agent to direct you to the part of your policy that covers self storage insurance. Read every detail of that section to see what is covered and what isn’t. Many policies have exclusions of events like mold and mildew, flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes plus varying limits of coverage on qualified events. Every policy has different types of exclusions and varying limits depending on the company and policy type. If you have questions, ask your agent to clarify any words you don’t understand and how it will affect your property while in self storage. Being familiar with this coverage could save you a costly mistake while your property is being stored off-premise.

What if your policy doesn’t offer self storage insurance?

 Ask the storage facility manager if they offer insurance coverage and what the different levels of protection are. Most reputable self storage facilities offer coverage for an additional cost above the monthly rent for your unit. These levels start at, or right around two thousand dollars coverage for roughly a ten dollar monthly premium. The plans go up by thousand dollar increments from there, some cap at ten thousand dollars coverage and other plans offer a higher limit. The manager can inform you of the different limits of coverage offered and the monthly premium for each level. As with most insurance policies there are exclusions of covered events and limits on coverage. Be sure to ask about these before making a decision. If they don’t offer an insurance plan ask for a recommendation for an agency that does offer self storage insurance. 

Once you have all your options for self storage insurance, choose the one or ones that give you the best coverage for your property. Be aware that many policies will not cover items like, money, expensive jewelry or furs.  If you have those items you may need to obtain “specialty insurance” to cover such items. Specialty insurance is used for items or events that are considered unique or have special circumstances around them. The property that would be covered with this type of policy is rarely covered by standard insurance. A safe deposit box may offer the best protection for these types of valuable items but be aware that most insurance companies do not cover items in safe deposit boxes. Sometimes a combination of policies will offer you the best protection for your property. 

Added Protection Steps For The Security Of Your Property.

Once you’ve made a decision on a self storage facility there are other things you can do to help protect your property. Following are a few examples of the simple things you can do for added security and protection.

• Choose a disc or cylinder lock 
  • These provide a higher level of security compared to other locks
• Keep moisture sensitive items off the floor
  • Pallets or selves should be used to elevate your items

• Cover your items with plastic sheets
  • This will better protect your property from dust or moisture

• Do NOT store “Valuables”
  • Jewelry, currency or other valuable items should not be stored in self storage
• Do NOT store flammable or hazardous materials
  • Storing these items are dangerous to you and the facility
• Rodent or Pest control: check if Professional Pest Control is offered
  • Add dryer sheets to clothing and in bureau drawers. Mice dislike the strong scent
  • DO NOT put food items in your unit
• Make an inventory of your stored items and pictures of your more valuable items
  • Keep a copy of your inventory in a safe place; it will help expedite any claim.

It’s up to you to decide the value of your property and to protect them while in self storage. Be a smart consumer and be prepared with self storage insurance!