How much does contents removal and storage cost during an insurance claim?

Trevor Muller

04 November 2026 | 6 min read

Kiwi Storage customer carrying packed boxes into a secure self-storage unit in London

Home Blog Blog Insurance Claim Removal Storage Costs

There's no fixed price for contents removal and storage during an insurance claim. The cost depends on the volume of belongings, packing, collection, property access, the type of storage, how long it's needed, goods protection, any retrievals and the return delivery. Two past Kiwi Storage insurance jobs came to £3,443.48 and £4,845.80 including VAT.

If your property has been affected by fire, flood or escape of water, you'll probably need to move your belongings out while the property is dried and repaired. You'll need somewhere safe to keep them, and to give contractors clear access for restoration or repair work.

This guide covers what goes into the cost of storage during insurance repairs, for homeowners and for loss adjusters and claims handlers checking quotations.

What does an insurance claim storage quotation include?

Volume of items

More items mean more packing, labour and space.

Packing and materials

Packing and materials are usually charged on top.

Collection and transport

Distance, vehicle requirements and collection time can affect the cost.

Property access

Difficult access may mean additional time, labour or specialist handling.

Storage type

Mobile storage and self-storage are priced differently; see what's included below.

Storage duration

Storage is typically charged by the week or month, so a repair that overruns adds to the bill month by month.

Goods protection

You can arrange independent cover, or take Kiwi's MoveProtect or StoreProtect cover at extra cost.

Retrieval and access

You can usually access your items with advance notice, but there will be extra costs if items need to be retrieved and delivered to you.

Return delivery

The cost depends on the volume, delivery arrangements and access at the property.

Contents removal and storage costs: real-world examples

Here's how furniture storage costs after water damage and similar claims added up on two past jobs.

Bear in mind these are past prices, not current ones. For a current quote, contact us.

Example 1: One-bedroom flat – temporary accommodation and changing storage requirements

The customer needed to vacate their flat while their home was being repaired. They initially planned to store fewer belongings, but then needed more space and moved to a 65 sq ft self-storage unit.

We arranged packing, collection, storage and redelivery, along with a separate move of belongings from temporary accommodation back to the flat. The customer used storage for four months.

Total invoiced: £3,443.48 including VAT, covering the various removals services, storage and goods protection.

Example 2: Two-bedroom property – extended storage and hourly removals

The customer required a 75 sq ft self-storage unit while their home was being repaired. We collected their belongings in February 2025, and they remained in storage until May 2026.

The initial removals work was estimated at 7 hours but was completed in 5, while redelivery was estimated at 6 hours but was completed in 3.75. Because the removals were charged hourly, the customer saved a combined £619.50 in labour against the original estimates.

We also provided a handyman service to install their television and wall bracket.

Total invoiced: £4,845.80 including VAT, covering removals, storage, goods protection and handyman services, after a refund for unused storage days.

What is and isn’t included in the storage price

A quick guide to how Kiwi Storage charges for collection, storage and return delivery:

Mobile storage (Kiwi Cubes) – £99 a month per 35 sq ft cube. Collection is included if you store for more than 3 months; for shorter stays it's £199 including VAT. Packing is charged separately. More about mobile storage.
Kiwi Cube redelivery – £199 including VAT per 35 sq ft unit.
Conventional self-storage – Collection and redelivery are quoted separately. Additional journeys or multiple delivery addresses may incur further charges.

Who authorises and pays for contents removal and storage during an insurance claim?

If you're the homeowner, you'll need to check your policy and contact your insurer. You'll need to discuss the proposed work and see if removal and storage are covered as part of your claim – and whether they'll pay directly or reimburse you.

The insurer or appointed loss adjuster may need to carry out an assessment to see if it’s necessary to remove and store items, and to look at how reasonable the cost is.

The insurer may appoint its own preferred storage company and pay the costs. If you arrange works without authorisation, the insurer may refuse to pay. This is why contacting your insurer is the first thing you should do following an incident (after making the property safe).

Your contract with Kiwi Storage is separate from your insurance claim. We provide the service; whether the cost is covered depends on your policy and insurer.

How to get an accurate contents removal and storage quote – a checklist

Here's what to have ready before getting quotes:

Property address and collection location
Inventory or estimated volume of contents
Photographs of furniture and belongings, plus rooms to be cleared, if possible
Packing requirements – whether you need a packing service and/or any materials
Property access (including stairs/lifts) and parking information
Expected collection date
Estimated storage period
Expected return delivery date, if known – plus details of the repair schedule if known
Insurer or loss adjuster details, where relevant
Any specific requirements or instructions.

Are you a loss adjuster or restoration contractor? Read our guide to contents storage for insurance claims in London.

FAQs

Is collection included in the storage price?

It depends on how long you store. For Kiwi Cubes, collection is included if you store for more than 3 months; for shorter stays it's £199 including VAT. Packing is charged separately. Conventional self-storage collection is also separately quoted.

Does the quotation include return delivery?

No. Mobile Storage/Kiwi Cubes redelivery costs £199 including VAT per 35 sq ft unit.

Conventional self-storage redelivery is separately quoted. Additional journeys or multiple delivery addresses may incur further charges.

What happens if storage is needed for longer?

Storage can be extended if repairs or other works take longer than expected. This can often happen after an incident such as fire, floods or a burst pipe, where the required repairs are extensive.

You'll need to let us know about any changes to your schedule or collection date as soon as possible. You'll be charged according to the agreed monthly billing arrangements.

Can Kiwi provide an itemised quotation for my insurer?

Yes. We can provide itemised quotations and invoices covering packing, collection, storage, redelivery, additional journeys and services such as clearance.

Will my insurer pay for removal and storage?

Some home insurance policies cover reasonable removal and storage costs related to damage and repairs. However, cover and authorisation depend on the policy and the insurer's instructions. Don't assume you'll be automatically reimbursed – check with the insurer first.