Lost Your Storage Key? Here’s What Happens Next

Losing a key might not seem like a big deal—until it’s the one to your storage unit. In the U.S., over 10% of households rent storage space, according to the Self Storage Association. That’s millions of keys in circulation. So what happens if yours goes missing?

Whether it slipped out of your pocket or got buried in a move, a lost storage key can lead to more than just frustration. From lock replacements to potential risks of break-ins, it’s important to act fast and understand how to protect your belongings.

What Should You Do First?

Start by staying calm. A lost key doesn’t always mean your items are at risk. Many storage units use high-security disc locks or cylinder locks, which are tough to break into without proper tools.

Here’s what you should do:

Contact your storage facility immediately. Let them know about the lost key. They’ll guide you through their lock removal process.
Don’t try to remove the lock yourself. Cutting or forcing it open could damage the door and result in extra charges.
Verify your identity. Most facilities will need photo ID and proof that the unit belongs to you before removing the lock.

Will You Have to Pay for a New Lock?

Yes, most likely. Storage facilities typically charge a fee to cut off the old lock and provide a new one. This can range from $20 to $50, depending on the lock type and labor involved.

If you’ve bought your own lock, you’ll need to replace it yourself. If the facility provides the locks, they will likely install the new one and bill you for it.

Is There a Security Risk?

Yes—especially if you lost the key in a public place or think someone might know which unit it opens. In that case, it’s wise to request an urgent lock replacement. This prevents any unauthorized access.

It’s rare, but if a unit is broken into before you get a new lock, storage facility insurance can help cover the damage—if you have it.

How Storage Facility Insurance Helps

If your belongings are stolen or damaged after a lost key incident, insurance may help recover your losses. Most storage unit insurance policies cover:

Theft (if there are signs of forced entry)
Vandalism
Weather-related damage
Water leaks

However, if the lock wasn’t replaced quickly after the key went missing, some insurers may deny a theft claim. It’s important to show that you acted promptly and informed the facility.

Storage facility insurance is a smart choice for renters. While not all facilities require it, it provides peace of mind when accidents or unexpected issues—like a lost key—come up.

What If You’re Renting in Georgia?

If you’re renting a storage unit in the Peach State, you may be wondering how this all plays out locally. The good news is that renters’ insurance in Georgia often includes off-premises personal property coverage. That means your items stored in a storage unit can still be covered, even if they’re not in your apartment or home.

Just make sure your insurance provider clearly includes storage units under the policy. Not all renters policies do, and some may limit coverage amounts.

It’s also worth checking if your insurer offers additional coverage specifically for storage units. This could come in handy if your lost key leads to theft or damage.

Can You Get a New Key Instead?

That depends on the lock type. Some disc locks and cylinder locks do not come with spare keys, especially if you bought the lock independently. If the storage company provided the lock, they might have a spare—though for security reasons, many facilities do not keep extra keys.

If no spare key exists, the only option may be to have the lock cut off and replaced.

Tips to Prevent Losing a Storage Key

Losing a key once is enough to teach a lesson. Here are a few tips to help avoid a repeat:

Label your keys. Use a key tag or color to identify your storage key without writing the unit number.
Keep it on a main keychain. If possible, don’t leave the key in a drawer or loose bag.
Take photos of the lock. This can help if you ever need to describe it to the facility or insurer.
Consider a keyless lock. Some storage facilities now allow digital locks or app-based access. If offered, it’s worth considering.

Do You Need to Report the Lost Key?

While it’s not a legal requirement, informing the facility as soon as possible helps protect your property. It also protects the facility from potential liability if a break-in occurs due to an unsecured lock.

Most storage companies will note the incident and may ask you to sign a form stating the key is lost. This becomes part of your file and helps during insurance claims if something goes wrong.

Ending Note

Losing your storage key is inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster. Acting quickly and communicating with your facility is the best first step. Replacing the lock is usually easy and affordable. Most importantly, make sure you have storage facility insurance in place to handle any worst-case scenarios.

If you’re renting a unit and looking for coverage, it’s easy to buy renters’ insurance online or offline that includes protection for storage units. Just make sure it matches your needs—and ask questions if you’re unsure what’s covered.

Whether you’re in Georgia or elsewhere, a lost key doesn’t have to cost you peace of mind. With the right plan, you’ll be back in your unit in no time.