I have been a long time customer of U-haul Storage, that is until recently. Never again! I have rented from U-haul storage at least 5 different times, with the last time being for a period of around 2 years. Every time I've rented from them, I've been forced to buy those round, hardened steel locks or prove that I already owned one. They've always assured me that it was for my own protection. I've chosen not to insure my storage units with their insurance (maybe a mistake).
I received a call one Saturday from the storage site manager. He explained that they had detected a break in of several units. My unit was included. I told him that I was on my way.
Upon arriving, I spoke to the Manager and we went to my unit. (I won't go into to much detail here, as it could used to break into any of the U-haul units) He pointed to a particular point on the door that had been cut with bolt cutters. My hardened lock was intact. I asked him how could this be, isn't that part supposed to be hardened also. He said that it should, but is not. It is made of aluminum and can be cut in less than a second. He said that this design flaw is known by the people on the "inside", but not generally known to the public. The local police dept. Were called. The police made a report. 3 units were broken into. My unit had many items stolen from it, valuing over $6,600.
I filed a claim with their insurance company, Republic Western Insurance. My claim was denied, even though I was able to show that it is their fault due the negligent door design. I plan on suing U-haul for negligence.
This particular storage place is all outdoor units with a Manager who lives on site. It has security cameras, but no active security patrols.
My advice is to not store anything valuable, or anything at all, at a U-haul Storage place! A lesson that I've learned the hard way!
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