Delaware became the 30th state to either establish a self-storage limited-lines insurance license or provide a statutory exemption from licensing on Sept. 13 when Gov. John Carney signed Senate Bill 184 (SB 184) into law. Under the measure, self-storage owners as well as their employees and other company representatives can get a limited license authorizing them to sell tenant insurance. The law goes into effect on Nov. 13.
A self-storage owner only needs one license to sell insurance in the state, though he must include a list of all facilities he operates on the application. He must also notify the insurance commissioner within 30 days of any new Delaware locations or facility closures.
In addition, the law requires that storage owners maintain a registry of employees who have been certified to sell insurance and are eligible to act as agents. The list must be submitted to the commissioner upon request. Certification is achieved by completing a commissioner-approved training program.
The bill was supported by the national Self Storage Association (SSA). "Many self-storage tenants do not have easy access to insurance that will cover their personal property while it is in storage," said Joe Doherty, senior vice president, legal and legislative counsel, for the SSA in a Sept. 24 newsletter to association members. "We are grateful that the Delaware Department of Insurance and legislature recognized this coverage gap and acted quickly to provide storage operators with the option of offering their tenants insurance policies to fill the gap."
SB 184 was introduced in April and passed the state senate on May 8. It passed the house on June 28.
Sources:
Delaware General Assembly, Senate Bill 184
The Monday Morning Globe 9/24/18, Delaware Becomes 30th States to Authorize Self Storage Licensing