diff --git a/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.cpp b/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.cpp
index 5918939b23..ad9bed3259 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.cpp
@@ -1244,6 +1244,13 @@ bool AP_Arming::fence_checks(bool display_failure)
         check_failed(display_failure, "%s", fail_msg);
     }
 
+#if AP_SDCARD_STORAGE_ENABLED
+    if (fence->failed_sdcard_storage() || StorageManager::storage_failed()) {
+        check_failed(display_failure, "Failed to open fence storage");
+        return false;
+    }
+#endif
+    
     return false;
 }
 #endif  // AP_FENCE_ENABLED