What's the big deal with renter's insurance and why do we require it?One common reason is that many tenants incorrectly assume they are covered by their landlord's policy, which is unfortunately not true. If you flipped your apartment upside down, everything that would fall out is considered your contents, and therefore your responsibility.
Another reason is that people underestimate the value of their belongings. If you add up the value of just your clothing and electronics, it probably wouldn't take long to get into the thousands of dollars.
It's affordable
The average renter's insurance policy costs less than $150 annually. Your actual cost will depend on factors, including how much coverage you need, the type of coverage you choose, the amount of your deductible, and where you live
It covers loss to YOUR personal property
A renter’s insurance policy protects against losses to your personal property, including clothes, jewelry, luggage, computers, furniture, and electronics. Even if you don't own much, it can quickly add up to a lot more than you realize – and a lot more than you'd want to pay to replace everything. According to esurance.com, the average renter owns about $20,000 worth of personal property.
Renter's policies protect against a surprisingly long list of perils. A standard HO-4 policy designed for renters, for example, covers losses to personal property from perils including:
- Damage caused by aircraft
- Damage caused by vehicles
- Explosion
- Falling objects
- Fire or lightning
- Riot or civil commotion
- Smoke
- Theft
- Vandalism or malicious mischief
- Volcanic eruption
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Windstorm or hail
- Damage from water or steam from sources including household appliances, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or fire-protective sprinkler systems
Your landlord might require it
Your landlord's insurance covers the structure itself and the grounds, but not your belongings. A growing number of landlords require tenants to purchase their own renter's insurance policies, and they'll expect to see proof. This could be the landlord's idea, or it could be an "order" from the landlord's insurance company – the idea being that if the tenants are covered themselves, some responsibility can be shifted away from the landlord. If you need assistance finding or obtaining coverage, your landlord may be able to help.
It provides liability coverage.
Liability coverage is also included in standard renter’s insurance policies. This provides protection if someone is injured while in your home or if you (or another covered person) accidentally injure someone. It pays any court judgments as well as legal expenses, up to the policy limit.
Most policies provide at least $100,000 of liability coverage, and between $1,000 and $5,000 for medical-payments coverage. You can request (and pay for) higher coverage limits. If you need more than $300,000 of liability coverage, ask your insurance company about an umbrella policy, which can provide an additional $1 million worth of coverage for about $150 to $300 a year.
It covers your belongings when you travel
Renter's insurance covers your personal belongings, whether they are in your home, car, or with you while you travel. Your possessions are covered from loss due to theft and other covered losses anywhere you travel in the world. Check your policy or ask your insurance agent for details on what constitutes "other covered losses.
It may cover additional living expenses
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to one of the covered perils, your renter's insurance policy may cover “additional living expenses,” including the cost associated with living somewhere else temporarily, food, and more. Check with your policy to find out how long it will cover additional living expenses, and if it caps the amount the company will pay.
The bottom line: call today
Renter's insurance provides coverage for your personal belongings, whether they are in your home, car, or with you while you're on vacation. Also, renter's insurance provides liability coverage in case someone is injured in your home or if you accidentally cause injury to someone on the property. Be sure you understand what your policy covers, and ask your agent about available discounts, deductibles, and coverage limits.
Ashley Cook
Assistant Property Manager
