Why you need renters insurance?
Everyone hates paying for insurance… but be it car insurance, health insurance, home owners insurance, life insurance, or renters insurance. You are sure happy you have it when you need it.
Renters tend to be younger and make less money than homeowners, and they don’t always think about the need for renters insurance.
Many people focus simply on their contents, thinking they don’t have that much stuff. If all this stuff disappeared tomorrow, they could easily replace it. But there’s more to renters insurance than protecting your belongings. Here’s what you should think about when you consider a renters policy.
Fire, smoke, and water damage are usually the other events that we think of when we talk about renter’s insurance. But be sure to ask your agent what is and is not included in your coverage. It is important to note that the tenant is NEVER covered under the property owner’s policy.
What does Renter’s Insurance Cover?
You will be protected if your apartment burns down, or the upstairs tenants water heater leaks and drains into you unit, or if you are robbed of those expensive gadgets that you possess. Many policies cover medical expenses if someone is hurt inside your property and liability insurance can help protect your assets too. If the loss forces you to move out of the unit, the coverage includes increased living expenses. If you live in a flood plain, flooding will not be covered.
How much coverage do I need?
This will be determined by the value of the things that you have. If you have a lot of expensive things, (jewelry, electronics, furnishing) you can expect to have a larger policy. The cost will vary in proportion to the coverage. Be sure to ask about the limitation of the policy. Many policies limit the amount of coverage on electronics and assets used for working at home may require separate coverage.
What does Renter’s Insurance cost?
On average, most people spend about $150 a year, depending on the amount covered, and where you live. If you have expensive things, your costs will be higher. High risk areas can boost the premium as well. If you are considering whether or not to get insurance, remember that a fire caused by a smoker who falls asleep with a burning cigarette next door could cost you everything but the cloths on your back.
Three underserved groups – Are you one of these?
There are three groups that seem to be lacking insurance coverage.
College student – Fresh off to school, not really thinking about losing their belongings, college students are finding that theft, vandalism, and fire can quickly take away their possessions.
Elderly – This group may have been long time home owners but the loss of a loved one has forced them to rent a more affordable home or apartment. The idea of renter’s insurance is being overlooked.
Those transitioning from foreclosure to rental – This group are rather large; many have lost their home to foreclosure and are now renting for the first time in a long time. As homeowners, they probably had homeowners insurance but just haven’t considered getting renter’s insurance.
If you are a renter, consider finding a rental insurance agent near you. The cost really isn’t all that great, and will protect you in the event of a loss. Be sure to ask a lot of questions about the policy; what is included, exceptions and exclusions, and cost all need to be talk about before signing the agreement.