Many people that rent don’t actually know they need renters insurance. Sure, your landlord may have insurance for the building, however, that coverage does not extend to your personal property or liability.
Renters insurance can help protect you from the unexpected. Think what would happen to your furniture, clothing or electronics if there was a fire, sudden water damage from a broken pipe or a burglar broke into your apartment and took your belongings. Now think about what would happen if someone slipped in your kitchen or your pet accidentally damaged someone’s property. Renters insurance can help cover your belongings, temporary housing, your legal liability including defense costs, medical bills for others and more.
Most renters policies have 3 key elements: the premium which is how much you pay for coverage, deductibles which is how much you’re responsible for out-of-pocket in the event of a covered claim, and limits which is the most your insurer will pay for a covered claim.
Also, did you know that having renters insurance may also lower your car insurance? It’s a win-win.
Your insurance representative can help you determine the renters coverage that best fits your needs and budget, but a typical policy can cover:
- Your personal belongings
- Your personal liability and defense costs
- Additional living expenses if you cannot live in your rental due to a covered loss or repairs
- Improvements you make to your rented property
A few key questions.
- How much of a deductible can you afford to pay if you have a loss?
- How much would it cost to repair or replace your belongings?
- Do you have any valuables that require extra protection?
- Do you have frequent visitors over?
- Have you made any improvements to your rental worth protecting?
- Do you qualify for any discounts?
Our licensed insurance representatives are happy to walk you through all of this step by step, and can help you review your needs on an annual basis.
It depends. Most renters policies come up for renewal each year, but customers must remain eligible and pay their premiums to renew.
It’s a good idea to review your coverage with an insurance representative every year.
Personal property coverage (Coverage C) is a key part of all renters policies. It pays to replace personal items in your rental like furniture, clothing or electronics that may be damaged by a covered loss.
Other assets like cash, collectibles, jewelry, furs and silverware may have limited coverage, but additional coverage may be available with a valuable items endorsement or a separate policy. Think about what it would cost to repair or replace your personal belongings and valuable items, and if additional coverage would make sense for you.
Liability insurance helps protect your assets and cover your defense costs if you or a household family member is found legally responsible for causing injury to other people or their property. It can provide coverage for bodily injury, property damage, medical payments and legal expenses.
Do you have a high level of risk or many assets to protect? You can always discuss your liability coverage needs, options, deductible and policy limits with your insurance representative.
If you are unable to occupy your rental due a covered loss or repairs, additional living expenses coverage can help you pay for increased temporary housing and some living expenses. This includes hotels, meals, laundry and other related expenses.
A deductible is the amount of a covered claim that is your responsibility. And a policy limit (or “limit of liability”) is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered claim.
Some renters opt for a higher deductible in favor of a lower premium. But if the unexpected happens, you need to make sure the amount you choose as a deductible is one you can afford to pay out of pocket.
An insurance representative can help you balance your individual needs.
Damage or theft of personal belongings can be covered under personal property coverage of a renters policy. This coverage helps protect items like electronics, sporting equipment and furniture up to your policy limit. It also covers your personal items when they are outside of your rental, like if your computer got stolen from your car or hotel room.
Cash, collectibles, jewelry, furs and silverware may only have limited protection and may require a valuable items endorsement or a separate policy.
Source: https://www.travelers.com/renters-insurance/faqs