What you need to know about renters insurance

Only 37 percent of renters had renters insurance, according to a 2014 Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) poll.1

If everything you own in your apartment or rental home was destroyed or stolen, would you have the funds to replace what you need to get your life back in order? Take a look around and imagine how much it would cost to replace everything you have — your computer, TV, DVD player, iPod, digital cameras, jewelry, bike, etc. Could you afford to do that? Not many people can, and if you cannot, you may want to consider renters insurance.

Your landlord’s coverage

Most landlords have insurance to cover damage to their building but typically it doesn’t cover your personal property. It won’t pay to replace your belongings and won’t cover your relocation costs should you need to move out while repairs are made.

Cover your property

If your personal belongings are stolen, damaged, or destroyed as a result of a covered loss, renters insurance can help replace them. Start by taking a home inventory to determine an approximate value of your personal property, and help figure out what coverage limits to choose. You can estimate, or use receipts if you have them. To help you create your inventory, the I.I.I. provides free, online software at KnowYourStuff.org.

Cover your assets

What if someone is injured in your home? What if your dog bites someone? The liability coverage that is typically a part of standard renters insurance can help protect you if you are sued by a guest injured in your home and you are found liable. For example, someone comes to your home and falls down your stairs, injuring themselves seriously enough to warrant medical attention. If you are found responsible for the accident, your renters insurance liability coverage can help pay for your legal expenses and their medical bills and other damages. Liability coverage can even pay for damages caused accidentally by you or your family members. For example, if your child accidentally throws a baseball through your neighbor’s living room window, your liability insurance plan could cover the damages.

Make sure you’re covered

Let’s work together so you can determine the amount of coverage you want to purchase. Learn all you can about insurance because the more you know the better you can prepare for the unexpected. Call me today.