Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Renter's Insurance Is Essential

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By Shannon Towsent


If you own your own home, you will be required to have an insurance policy that covers your home and your possessions. But renters don't usually face the same requirement. When you are renting a house or apartment, getting a renter's insurance policy is an excellent idea though. Renters don't often think they should have insurance.

Renters Insurance Basics

A renter's insurance is a type of insurance that protects the renter, as well as their property. You'll need to select a coverage amount and a deductible amount. You should be comfortable with the deductible. A higher deductible will have a lower premium.

Don't be surprised that your landlord's insurance policy doesn't cover you. However, it's extremely important for renters to be protected financially in the event of major unexpected damages or losses. It is not expensive to get tenant's insurance. It is a modest amount to protect all the possessions in your rented home, not to mention the liability in case someone is injured in your home.

Many renters choose not to take out tenant's insurance because they underestimate the value of their personal belongings. To estimate what your belongings are worth, conduct a home inventory. List everything you own, including clothing and furniture, and estimate the total replacement cost.

You'll Have Liability Coverage

Although the property is not owned by you, protecting visitors or guests is your responsibility. If they fall, or are injured by an animal, they may decide to sue you for the damages. A good renter's policy can help cover the costs of a successful lawsuit.

Renters might be surprised to learn that they are legally responsible for the harm they cause to anyone living in or visiting the building, or to the building itself. Generally, tenant's insurance policies vary depending on the insurance company, but liability and contents are usually the two types of coverage included. You are protected by liability coverage in the event that you or your guests damage the building, or if someone sues for damages after being injured in your home. You will be able to replace or repair your belongings if they are lost or damaged if you have contents coverage.

Clearly, the positives of renter's insurance make it essential for anyone renting an apartment or home. It can cost between $125 and $200 a year for a basic tenant's insurance package for an apartment in a building. Adding coverage for items of higher value, or using the space for business purposes will increase the risk. However, when you consider what it would cost to replace everything, buying insurance coverage is a smart investment that won't break the bank.




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