While the financial burden of replacing your belongings may not be as severe as replacing your home, there are still many reasons to have renters insurance. If the contents of your home are destroyed, your policy can pay for your hotel and food expenses while you are without a place to stay. Renters insurance helps cover the cost of these expenses, up to a limit that you have set. It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency fund for these costs.
A landlord’s insurance company will also offer coverage if you rent a property. Purchasing renter’s insurance from your landlord can be a smart move. Many landlords order tenants to purchase coverage through their policy. If you have a large amount of personal belongings, it can shift the burden of replacement to your landlord. If your landlord doesn’t offer coverage, ask if you can purchase it yourself. A standard renters insurance policy includes liability coverage. This coverage protects you from being sued by a guest. Liability coverage also pays for any legal expenses and court judgments.
Renters insurance is particularly important if you rent a home. While the landlord’s insurance policy may cover your property, it does not cover your personal belongings. It may also protect your other tenants’ belongings, ensuring that they are replaced without difficulty. The cost of replacing your belongings is far greater than the cost of renters insurance. This type of insurance protects your finances as well as your personal belongings.
Before buying renter’s insurance, check what items are in your home. Take the time to calculate the value of your possessions and compare it to the cost of replacing them. Then, calculate your budget and purchase renters insurance accordingly. Most insurance companies offer discounts if you install a security system, smoke detectors, and deadbolt locks in your home. And if you have valuable possessions, buy extra coverage.
Although renters insurance may not cover the contents of your home, it does cover liability and medical costs for others injured in your rental property. For example, if someone accidentally damages your car while traveling, your renters insurance policy may cover the contents of the car or the contents of your luggage. If you have a pet, your insurance policy may also cover the cost of their cage and liability. And what about spoiled food? It may also cover the cost of replacement and medical expenses for your groceries. Another benefit to renter’s insurance is that it does not include a deductible for lost food.
If you rent your home, your landlord or property manager will require that you purchase renters insurance. The requirement will likely be listed in your lease, along with the amount of coverage you need. In California, the minimum requirements for renters insurance are personal liability coverage of $100,000 and medical payments to others of $1,000. These are just a few of the reasons why you need renters insurance. The next time you’re looking for an apartment, remember to buy renters insurance.
