Most renters do not get renters insurance under the false assumption the landlord is responsible for damages. Your landlord covers structural and building damage but does not pay for your damaged or stolen personal property. Only 37 percent of renters have renters insurance despite the growing number of renters in the U.S. according to Policygenius.com.
“Renters insurance is affordable,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance. The Insurance Information Institute reports the average cost for a renters insurance policy in Florida is $18 a month, or $188 annually.
A standard renters insurance policy covers personal property stolen or damaged by vandalism, fire, smoke, lightning and wind (tornadoes). Damage caused by hurricanes is not as straightforward. While most renters insurance policies cover wind damage, hurricanes are excluded from standard coverage. You may be required to purchase additional hurricane insurance. Hurricanes also cause water damage. If the water is failing from the sky during a hurricane it will most likely be covered. However, if the water damage is caused by flooding due to a hurricane, it will be excluded from the standard renters insurance policy.
“Flood insurance is available to renters, but must be purchased separately from your renters insurance,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.
Policies generally start at $20,000-$30,000 worth of coverage. The more coverage you require, the more it will cost. While this may seem like more than enough to cover your belongings, renters insurance also covers personal liability. If a visitor falls and injures themselves at your home, renters insurance may help cover the cost of their medical bills. If you are renting a home with a pool, you might want to consider getting a little more than standard coverage. You may also consider more coverage if you own a dog. If your dog bites someone, your renters insurance could help cover the costs.
Renters insurance covers you beyond your four walls. While you are away, if something is stolen from your rental car or hotel room, you may be reimbursed for your loss.
Renters insurance does not cover your roommates. Renters insurance only covers personal property of the policyholder or a resident relative. If your landlord requires renters to get insurance coverage as terms of your lease, all parties need to have an individual policy.
It is important to carefully read and understand any renters insurance policy before purchasing it so you know exactly what is and is not covered.
The agents at GreatFlorida Insurance can answer your questions regarding renters insurance. They can craft a renters insurance policy to suit your individual needs so you get the coverage you need and are not paying for unnecessary coverage. Contact us today.
