Why do some people not get renters insurance?
Why do so few renters have insurance? One explanation is that many people incorrectly assume they are covered by their landlord's policy. Another reason is that people underestimate the value of their belongings.
Some Renters Feel Their Property is Insured by the Landlord
Your landlord may have property insurance to protect the building structure and common areas, but this insurance offers no protection for your furniture and other belongings inside your rented property.
For this reason, it's vital to have renters insurance. An insurance policy can go a long way toward helping rebuild after tragedy strikes. Not only do renters insurance policies cover the cost of lost or damaged items, loss of use coverage can cover additional living expenses you incur as a result of the incident.
55 percent of U.S. renters, or 61 million people, currently have renter's insurance policies. This number could rise to more than 65 million within the next year. 75 percent of insured renters are required by their landlords to obtain renter's coverage.
Renters insurance coverage is almost always worth it. It is much more affordable than other policies, including home or auto insurance, and provides valuable financial protection. Even if you can save enough money to cover unexpected loss, renters insurance may be worthwhile.
You probably own more than you think
“[One] reason why people avoid renter's insurance is the thought, 'I don't have anything valuable worth protecting,'” Wissner-Levy said.
Without a renters policy in place, damage or injury from a gathering gone wrong could be your responsibility. Renters insurance can help protect a landlord against tenant negligence. Tenant negligence can take many forms, ranging from a kitchen fire while cooking to water damage from an overflowing tub.
What does renters insurance cover? Renters insurance covers personal property, personal liability, medical payments and additional living expenses or loss of use, up to the limits of your policy. Learn more about what renters insurance covers and the types of renters insurance coverages.
Does each roommate need renters insurance? Many insurance companies will require roommates to have their own separate renters insurance policy rather than allowing roommates to be on a policy together. If your landlord doesn't mandate renters insurance, you and your roommates aren't required to carry a policy.
Your landlord shouldn't be listed on your renters insurance policy as an additional insured. Having an additional insured on your renters insurance means that you would be paying to cover them and their personal property too.
What is the most common amount for renters insurance?
Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive. According to NerdWallet, the average renters policy costs about $15 per month for up to $30,000 in personal property coverage. That's solid coverage for less than the cost of a few cups of coffee a week.
55 percent of U.S. renters, or 61 million people, currently have renter's insurance policies. It's often not their choice, as 75% of covered renters are covered because of a requirement by their landlord.
Umbrella insurance provides coverage beyond the limits of your other insurance policies, or for claims that may not be covered by liability policies. Umbrella insurance generally provides liability coverage for: Injuries. Damage to property. Certain lawsuits.
Insurance is all about risk, so customers that live in areas with higher risks of claims usually have to pay more for coverage. Some location-based factors that impact renters insurance rates can include: The rate of crimes, especially theft, in your ZIP code.
The average cost of renters insurance is about $15 to $20 per month1. However, what you end up paying depends on a number of factors.
- Create an inventory of your possessions. ...
- Consider your lifestyle and assets. ...
- Consider how much it would cost to have to move out temporarily. ...
- Decide whether you need additional coverage.
Renters insurance does not cover the dwelling structure like homeowners insurance does, which contributes to the lower premium. However, the cost of your renters insurance policy will vary, depending largely on the amount of coverage you buy.
Costs of homeowners insurance vs. renters insurance. In general, you can expect your renters insurance quote to be less than for homeowners insurance. That's because homeowners insurance includes the building structure itself, which isn't the case for renters insurance policies.
One of the the key factors that affects your renters insurance costs is the amount of personal property, or contents, coverage you choose. This is the amount of money you'd receive if all your belongings were stolen, destroyed in a fire or lost due to any other covered peril, up to the limit you set.
Accidental or intentional damage, whether it's caused by humans or pets, is not considered a covered loss or event. As a result, your insurance carrier won't pay to repair or replace the damaged item. For example, if a fire damages your laptop, your renters insurance policy will pay to replace it.
Does renters insurance cover dog bites?
Yes, renters insurance typically covers dog bites unless your dog is on the restricted breeds list or has bitten someone in the past. Renters insurance is a good idea for most dog owners because it covers dog bites and other damage your pet might cause others.
Standard renters insurance policies typically won't offer coverage for bed bug infestations or any resulting damage.
Typically, your renter's policy will not cover your hotel due to your air conditioner being out. A broken AC is not considered the loss of use of the dwelling (home) — they typically only pay for other accommodations when the entire dwelling is uninhabitable.
Renters insurance has three basic coverage components: personal possessions, liability, and additional living expenses.
Unless you're moving to relocate while your rental home is repaired due to a peril covered by your renters insurance policy, the cost of your move is not covered either. Licensed moving companies usually offer coverage for damage while they have your stuff. Third-party moving insurance is also available.
