Shopping around for renters insurance? Congratulations: you are taking a smart step toward protecting yourself and your belongings. In this quick guide, we share four things you need to know before signing on the dotted line.
Why Should I Get Renters Insurance?
Some people believe that their landlord’s insurance policy covers their apartment and belongings.
This is a common misconception.
The truth is that your landlord’s policy covers only the building itself and some common areas. You need a separate policy for your apartment and your stuff. That’s why renters insurance is so important.
What Protections Do I Get When I Purchase Renters Insurance?
Your typical renters insurance policy includes three basic types of protection:
- Coverage for your personal possessions. This includes items like clothes, furniture, jewelry, electronics, and appliances. Note that some limits may apply. If you have items that are particularly valuable (like jewelry, for example) you can protect them with an add-on called “floater.”
- Liability protection. This component of your policy helps cover the legal costs if you face a lawsuit over bodily injury or property damage caused by you, a member of your family, or even your pets.
- Additional living expenses (ALE). Pays the cost of living elsewhere if the place you rent is rendered uninhabitable by an incident listed in your policy.
How Can I Save on Renters Insurance?
As with other types of insurance, savvy consumers can take steps to save on renters insurance. For example:
- Ask for multi-policy discounts
- Install smoke detectors and deadbolt locks
- Have a security system
- Have good credit
What Is (And Isn’t) Covered by Renters Insurance?
Most renters insurance policies cover the following incidents (or “risks,” as they are known in the insurance industry):
- Fire
- Smoke
- Lightning
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Explosion
- Windstorm
- Some types of water damage
While this is a solid coverage, you have to keep in mind that renters insurance does NOT cover other common risks, such as floods or earthquakes. However, you can buy separate policies to get protection against these events.
Need Affordable Renters Insurance in Houston, Texas? Contact BZ Bee!
Whether you need insurance for your car, your home, or your business, the experts at BZ Bee insurance are here to help you find the policy that makes sense for you.
We are located in Houston, Texas, and serve clients all over the Lone Star state. To get a free quote, just contact us by email (ayalamariaeugenia@yahoo.com) or telephone (832-729-8114), or fill out the contact form on this website.