Do’s and Don’ts of Renters Insurance
Apartments and home rentals are a great option for residents not ready to make the leap toward home ownership, but taking the appropriate steps to protect their belongings is just as important for renters as signing their lease. Thats why Columbus, Ohio-based Grange Insurance stresses the importance of renters insurance and why every renting tenant should be covered by an insurance policy.
Although many landlords require renters insurance coverage from their tenants, there are some that make it optional, says John Ammendola, president of personal lines for Grange. “Because of the high percentage of burglaries and the risk of damage due to other tenants actions, having renters insurance is a great safety net for tenants.
Renters insurance typically covers furniture, appliances, televisions and clothing ” all of which are identified as a persons personal property inside the rental unit. If the items inside the unit are damaged due to fire, smoke or water damage, theyre covered under the renters insurance policy. Tenants should also consider policies that provide coverage for vandalism, malicious mischief and falling objects.
Since tenants have no control over their neighbors actions, it is very important that their policy protects against the unexpected, including objects falling from patios above and any type of vandalism, Ammendola said.
While looking for renters insurance, tenants should also confirm coverage includes personal liability. A crucial part of renters insurance, personal liability provides coverage for compensatory damages if a tenant is legally liable for another persons bodily injury or property damage as a result of an accident.
Accidents can happen when we least expect them, Ammendola said. Medical bills from bodily injuries can be expensive, but with proper renters insurance, a tenant’s finances are covered.
Grange Insurance offers comprehensive coverage under its renters insurance policy to protect the items most important to tenants. Established in 1935, the company and its affiliates serve policyholders in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. For more information, visit http://www.grangeinsurance.com.
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