How To Buy Renters Insurance

  • September 24, 2009
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It isn’t only homeowners who need to protect their belongings from fire, theft, or other damage. Renters can, and should, get insurance as well.

You Will Need

  • A rented apartment or house
  • Belongings you want to protect
How To Buy Renters Insurance: Evaluate your belongings

Step 1: Evaluate your belongings

Estimate the value of your belongings. This will help determine the level of insurance to purchase.

How To Buy Renters Insurance: Itemize everything if possible

Step 2: Itemize everything if possible

If possible, itemize everything, noting value and purchase date. This will make filing a claim much easier.

How To Buy Renters Insurance: Cash or replacement value

Step 3: Cash or replacement value

There are two types of insurance coverage available, cash or replacement value. Cash coverage takes into account the age of your belongings, while replacement value covers the actual cost of replacing items.

When selecting coverage, consider an item’s value to you, as well as the ease of replacing it.

How To Buy Renters Insurance: Look at specific policies

Step 4: Look at specific policies

Your car or health insurance may also offer renters insurance, but be sure to shop around. Your current company may offer discounts, but they aren’t the only game in town.

How To Buy Renters Insurance: Consider any extra floaters you may need

Step 5: Consider any extra floaters you may need

Consider buying a floater, which provides extra coverage. Many policies limit the payout value for items in a particular category, such as jewelry or electronics.

How To Buy Renters Insurance: Ask for discounts

Step 6: Ask for discounts

Check for discounts. If your apartment has a security system, that may qualify you for a discount, as could smoke detectors or high-quality door locks.

How To Buy Renters Insurance: Read your policy and understand it

Step 7: Read your policy and understand it

Just because you have a policy doesn’t mean everything you own is covered in any situation. Does your policy include flood or tornado damage? Be sure to find out.

How To Buy Renters Insurance: Don't be afraid to ask questions

Step 8: Don't be afraid to ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you know, the better decision you can make.

Renters insurance can cost as little as $12 per month.

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Comments (2)

HeatherM

Great work with the chart in Step 3. It really kept things clear and concise! Nice job!

over 2 years ago by HeatherM

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chrisrugh17

I agree what you've said about this awesome video. Anyway, anyone can help me find rentals in Seattle? please contact me or contact me at www.house-in-seattle.com. Thanks.

7 months ago by chrisrugh17

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