If you rent, you may not think you need renters insurance. Maybe you don’t feel you own anything of much value, or you may believe that your property management company or landlord will cover any damages. But what about things like clothes, toiletries and food? These smaller items can add up.

The truth is, renters insurance is important; you never know when unexpected expenses will occur that could have been covered by insurance. If you’re cooking out with friends at your apartment and someone leans on the grill and gets burned, you’re covered. If disagreement over football gets a little more heated than expected and someone ends up in the hospital, you’re covered. These are just a couple of the numerous scenarios for which you can be held responsible. If you have renters insurance, you’re protected.

What many don’t realize is that renters insurance is inexpensive. In most cases, you can add renter’s coverage to your existing car insurance policy for a nominal monthly cost. Some companies even give discounts when you have multiple policies. When you look at the big picture, it’s just financially smarter to have insurance protection. It will also save you the headache of having to pay to replace all that you lost if a disaster occurs.

We know from experience that it’s always better to be prepared. In fact, we can’t stress enough the importance of being ready for an emergency. In our industries, we often encounter situations where people don’t have the proper insurance; without coverage, it ends up costing them a lot of money, time and stress.

Ask your insurance agent about the different types of policies they offer. Your agent can advise you as to what plan would be most beneficial to you and what amount will properly cover you and your belongings. Floods and earthquakes are not covered under renters insurance, so if you live in an area prone to these events, be sure to ask your agent about getting the right coverage for these as well.

Nobody can foresee unexpected events that have expensive consequences. But you can be protected. Be prepared with a renter’s insurance policy that will take care of you when you need it.

– Lacy Dickerson, Certified Restoration
– Cameron Stevens, Farmers Insurance

Lacy’s focus at Certified Restoration is building client relationships, social media and marketing. Lacy holds a bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment management and business administration from University of South Carolina.

Cameron studied and played rugby at the University of Utah. He traded a life of snowboarding for surfing, and moved to San Diego two years ago to start an insurance agency with Farmers Insurance.

References
http://www.insurance.ca.gov/