With so many homeowners either being forced out of their homes or postponing their decision to purchase a first home during the past few years, more than the usual number are finding themselves renting. In the process, many seem to have overlooked the importance of purchasing renters insurance. According to a recent Insurance Information Institute poll, 96 percent of homeowners have homeowners insurance, but only 31 percent of renters have renters insurance. Perhaps renters without proper coverage mistakenly believe that their landlords’ insurance will protect them from loss. However, unless the owner’s negligence caused the loss, an owner’s insurance policy only provides coverage for the building and any property belonging to the owner. For everything else, renters need renters insurance.
NOTE: Renters insurance covers damage, theft, or loss of personal property, as well as personal liability coverage and damage to the apartment caused by a covered loss.