Rental Insurance

An individual who rents a home or apartment should purchase renter's insurance. A landlord's policy covers the structure and not a renter's personal belongings. Before purchasing a policy, a renter should understand the purpose, items covered and cost.

 

Purpose

• Renter's insurance pays to replace a renter's possessions when they are damaged due to specific weather incidents, fire, theft or vandalism. The policy also provides liability coverage if an individual is injured in a policyholder's rental home. If a policyholder's rental unit is uninhabitable, the policy will help pay the costs to live elsewhere.

Cost

• The National Association of Insurance Commissioners states the average policy costs a renter between $15 and $30 a month. Some insurance companies offer discounts to a policyholder who has smoke detectors, a burglar alarm, deadbolt or sprinkler system in the rental home.