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Who Needs Renters Insurance?

Image: Man in apartment on laptop next to his dog and boxes everywhere.

The short answer to that question is if you rent, YOU need renters insurance. Why? Here are a couple scenarios where you’ll be glad you have it. (The first couple are pretty obvious, so you might have already thought of them.)

  • Scenario 1: Your apartment was robbed while you were on vacation and they took some items that are expensive to replace.
  • Scenario 2: There was a fire and you lost everything. Now you have to replace it all—clothes, furniture, electronics, dishes, cleaning supplies, groceries, toiletries—even all your underwear!

And now for some reasons you may not have thought about:

  • Scenario 3: A friend was visiting and your dog bit your friend’s child. Now they are asking you to help pay for the medical bills.
  • Scenario 4: When your apartment building burned down from the fire we mentioned before, you had to find another place to live—FAST! (Like…that night.) Renters insurance can help pay for those additional living expenses temporarily.
  • Scenario 5: You left your iron on—and plugged in—when you went to work, and your cat knocked it over, starting a fire that burned down your entire apartment complex. Now you have to replace your things and everyone else’s in the building.

Surprised renters insurance can help in these scenarios? We thought you might be. What may surprise you even more is that your landlord’s insurance won’t help you with any of the above scenarios. (Some landlords may require that you get it though.) Although your landlord should have insurance that covers the building you live in, this insurance likely does not protect you or your personal items. And when you think about how much it would cost to replace EVERYTHING you own…it can really add up! Don’t believe us? Let our Personal Property Calculator do the math and show you.

The good news is renters insurance is typically very inexpensive. Of course, the more coverage you want, the more your premiums will go up. Fortunately, there are discounts that may apply. Check with a local Shelter agent for more information on those and to get a renters insurance policy.

The product information contained on this website is informational only and not a statement of contract. All coverage options are subject to the provisions of the policy purchased and details of the policyholder's situation.