Why in the World Should I Have Renters Insurance?

Jeff Ryan - CLU, ChFC, AIA, CIC, CPCU
May 02, 2024

According to a recent survey, only 37% of renters have renters' insurance, leaving the majority at risk of financial loss. With the low cost to transfer your risks of loss, there's never been a better time to consider tenant insurance.

Imagine this scenario: You come home from work or a weekend getaway, only to find your apartment or rented house in disarray. Maybe it's a break-in, vandalism, another tenant started a fire, or worse—a natural disaster has struck. Your belongings are damaged or gone, and you're left wondering how to recover from such a loss.


Renters' insurance follows these unforeseen scenarios and provides the finances to replace what was lost. Whether you reside in a cozy studio or a spacious four-bedroom residence, if you don't own the property outright, renters' insurance is your safety net. 


Let's delve deeper into why renters' insurance is essential and how it can benefit you.

Many renters mistakenly believe that their landlord's insurance will cover them in case of an incident. However, this is far from the truth. Your landlord's insurance typically only covers structural repairs, leaving your personal items unprotected. With renters' insurance, you gain comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.


Here are some of the many losses that are covered when you have a renter's policy:

  • Theft: From home burglaries to thefts during travels, renters' insurance can cover the cost of replacing stolen items.
  • Vandalism: If your belongings are damaged by vandalism, such as graffiti or deliberate damage, your insurance can pay for repairs or replacements.
  • Disasters: Renters' insurance covers fires, lightning strikes, electrical surges, snowstorms, and certain types of water damage. However, these unforeseen events can wreak havoc on your finances without adequate protection.
  • Liability: Should someone get injured on your rented property, your insurance can cover medical expenses and potential legal costs.
  • Living Expenses: If your dwelling becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, renters' insurance can provide temporary living costs while repairs are underway.


So why don’t the majority of renters have tenant insurance? Some of the objections we hear include:


1. "I don't have anything valuable to insure."

  • Even seemingly small items add up quickly. Just think about the cost of replacing your kitchenware, furniture, electronics, and other essentials in your home.

2. "It won't happen to me." 

  • No one plans for disasters or accidents, but they strike unexpectedly. Renters' insurance protects you against the unpredictable, preparing you for the worst.


Lastly, consider practical ways to save on renters' insurance, such as bundling policies. Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to save money on your Auto Policy just by putting a tenant policy in place! This simple strategy and significantly reduce the cost of this valuable coverage.

In conclusion, renters' insurance isn't a small thing; it's your shield against life's uncertainties. Don't wait until the unforeseen happens to you—make the investment in renters' insurance today for a secure and worry-free tomorrow.



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“Ask Jeff" is a weekly post made on the RyanAgency.com Blog. 

Submit an insurance-related question to “Ask Jeff”. 

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This article may have been originally published at Quora.com.

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