{"id":3564,"date":"2018-04-04T10:29:42","date_gmt":"2018-04-04T17:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=3564"},"modified":"2018-04-04T10:28:39","modified_gmt":"2018-04-04T17:28:39","slug":"10-reasons-why-your-tenants-need-renters-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/10-reasons-why-your-tenants-need-renters-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Reasons Why Your Tenants Need Renters Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Most landlords and property managers know just how vital a renters insurance can be for your tenants. The small cost to protect valuables and cover cases of damage to property in instances of tenant negligence.<\/p>\n

Even so, a surprising number of renters fail to hold a renters insurance policy to protect themselves and their personal property. \u00a0Despite the relatively low cost, more than 50 percent of renters do not have renters insurance<\/a>, according to a 2015 survey.<\/p>\n

A renters insurance policy offers coverage for the theft, loss or destruction of personal belongings in the event of a fire, storm or other covered peril. It can also cover the cost of replacing items that were stolen or damaged due to tenant negligence. \u00a0Renters insurance can help your tenants replace the item used on a day-to-day basis, from clothing to appliances to furniture.<\/p>\n

According to a survey conducted by Insurance Quotes<\/a>, 52% of millennial renters do not think they need insurance because they assume their landlord\u2019s insurance will cover the cost of stolen or damaged property and belongings. \u00a0What these renters fail to understand, is that a landlord\u2019s policy typically only covers<\/a> the structure and property owned by the landlord and not the tenant.<\/p>\n

Another reason renters forgo insurance is due to thinking it costs more than it does. \u00a045% of survey respondents claimed they did not have renters insurance because it was too expensive. \u00a0\u00a0And 29 percent of renters aged 18-29 assumed that renters insurance costs more than $1,000 a year. \u00a0In reality, with policies available between $10-$15<\/a>, renters can expect to pay less than $200 a year.<\/p>\n

Not only will renters insurance help cover the cost of replacing your tenants\u2019 stolen or damaged personal possessions, it can also cover the cost of damage caused to the property by negligence. \u00a0Ultimately, it is in a landlord\u2019s best interest to encourage tenants to get renters insurance so the homeowner isn\u2019t left with a bill due a tenant being unable to cover the cost of damaged property or court fees.<\/p>\n

To help encourage your tenants to get renters insurance, here are 10 scenarios to share with your tenants where an affordable insurance plan could help them\u00a0save a significant amount of money and stress.<\/p>\n

Renters Insurance will help you …<\/h3>\n
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  1. If there\u2019s a break-in:<\/strong> If someone breaks into your rented\u00a0home while you are away and takes all your electronics, or if someone walks off with your jewelry during a party, your renter\u2019s insurance will help you replace the stolen items.<\/li>\n
  2. If there\u2019s a fire:<\/strong> If faulty wiring sparks a fire, or your neighbor leaves the stove on, your landlord\u2019s insurance will only cover damages to the structure of the building, not your belongings inside. \u00a0Fire and smoke damage can be devastating, imagine having to replace everything you own out of pocket. \u00a0Renter\u2019s insurance will help cover the replacement costs of your belongings.<\/li>\n
  3. If you have a dog:<\/strong> Liability coverage in your renters insurance policy will assist with paying for any medical treatment someone requires if your dog bites someone, even if the dog bite happens outside of your home.<\/li>\n
  4. If a pipe bursts<\/b>: Freezing temperatures or old plumbing can make\u00a0pipes to burst or leak, causing\u00a0water damage to your belongings. \u00a0Renters who store anything in a basement need to be extra careful about water damage as well. \u00a0It’s important to note that while most renter’s policies will cover you for water damage caused by broken pipes and overflow, they do not cover you for flood damage. Flood and earthquake coverage must be purchased separately.<\/li>\n
  5. If you get sued<\/b>: If a guest hurts themselves while in your home, you run the risk of them suing you to cover the cost of medical bills and more. \u00a0Renters insurance provides\u00a0liability coverage and even pays for court fees up to the limit of your coverage.<\/li>\n
  6. If you don\u2019t have a choice: Some landlords will require you to have renters insurance as part of the rental agreement. In order to get approved for your dream rental property, having a renters insurance policy in place could help you secure the lease.<\/li>\n
  7. If your home gets vandalized<\/b>: If a rock is thrown through a window and lands\u00a0on your TV screen, renters insurance will replace the window and your TV. \u00a0 Or if a disgruntled ex-lover takes a sledgehammer to your things, your renters insurance can help replace your damaged items.<\/li>\n
  8. If you forget to blow out a candle:<\/strong> A fire caused by negligence can not only damage your belongings but the property you rent and the belongings and property of any neighbors. \u00a0Your renters insurance will help you out to replace your things and protect you if you get sued by your neighbors or the property owner. \u00a0In most cases, it is not a matter if the landlord will sue a negligent tenant for any loss or damage to the property, but the owner\u2019s insurance company will sue the tenant.<\/li>\n
  9. If your car gets broken into:<\/strong> Renters insurance protects your property even outside of the home. \u00a0If your laptop gets stolen from your car, it is not the auto insurance that will replace your goods but renters insurance, if you have it.<\/li>\n
  10. If your home becomes unlivable:<\/strong> If a natural disaster, flood or fire results in you needing to vacate the home until it is restored to a safe and livable condition, renters insurance can help pay for the cost of living expenses if you need to stay in a hotel of a while.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    An important aspect of renters insurance<\/a> is deciding whether to purchase replacement value or actual cost value coverage. Finding renters insurance is a simple task; some policies offer a discount if bundled with other insurance plans, like your tenant’s auto insurance.<\/p>\n

    Moreover, it is legal for property managers to require renters insurance for tenants<\/a> as a condition of the lease. One of the easiest ways to track compliance is to utilize your property management software, which gives your tenants the easiest option to sign up for renters insurance and notifies you of compliance.\u00a0
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    Learn more about renters insurance options through Rentec Direct here.<\/a><\/p>\n

    Encouraging your tenants to get their own insurance plan will help them save money and stress when a disaster strikes or an accident occurs and helps protect you as a property owner or manager if you get caught in the middle of an insurance claim or liability battle.<\/p>\n

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